Fire Up, Then Shape Up Your Glutes! Part 3
Submitted by My Fitness Hut Blog
In this part of the series, I will detail the functions of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. First, understand that every muscle must load in all three planes of motion before they can unload with maximal force. The glutes are no different in this regard. First, the gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the body (Wow!). The primary function of the gluteus maximus is to extend the hip (moving the thigh to the rear). The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus abducts the leg (move away from the centerline of the body). The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus lies directly underneath the gluteus maximus. The abductors main function is to abduct or separate your legs away from the midline of the body. This occurs during any athletic movement requiring you to move from side to side such as playing the infield in baseball, defense in basketball and football, and ice skating.
