Why Your Hips Pop When You Squat (And What to Do About It)

If your hips pop when you squat, you’re not alone-especially if you’re over 40 and just getting back into a fitness routine. This common issue can be caused by tight hip flexors, weak glutes, or muscle imbalances. While it’s usually not dangerous, that snapping or popping sound can be uncomfortable and even discourage you from doing an exercise that’s essential for weight loss and full-body strength.

In the video below, we walk you through simple exercises and mobility drills that can help reduce or eliminate that hip popping. These moves target the muscles that support your hips and pelvis, which can become tight or weak-especially if you sit for long hours at a desk or in the car.

For adults over 40, it’s critical to move well to lose weight and move better. When joints aren’t moving correctly, your body compensates in other areas, which can lead to pain or injury. That’s why fixing movement quality is just as important as burning calories.

Improving how your body moves-especially during fundamental exercises like squats-can lead to better workouts, fewer injuries, and faster progress. Plus, strong hips and glutes help support your spine and knees, which is essential for staying active and pain-free as you age.

If you’re focused on weight loss over 40, don’t skip this kind of mobility work. The better your body moves, the more consistent you can be with your workouts-and that’s what drives real results.

Try these exercises 3-4 times per week, and see how your squats feel in just a few weeks. Your hips (and your future self) will thank you!

Author

Michelle Densmore

Michelle Densmore, CPT, LCSW is the founder and co-owner of Lucky13Fitness, a personal training and fitness coaching company located in Burlington, on the north shore of Boston, Massachusetts. Michelle uses her education and expertise in both the physical and mental health fields to help her clients reach their goals through behavior change. Michelle believes that "Training the Brain" is the key to change in any aspect of life, especially in the gym. Michelle trains and supports her clients’ brains as well as their bodies via (en)Vision coaching, personal training, and virtual coaching. Michelle is also a featured fitness writer for Runner's World, Zelle, Wicked Local newspapers, and has been featured on BostInno and The Story Exchange. When she’s not training clients, running Bootcamp or teaching a Tabata class, Michelle can be found training herself for a road race or triathlon. She loves to run, lift heavy things, travel, and spend time with her family and animals.

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