Targeting Your Glutes

Great Ways On How To Target Your Glutes

By James Shapiro, Personal Trainer

There are tons of different approaches during workouts to target glutes whether your goal is endurance, hypertrophy, strength, or a mixture of the three. Now the gluteus maximus is the biggest muscle that we have in our body and the glutes as a system, are featured in a lot of other movement patterns, activation sequences, and athletic movements. Now main movements like squats or deadlifts do engage the glutes, but we want movements that are focused purely on hip hinging or leg abduction. On top of that, research is pushing towards the approach that working in a wide range of repetitions throughout your workout is the best approach to fitness. Two of the top exercises that target the glutes require minimal or no equipment.

The first movement is a leg abduction movement and requires a mini-loop band or a hip circle.

Start by laying down on your back and have your knees bent with feet on the floor. With band or hip circle above the knees, start by pushing your knees out and back into a caved-in position (you can slightly roll on the edges of your feet when you push the knees out). Perform 30 quick repetitions. No breaks here! Right away support your body by laying on your forearms (slightly dipped position) and perform another 30 repetitions. Now with arms extended and palms on the floor, perform another 30 abductions. Taking the body through different hip flexion angles pushes the body to work harder to finish the 90 repetition burnout.

The second movement is the donkey kick:

 an old-fashion hip extension movement that can have a loop band added in if you\’re looking for that kind of progression. Kwon & Lee (2015) looked at EMG studies on how different knee angles influence the hip extensor in a prone position. They found the greatest gluteus maximus EMG with bent legs compared to straight legs. This means that staying in a quadruped positions (hands and knees on ground and straight with their relative joint) and donkey kicking with a bent knee works the glute extremely well.

Remember, the glutes require special attention and isolation work even when it\’s not beach season anymore. 

 
Ready to target your glutes?  Contact James today!

 

Be A Little Better Everyday

Establishing positive daily habits is a powerful way to create long-lasting changes and improve your overall well-being. By incorporating these nine simple habits into your routine, you can positively impact your physical health, mental clarity, and personal growth. Let’s dive into these habits and explore the benefits they bring to your life.

One Hour of Exercise

Engaging in at least one hour of exercise daily helps boost your energy levels, promotes weight management, and strengthens your cardiovascular system. Regular exercise also releases endorphins, improving your mood and reducing stress. If you aren’t sure how to get started, hire a personal trainer.

Two Liters of Water

Staying properly hydrated by consuming two liters of water per day promotes healthy digestion, enhances cognitive function, and supports overall cellular health. Water also aids in flushing out toxins from your body and helps maintain healthy skin.

Three Cups of Tea

Drinking three cups of tea, such as green, herbal, or black tea, provides a host of benefits, including antioxidant protection, improved digestion, and enhanced immune function. Tea can also help relax the mind and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Four Colors on Your Plate

Including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your meals ensures a broad range of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The vibrant colors indicate the presence of beneficial phytochemicals, which help reduce inflammation, support a strong immune system, and promote optimal health.

Five Minutes of Meditation

Taking just five minutes each day to practice meditation can improve focus, reduce anxiety and stress, and promote emotional well-being. It allows you to cultivate mindfulness, gain mental clarity, and develop a sense of inner peace.

Six Songs that Motivate You

Listening to six motivational songs each day can uplift your mood, boost motivation, and provide a positive outlook. Music has the power to inspire, evoke emotions, and drive you towards achieving your goals.

Seven Minutes of Laughter

Laughter is indeed the best medicine. Devote seven minutes to engaging in activities that bring joy and laughter, whether it’s watching a funny video, spending time with loved ones, or reading jokes. Laughter reduces stress, enhances immune function, and improves overall well-being.

Eight Hours of Sleep

Getting a restful eight hours of sleep every night is crucial for your physical and mental health. Quality sleep supports brain function, promotes optimal hormone regulation, and aids in the body’s repair and recovery processes.

Read Nine Pages of a Book

Dedicating time to read nine pages of a book each day enhances knowledge, expands creativity, and improves cognitive abilities. Reading provides mental stimulation, reduces stress, and offers a valuable opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection. Incorporating these nine daily habits into your routine can lead to transformative changes in your life. From physical fitness and hydration to mental well-being and personal growth, each habit contributes to your overall health and happiness. Remember, change happens gradually, so start by incorporating one or two habits at a time and gradually build upon them. Embrace these habits as a lifestyle, and you’ll witness the positive impact they have on your well-being. Start today and embark on a journey towards a happier, healthier you.

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