Gluteal Amnesia and How To Awaken Your Glute Muscles

What is Gluteal Amnesia?

Gluteal amnesia or “dead butt syndrome” is when your body forgets how to activate the gluteal muscles properly. With the development of science, technology and automation, the average adult is sedentary for appx 60% of the time they are awake, due to the overwhelming majority of adults working a desk job that requires almost no physical activity. One can’t assume that the percentage of adults who stand are effectively engaging their gluteal muscles either. Because of our lifestyle choices, our muscles are not working as much as they should be. Gluteal activity is detrimental to the whole body because the glutes are the strongest and largest muscle in the body.

Why Does Gluteal Amnesia Occur?

Besides the obvious of not engaging them, excessive sitting also lengthens the gluteal muscles and tightens the hip flexors which leads to decreased pelvic stability and overall gluteal weakness. Beyond excessive sitting, gluteal amnesia can also occur because of a dominant quadriceps group, poor core strength, improper body mechanics, poor posture such as an anterior pelvic tilt or from a previous injury which may currently be asymptomatic but was never fully rehabbed.

Why is it Important to Reactivate Your Glutes?

Since your glutes are the largest muscle in the body they are important for almost every movement. They keep your pelvis stable, propel us forward and keep your whole lower body aligned, therefore weak glutes completely throw off our entire kinetic chain of movement. Weak glutes contribute to back pain, knee pain, hip pain, strains, achilles tendinitis, postural issues such as sway back and a number of other problems. Examples of individuals at a higher risk for injury are those that sit the majority of the day, such as students, who then might go to the gym for a workout, an evening jog, or a ballet class. Reactivating and strengthening your glutes can help prevent these injuries, decelerate joint arthritis, as well as boost athletic performance since they are essential for nearly every activity. Because the glutes control deceleration, acceleration, explosive movements and change in direction, strengthening them will improve every aspect of life and sport.