Abs, abs, abs. If I hear "strengthen your abs" one more time... So, let's back up, check out the back end, and see how your rear axle works. After all, you have over 600 muscles in your body; they must be good for something. And, strong developed gluts might get you the date you've been wanting. All joking aside, weak gluteal muscles can cause a whole host of problems.
Here's why:Glut muscles are powerful hip extensors and external rotators. Weakness in the gluts causes the hips to roll in, and the knees to follow, resulting in a knocked kneed walking or running style. Shin splints, anterior knee pain, lower back or SI joint pain can all result from weak hips. Even if you manage to have decent form, your hamstrings could be doing all the work, and destabilizing your pelvis and lower back in the process. Some Causes of Glut Weakness:- Tight hip flexors
- History of low back pain
- Sitting more than an hour
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Test Your Butt Strength
If you have cramping in your hamstrings or feel the posterior thigh muscles tighten more than your butt muscles, your gluteal are either weak, or somehow not turning on when you need them. Here are a few exercises to get your gluts stronger. If they continue to be overridden by the hamstrings, even after you've done your homework, make an appt - it might be more complicated than it seems on the surface.
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