Gluteus medius stretch
Located at the back aspect of the hip joint, it is the most superficial of the gluteal muscles. Not only is the gluteus maximus the largest and heaviest muscle in the body, accounting for 16% of the total cross-sectional area, but due to its size, it can generate a large amount of force. Each glute muscle plays an integral role in hip movement however, their functions vary. They are also crucial for running and weight lifting moves, such as deadlifts, squats, and side leg raises.
The gluteus maximus, medius, minimus, and piriformis make up the glute group and provide movement and stabilization at the hip joint, enabling you to perform essential daily activities.
GLUTEUS MEDIUS STRETCH HOW TO
Using these glutes stretches throughout the day will also counter the effects of sitting for long durations (thanks, desk job). Not only do tight glutes, hip flexors, and lower back muscles make it hard to complete your deadlift and squat reps, but that tightness and pain will also occur in everyday movements, like taking the stairs or even standing up from a seated position.Īdding glute stretches to your leg day routines ensures they are warm before exercising and optimally lengthened after your weight lifting session. The glute family is prone to becoming tight and underactive, which quickly wreaks havoc on nearby muscle groups, including the hip flexors and lower back. However, after putting them to work in the gym, making time for glute stretches is just as important.
Every gym-goer knows that no strength training routine is complete without glute-targeting exercises, as this powerhouse muscle group is crucial to almost all major lower-body movements.