Dear SSI,
if you search for 'hip strengthening exercises' on the web then you will find lots of helpful stuff that suits most folks. after your op then the physiotherapists will get you going pretty soon after. it almost feels too much too soon but its worth every step,grunt and yelp !
i had my new hip done 6 weeks ago today, i exercised pre op and am doing hydrotherapy at the moment which is fantastic. i cant quite get my sock on the operated side just yet but im close. im a 40 yr old male.
best of luck with your op,its worth it !

it's 8 mos after my hip replacement and i put my sox on abt 2 mos ago.. it was the most frustrating part of the whole thing...

Dear PBA,
how old are you ?

my hip was replaced when i was 58.. had osteoarthritis.
why did you need a replacement?

Avascular necrosis, i had a bit of an "off" whilst racing around the track on my motorbike. (apx 120 MPH).
i was also a binge drinker (not an alcoholic). and the combination of these pushed mother nature a bit too far.
I still like a drink but not to the same level as before, and these days i just watch the bike racing.
Guess that was my warning.

it's so nice to see that i'm not alone out there...i'm 31 yrs old and had a left total hip replacement exactly 6 weeks ago...the speed of the recovery was shocking...i'm walking w/ only 1 crutch now and by next week hopefully i'll be walking without, even though i'm not completely balanced due to week thigh muscles.
my knee hurts a little when i do my muscle exercises, but they said it was normal. also my leg is still sore at the incision and hematomas around the incision...but a part of that i feel great. i can't wait to work out. i would really recommend anyone w/ a hip replacement to stay away from jogging and high impact exercise such as step aerobics...my doctor told my if i really want to jog than to make sure not to run on a hard surface such as asphalt or stone, but rather do it on the professional tracks, which are sort of cushioned...
so i decided i wont jog but power walk instead, which is by the way very effective in losing weight and toning the muscles...you can add some dumbles to work the upper body while power walking... i can't wait guys!
i hope for at least 20-25 yrs before i need my secong hip replacement...
good luck to all og you out there...

i think you're wise to keep away from jogging. can't think of anything more harmful than the constant pounding of your new (or old for that matter) hip.
why not use the cross trainer instead ?

I stumbled on to this forum while looking for good exercises to do once I get my right hip replaced. Your stories and postings are all so inspirational! I am a 34 yr old mom and RN. I just got home from doctor visit where my hip was xrayed and shown to have bone on bone cartilage loss. I've been weepy and feeling sorry for myself thinking I would have to give up the hiking, backpacking and playing with my three boys that makes my life so complete. I see now that I will hopefully be able to do all these things...without the excrutiating pain that limits me now. Thank you all for sharing your stories! I am so encouraged!

I am a 45 year old male that just had my left hip replaced in September. My right was done 4 years ago. It is now 7 weeks since my surgery. I gave up using a cane three weeks ago and have been walking unassisted since. I can put on my own socks and tie my own shoes. I started going back to the gym 2 weeks ago and have been using the machines (for stability and taking proper percautions) and I have started swimming and riding a bike. I have no pain, just some slight muscle soreness after the workouts. I have been going to the Physical Therapist religiously and doing what he has shown me at home and in the gym. I started out with basic exercises, graduated to leg lifting machines and have now moved on to balance and agility. I feel great and will continue to get stronger and more active. If an old over weight bald man like me can do it, you can too!

Difficulties are things that show a person what they are. Epictetus

I am a 64 year old male who crashed while bicycle touring in Cuba in May of 2007. That lead to two total hip replacement operations, the last three months ago. I am able to bicycle ten miles three to four times a week and am training for a three day 185 mile bicycle tour of the Canadian Rockies next May which I have completed several times previously. I am riding a one speed crusier bicycle right now but am worried about going back to my road bike which will create a less than 90 degree bend between my thigh and body which I have been warned to avoid. Has anyone experience riding a road bike after hip replacement surgery?

I am now 52 yr old female. Had THR 11 yrs ago. I am very active and always searching out ways to enjoy activities that will not impact my hip. I have done Pilates as my main source of exercise and it has been very helpful. I find with the hip however you need to use the Reformer machine and not matt classes that are more readily available. Pilates Reformers are expensive and learning the skill can cost a small fortune. The reformaer machine seems to aid me in the lifting of the leg, whereas on the floor without the springs of the machine I have no support.
The wonderful thing is that you are able to workout evenly and the reformer really doesn't allow your body to tilt to your stronger side.
My question to you all is do any of you experience a pain while just sitting at the 90 degree angle too long or being in a situation that is stressing that area? I have never really been able to beat the pain in that area.
I also wonder how many of you do spinning as your exercise? I think that may be a good way to stay cardiovascular fit as Pilates does not aid in any aerobic type workout. Look forward to your replies.