Stronger Glutes for a Slimmer Waist!

Can a stronger butt really help you lose weight? Absolutely! The glutes are somewhat of a forgotten muscle in the body. The buzz word in the fitness industry right now is “core” training. How do I get my “core” strong and ripped and have six-pack abs for the beach? How do I get my “core” stronger to help with my back pain? How do I get my “core” stronger to help me lift more weight? Don’t get me wrong, “core” strength is very important; however, glute strength is just as, if not more important. While there are many benefits associated with an improvement in glute strength, three of which I have mentioned above, I am going to discuss how a better butt can help you lose weight.

While there are many factors involved in the high rate of obesity in the United States, too much sitting and not enough moving is a major one. It is a deadly (literally in many cases) combination. The human body needs to move to function properly and sitting dramatically compromises this. Similarly, the glute muscles need to be active and moving to work properly. Every time you sit, your brain says: “I don’t need those butt muscles anymore so let’s switch them off.” Now think about how much of your life has involved sitting. According to a recent poll conducted by the Institute for Medicine and Public Health, the average American spends 56 hours per week sitting. That’s over 2 days of doing nothing but sitting! It is also 2 days that your butt is asleep!

If you are struggling to lose weight, your sleeping butt could be the reason. Performing activities of daily living such as walking up stairs or standing up from a seated position with compromised glute function can lead to injury. How? Alternative muscles have to compensate and do more work than they were designed to do. As a result, you will be unable to be physically active and will be adding to that 56 hours per week sitting as well as adding inches to your waistline. In addition, strong glute muscles are necessary to perform lower body exercises such as lunges, squats and dead-lifts. Weakness can lead to injury, halt progression in your exercise program and put the brakes on weight loss.If you are reading this, you are likely at your computer, sitting and your butt is asleep! So firstly, STAND UP and release your butt from Morpheus’ grip!