Tips from Your Yoga PT: Glutes in Yoga | YogaSource Palo Alto

In a previous edition, we explored the transverse abdominis and its role in deep core stability. This month, we’re focusing on another key group of muscles that directly supports your low back, pelvis, and overall movement patterns—the gluteals.

The gluteal muscles include the gluteus maximus (the primary “butt” muscle), as well as deeper stabilizers like the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, piriformis, and other deep hip rotators. Together, they help stabilize the pelvis, control hip movement, and absorb force during everyday movement and yoga practice.

These muscles are especially important in yoga poses that involve balance, single-leg stability, and hip-driven transitions. When the glutes are not activating or coordinating well, the body often compensates elsewhere—commonly through the low back, hips, or surrounding joints. Over time, this can contribute to tension, discomfort, and inefficient movement patterns.

The good news is that the glutes are highly trainable. With awareness and intentional movement, you can improve both strength and coordination.

This week, try bringing attention to your glutes during your yoga practice. In poses like Chair Pose, Warrior III, Half Moon Pose, Bridge Pose, or when rising from a forward fold, notice whether you can feel engagement through the sides and back of your hips—without gripping your low back or over-tucking your pelvis.

In single-leg balance poses, observe whether your pelvis stays level or shifts side to side. This simple awareness builds the foundation for better stability, strength, and control over time.

Before we strengthen movement, we first have to connect with it.

Read the full article here:

https://yogasource.com/tips-from-your-yoga-pt-may-2026-edition/