November 14, 2018
By: Russell Graham, Fitness Center Director

By far, the largest and strongest group of muscles in your body are your gluteal muscles. Along with the hamstrings, they work together to extend, rotate and abduct the hip. They contribute to the stabilization of the pelvis during walking, running and climbing. Strong glutes and hamstrings can help improve posture and enhance athletic performance, as well as alleviate lower back, hip and knee pain.

Improved Mobility
Without your glutes, you can’t control your hips, which would severely limit your motion. Exercising the glutes along with the quads and hamstrings is an important way to stay fit and maintain mobility as we age.

When people get older, they often have difficulty getting off the floor or out of chairs. Those actions require strong glute muscles. If you’re able to maintain gluteal and leg strength, it can enhance your daily activities, greatly improve your mobility and help to prevent falls.

Avoid Injury
Weak or tight glutes can be a factor in developing lower back and knee pain. Strengthening your glutes will not only make your legs stronger, it will improve your posture and help you avoid injuries to your back and knees.

Improved Athletic Performance
The gluteus maximus is capable of generating enormous amounts of power. This power can be translated into sports, specifically affecting your speed, acceleration, vertical distance and endurance.

To train your glutes, try some squats, lunges and leg lifts. These exercises will strengthen your muscles and also help tone and firm them. Don’t forget to stretch and foam roll after your workout!

For more information, please see one of our fitness center trainers – they are happy to help you start training your biggest muscle!