Gluteal Muscles

There are three types of gluteal muscles that form the structure of the buttocks in the body. These muscles are the gluteus minimus muscle, gluteus medius muscle and gluteus maximus muscle. There are two pairs of each of these muscles that are located at the left and right sides of the buttocks. Hence, these muscles are also known as buttock muscles. The glute muscles perform many functions like movement of the thighs and upper leg and also the extension of the hip.

An Overview of the Glute Muscle
The gluteus maximus muscle is the largest of all the three muscles in the human body. It is also the strongest muscle in the human body. This muscle also lies close to the epidermis and is thick and wide. The gluteus maximus muscle originates at the top of the pelvis and attaches itself to the upper part of the femur. This muscle is responsible for the shape of the buttocks. The gluteus maximus muscle is responsible for all the major functions of the thighs and pelvic area. The body arises from its sitting position with the help of the gluteus maximus muscles, by flexing the pelvis. It also assists in stretching the thighs and in the movement of the joints of the hip. The gluteus muscle maintains the balance of the body while walking or standing and also prevents the body from swaying to one side.

The next muscle is the gluteus medius, which is similar to the gluteus maximus muscle. Though this muscle is also thick, the surface area occupied in the body by this muscle is comparatively lesser than the gluteus maximus muscle. The muscle stretches till the greater trochanter, where the glute muscles attach themselves at the joining point of the neck and mid section of the femur. The gluteus medius muscle performs the important function of supporting the thigh while walking. The muscle also supports the balance and the weight of the body, since the thighs bear the entire weight of the body while walking. It also supports the pelvis and prevents it from leaning to one side. The movements of the thighs are also assisted, every time the hip is stretched.

The third and smallest of the gluteal muscles is the gluteus minimus muscle. This muscle is located in the mid pelvic region and similar to the gluteus medius, it extends till the greater trochanter. The functions of the gluteus minimus muscle is performed in compliance with the gluteus medius muscle. This muscle controls movements like bending of the hip, also known as hip flexion, and the rotation of the thigh.

Glute Muscles Stretches
Once in a while, vigorous physical activity can cause stress to the muscles leading to gluteal muscle pain. In order to soothe the stiffness and pain and to relieve the soreness of the lower back, certain exercises can be practiced. For stretching the glute muscles, workouts like lunges and squats can be followed. There are plenty of aerobic exercises for strengthening the buttocks muscles. Powerlifting exercises like leg press, feet in squats (where the individual has to lie flat on his back and place his chin on the chest and stretch the lower part of the body) and deadlifts also help in easing the strain. Some other exercises for firming the glute muscles are cycling, climbing the stairs and fencing.

The gluteal muscles support the lower part of the body and give posture to your body while sitting. It is essential to follow a proper exercise regimen to keep this muscles in good health.