Why so many glute exercises?

Aside from the fact that everyone would prefer to have a toned derriere, glutes help you with pretty much every movement that you want to do. Powerful glutes ensure that we can get up from a chair, climb those stairs on vacation or sit on the floor and get up again. Glute and hip strength is also an evidence informed strategy for relieving and preventing a number of different musculoskeletal pain conditions including hip, back and knee pain.

Single Leg Glute Bridge

The Single Leg Glute Bridge is a great way to warm up the lower body. It builds strength in the glutes and hamstrings. Try pulling your heels toward your butt as you rise. You will get a great deal more glute activation.

Sets: Three

Reps: 10-20

Lat Pull Down with Band

I love the funcitonal component of doing this exercise on the knees as well as requiring loads of stability in the extended arm. Try to keep that extended arm shoulder blade firm against your back ribs. Imagine that the pulling arm elbow is moving toward the hip crest. If kneeling is a no go for you right now, feel free to do this exercise sitting on a firm surface or standing up.

Sets: Three

Reps: 8-12