By Michelle Keyser
Round and perky glutes may be good for the aesthetic look of it, but the truth is that strong, activated glutes help us propel ourselves forward in everyday movements.
We have 3 gluteal muscles and they each have a primary function and movement which they engage in. These muscles are:
- Gluteal Minimus
- Gluteal Medius
- Gluteal Maximus
The main action of the glute minimus + gluteal medius is to abduct the hip. In other words, to bring your leg away from the midline of your body. They help stabilize the hip, for example, when trying to balance on one leg. The gluteus maximus acts to extend and outwardly rotate the leg, giving much needed power to a soccer players kick!