When we run, the glutes hold our pelvis level and steady, extend our hip, propel us forward, and keep our legs, pelvis, and torso aligned. So when our glutes are faulty, our entire kinetic chain gets disrupted. Studies link glute weakness to achillies tendinitis, shinsplins, runner’s knee, and iliotibial-band syndrome.
Part of the problem is that glutes aren’t as active as other running muscles during routine activities, which can make your hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves disproportionately stronger.
Another issue is that most strength-training routines don’t effectively work the glutes without specific technique checking and application. If an exercise requires several muscles to perform the movement, the majority of the work will be done by the strongest of those muscles. Also, tight muscles, specifically the hip flexors, can inhibit the glutes and prevent their muscle fibers from firing.
There is plenty of work we can do in the gym to strengthen glutes and address imbalances you may have.