Try this standing hip strengthening exercise to help develop the muscles in the outer hips. These muscles help with balance, running, yoga and cross country skiing.

To do the standing hip strengthening exercise, you’ll need a resistance band tube, such as a Thera Band. Step into the tube and place it just above your knees on your thighs. Start by standing with your legs hip width apart with your hands on your hips. Raise your right leg out and off the ground, keeping it straight. Bring it out and up at a diagonal, stretching the band as you pull away from your standing leg. You may need to stand next to a wall or a chair if you need to steady yourself.

Keeping your legs straight, slowly raise and lower your right leg out and up and right and down ten to fifteen times. Switch sides and repeat. Continue to do 10-15 reps on either side until you begin to feel fatigued.