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Gluteus maximus

The gluteal muscles are the three muscles that make up the buttocks: the gluteus maximus muscle, gluteus medius muscle and gluteus minimus muscle.

[edit] The gluteal muscles

The gluteus maximus is the uppermost of the three muscles. It is the largest of the gluteal muscles and one of the strongest muscles in the human body. It inserts at the iliotibial band and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur. Its action is to extend and outwardly rotate hip, and extend the trunk.

Strength training exercises which are known to significantly strengthen the gluteus maximus include the squat^[1] and the deadlift. The leg press also uses the gluteus maximus.

Muscles of the gluteal and posterior femoral regions. Gluteus minimus and the origins and insertions of medius and maximus labeled

[edit] Problems associated with the gluteal muscles

Sitting for long periods can lead to the gluteal muscles atrophying through constant pressure and disuse. This may be associated with (although not necessarily the cause of) lower back pain, difficulty with some movements that naturally require the gluteal muscles, such as rising from the seated position, and climbing stairs. Some attribute severe menstrual cycles including mood swings and irritability to gluteal muscle atrophy, however, there are a vast array of known contributors to dysmenorrhoea, and currently clinical evidence of such a causative association is lacking.

The bulk of the gluteal muscle mass contributes only partially to shape of the buttocks. The other major contributing factor is that of the panniculus adiposus of the buttocks, which is very well developed in this area, and gives the buttock its characteristic rounded shape. Although the gluteal muscle bulk and tone can be improved with massage and exercise, it is the disposition of the overlying panniculus adiposus which may be responsible for the "sagging butt" phenomenon.

[edit] Treatment

Studies have shown that exercise and massage are effective at reversing and protecting against atrophy of these muscles. Poisoning by eating Lathyrus sativus Indian Pea or khesari dhal will lead to emaciation of Buttock muscles (Neurolathyrism).

[edit] Exercise and stretching

Any exercise that works and/or stretches the buttocks is suitable, for example lunges, climbing stairs, fencing, bicycling, squats, arabesque, aerobics, and various specific exercises for the bottom.

Powerlifting exercises which are known to significantly strengthen the gluteal muscles include the squat, deadlift, leg press, feet in squats (chin on chest & stick glutes out) and good mornings (bend over with a bar on the shoulders with a light amount of weight).

[edit] See also

Gluteal crease

[edit] External links

• 8b. The Muscles and Fasciæ of the Thigh Bartleby.com, Henry Gray, Anatomy of the Human Body, 1918.
• Glutes Stretch

[edit] References

McMinn, RMH (Ed) (1994) Last's Anatomy: Regional and applied (9th Ed). London: Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 0-443-04662-X