01/30/2026
I talk about engaging the glutes a lot in my classes—but I want to zoom out for a second and share what the glutes actually entail…
Most people only think of the glute max, the big powerhouse muscle we associate with strength and aesthetics. Yes, it’s important—it helps with hip extension, standing up, stabilizing the pelvis, and protecting the low back. But it’s only one part of the picture.
The glute family is made up of three muscles, and each one has a very specific job:
✨ Gluteus Maximus – The largest and strongest. This muscle supports powerful movements like standing, lifting, climbing, and stabilizing the spine. When it’s doing its job, it helps take pressure off the low back and knees.
✨ Gluteus Medius – This is the unsung hero. It stabilizes the pelvis when you’re on one leg (walking, balancing, stepping, lunging). When this muscle is underactive, you’ll often feel it in the knees, hips, or low back.
✨ Gluteus Minimus – Small but mighty. It works with the glute med to support hip stability and control rotation, especially in single-leg work and transitions.
So when I cue “engage your glutes,” I’m not asking for a hard clench. I’m inviting intelligent activation—support, stability, and balance through the hips so the rest of the body can move with ease.
This is why yoga, when practiced with awareness, is so powerful. It’s not about gripping—it’s about coordination, strength, and longevity. When all three glute muscles are awake and working together, your practice feels more supported… and your body thanks you long after you leave the mat.
✨ Strong doesn’t mean tense.
✨ Engaged doesn’t mean clenched.
✨ Awareness changes everything.
If you want a slightly shorter or more casual Instagram version, I can tighten this up too 💛
