Weak gluteal muscles are often to blame for low-body pains that affects millions of Americans, especially those who spend most of the day sitting. Do you suffer from an aching back after a few hours of watching tv or working on the computer. It could be due to weak gluteal muscles, low back tightness and poor core musculature. A lack of strength in this area forces other muscles to compensate and do jobs that they’re not designed to do alone, resulting in pain in unexpected parts of the body.
The big muscles in the buttocks do more than give it shape. They absorb shocks and control movements for walking and other activities. When the gluteal muscles are weak, other muscles and joint definitely take the hit.
Dormant butt syndrome strikes people who are generally sedentary…whether they’re sitting behind a desk, driving a car or watching their favorite sitcoms or sporting events. When you’re positioned on your derriere for hours on end, the gluten are not “firing” and there is more tightness in the hip flexor muscles, which can lead to hamstring injuries, back, hip or knee pain. Runners and other athletes who do repetitive motion can also get tight hip flexors.
Try and spend the majority of your waking hours standing, if possible. Since this isn’t always practical, at least make an effort to increase your amount of upright time…staying on your feet when watching TV, for example or standing (and pacing) when talking on your phone.
Proper exercise can reduce the weakness and tightness and improve your core musculature. Consider participating in an exercise class emphasizing lower extremity and core exercises.