Why a Strong Butt Is More Important Than Just Looking Good
Fitness fanatics and casual gym-goers alike seem to be striving for the perfect butt. While having a strong butt can be aesthetically pleasing, the physical benefits are so much more important.
Unsurprisingly, all of the muscles in your body work together. It is for this reason you cannot spot reduce fat or strengthen just one muscle at a time. The three areas that work together a lot are the butt, lower back, and core. So moves like the reverse lunge with a twist and single-leg glute bridge not only work your butt, but your abs too. When you strengthen those areas, you are actively protecting your back.
Just because you are stuck at home, does not mean your butt needs to merge with the sofa.
Here are three other reasons having a strong butt is so important:
Hip health
Having a strong butt means your entire hip system is working well. Your psoas muscle (from your ribcage down your thigh), hip flexors (front side of the hip), and hip extensors (backside of your hip) all work together to keep you doing everything from walking to jumping.
Functional strength
Virtually every workout recruits your glutes, whether you are intentionally exercising or are just dragging yourself up your apartment stairs. A strong butt not only helps you make it through your workouts, but also provides you with the ability to successfully go through your day-to-day activities.
Working knees
Strong glutes also mean strong, working knees as butt workouts also reinforce the quads and VMO muscle and ACL, which surround and support the knee.
So, you can train your glutes for aesthetics, but know (and be happy that) you are getting so much more than a butt that just looks good in a swimsuit or fills out your skinny jeans.