How Powerful Is your Posterior?

Sorry! Size Doesn't Count!

Your glute muscles matter (and I am NOT talking about the current fad of sexualizing large backsides! 

(Who's old enough to remember Twiggy . . . ? Geez! I hate fads!!).

But glute muscles do matter in the context of body mechanics, balance, and strength. Here's the trio:

 

The gluteus maximus is the strongest and largest muscle in the body and is responsible for plenty of everyday movements (like rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and just balancing in an upright position). Athletes in every sport from running to hockey depend on this muscle for dependable, explosive action and good form during repetitive movements.

The gluteus medius is primarily responsible for outward rotation and abduction of the thigh.

The gluteus minimus is a secondary muscle assisting with many movements, such as helping steady the body when the opposite leg is lifted.

Because these muscles join into and/or cross over several bone and joint surfaces, weak or under-developed glutes can cause such seemingly unlikely aches and pains as low back pain and "runner's knee."

Image from Lean It Up

There are plenty of reasons, in addition to the desire for a youthful "pert" derriere, to keep the glute muscles strong and functioning maximally.To see if your glutes and hips could use some strengthening try this test called The Chair of Death!!

How'd you do?  Uh oh! Not so good, huh! Well, let's get to work! A lot more than your vanity depends on it!!

Check out this great site for a few more of my favorite exercises from Lean It Up to keep the glutes in tip-top shape!