Weak Glutes

Sure Squat's bands have been designed to criss-cross and travel on top of the gluteal muscular as they stretch to apply pressure potentially facilitate glute muscle activation during the squat movement. The Sure Squat design will also provide the individual with appropriate cues to maintain good body alignment and awareness during the descending and ascending phases of the squat. Maintaining good body alignment and assisting with squatting movements can protect the joints of the low back, hip and knee from excessive strain and stress related injuries.

The glute musculature is made up of 3 muscles: Gluteus maximus, Gluteus medius and Gluteus minimus. The larger of the 3 is the gluteus maximus muscle. The gluteus maximus muscle is attached to the outer portion of the pelvis and sacrum and inserts into the iliotibial band and gluteal tuberosity of the femur. This muscle is a powerful mover of the hip joint as it extends the hip, externally rotates the hip, and abducts (upper 1/3 of the muscle) and adducts (lower 2/3 of the muscle) the hip. The smaller but equally important muscles are the gluteus medius and the minimus muscles located underneath the gluteus maximus attaching to the outer surface of the pelvis and inserting onto the greater trochanter of the femur. These muscles play an important role in stabilizing the hip joint during weight bearing movements and abducting the hip joint.

Glute muscle weakness occurs when the buttock muscles are deconditioned and unable to provide sufficient power and strength required for daily movements and activities. The glute muscles are essential for hip stability and controlling the femur (thigh bone) during movements such as a squat. Glute muscle weakness can occur in many individuals that can result in chronic overuse injuries throughout the entire lower extremity including the hip and knee joint and may lead to overuse injuries in the low back.

Weak glutes may develop due to disuse and inactivity. Sedentary lifestyles caused by prolonged sitting positions and poor posture may result in "cross pelvic syndrome". This occurs when muscles adapt to imposed demands that are placed upon them on a daily basis. Cross pelvic syndrome is the result of tight hip flexor and hamstring muscles as well as weak abdominal and glute muscles.

The glute muscles play an important role in stabilizing the pelvis and controlling lower extremity movements through the muscle insertions on the femur. Controlling hip movement by adequate glute muscle activation and strength will help position the knee and low back in safe alignment throughout daily activities such as squatting and lifting from the floor. Glute muscle weakness may create a destabilizing effect within the pelvis leading to poor control and positioning of the hip and knee joint resulting in overcompensation from the low back and lower extremity joints increasing the likelihood of injury.