Understanding the Gluteal Muscles

Do your glute exercises!

It's a message we as runners hear consistently.

It certainly seems to be the consensus within the sports medicine community that the function of your gluteal muscles, and hip strength/stability in general, is a big factor in protecting our knees when we run. In fact, the consequences of having poorly functioning glutes can be wide-reaching across the body.

While we often talk about 'the glutes' in general, I am however often surprised how infrequently we discuss the differences between the different muscles that comprise the glute complex.

In the video above, I take a few minutes to explain the differences between gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus; their individual anatomy, functions and role in running gait.