Your Body’s Hidden Powerhouse: Your Glutes
Hello, Friend!
This month, we're diving into the often-overlooked powerhouse of our bodies - the glutes!
While they may not always steal the spotlight, these postural muscles are the unsung heroes keeping us upright and in motion. Whether you're tackling a hectic day or tearing up the dance floor, your glutes have got your back (literally).
But why all the hype about the tush? In the world of kinesiology, structure dictates function. A misaligned pelvis can deactivate your glute muscles, resulting in, “glute amnesia”.
By prioritizing strength through full-range motion, we aim to awaken those dormant muscles to enhance posture, ease back pain, and yes, even enhance the fit of those jeans.
Move of the Week: Lunge into Greatness
Forget about squats; lunges are the real deal for firing up those glutes. I believe in prioritizing lunges over squats, but with a mindful twist. Here's how to maximize every lunge:
1. Lean and Lunge: Lean forward as you descend, driving forward with your back leg. This action lengthens and activates the glute of your front leg.
2. Twist to Ignite: Incorporate a rotation from the front hip while leaning forward, engaging your core to intensify the glute activation.
3. Weighty Matters: Hold a weight in the opposite hand of your front leg. This uneven load challenges your glutes even more, propelling you toward greater strength.
No fancy equipment required, just your body, determination, and a weight or resistance band for that extra boost.
Resistance is Futile (Or Is It?): Elevating Your Glute Game
Let's chat about resistance bands - your glutes' new BFFs.
These bands aren't just about adding difficulty; they serve as tangible markers of your progress.
Gradually increasing resistance while maintaining consistent reps is akin to leveling up in the strength game.
Start with a three-pack or go all-in with a five-pack; either way, these bands will help you to measure your success.
Back Pain, Be Gone!
Our success stories this month are nothing short of inspiring. Lower back pain is a common grievance, but did you know that strengthening your glutes could hold the key to relief? I've witnessed it firsthand. Activating those glutes draws in the abdomen, elongates the back muscles, and presto - lower back pain begins to fade away.
As we bring this chapter of The Mindful Memo to a close, remember that wellness is a personal journey centered on discovering what resonates with you.
Whether it's fortifying your glutes, exploring new movements, or simply taking a moment to breathe, every step forward is a step toward a more mindful you.
Stay tuned, stay inspired, and above all, stay mindful.
In love & alignment,
Maddie
P.S. Don't forget to give those glutes a good stretch!
