Muscle and Function: The Gluteus Medius Muscle
One of the most used, but least known muscles in the body is the gluteus medius. Partially covered by the Gluteus Maximus, the Gluteus Medius originates along the iliac crest and inserts into the greater trochanter.
The Gluteus Medius has two main functions in the body. One is to abduct the hip with the help of the Gluteus Minimus. The other function is to stabilize the hip. Hip Abduction occurs in the frontal plane and is defined as moving the limb away from the midline of the body. Almost every sport has some form of lateral movement so it is vitally important for all athletes to strengthen their hip abductor muscles.
This muscle also performs the vital function of stabilizing the hips. Specifically, when standing on one leg (or in mid-stride), a strong Gluteus Medius prevents the opposite hip from dropping. This obviously has implications for anyone who stands around on one leg or anyone who walks. Anyone who presents a dropped opposite hip while walking is said to have a positive Trendelenberg Gait.
Weak Gluteus Medius muscles are also thought to cause Iliotibial Band Syndrome and patellofemoral disorders (common in runners). While there are many strengthening modalities, a hip abduction machine is the most effective and efficient way to strengthen the Gluteus Medius. As always, it is best to work with a qualified Personal Trainer to learn the best and most effective ways to increase strength in the total body.
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About the author
Dwayne Wimmer founded Vertex Fitness Personal Training Studio in 2001, excited to bring a new concept about personal training to the people of Philadelphia’s Main Line in Pennsylvania. Driven by knowledge and results both, while a strength coach at Villanova University, he worked closely with world class athletes such as Brian Westbrook, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, on strength training and conditioning for optimal performance. Dwayne’s client base extends much further than world class athletes. Along with athletes, he works with adolescents to seniors, and he’s a highly acclaimed and sought out personal trainer who has received numerous awards, such as Best of the Main Line Personal Training Studio and Best Main Line Personal Trainer. A graduate of Missouri Western State University, Dwayne has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, with an emphasis in Coaching. Aside from personal training, he’s spent time as a physical education teacher, strength and conditioning coach, and a football coach, but has found his passion and home in the fitness industry, inspiring and reaching out to others. As a strong believer in continuing to learn, Dwayne has also taken classes at East Stroudsburg University toward a Masters Degree in Sports Management. He can add author to his list of accomplishments, having created a chapter in the upcoming book The Soul of Success with Jack Canfield, renowned for the Chicken Soup series. To get to the point where he is now, Dwayne has always been thankful for the support of his father, a man who always believed in his mission and saw the need for what it was that Dwayne envisioned. During his free time, Dwayne is an avid motorcyclist who enjoys viewing the amazing landscapes and finding good restaurants to enjoy that are off the beaten path. He also takes advantage of opportunities to travel and experience many other cities while attending fitness seminars and giving presentations about the industry he is so passionate about. As a way to give back to the community that has been a part of his entire life, Dwayne has created Vertex Fitness PUMPED (People United Making Progress through Education and Donations), which provides support to area non-profits through a community-wide outreach effort. At this time, they help three non-profits per year in the Philadelphia area. For more information from Dwayne, you may contact him at (610) 525-6604, dwayne@vertexfit.com
Very much enjoyed the article from the stand point of its explanation of the importance of the gluteus minimus and its function in sports and the common ailments one can suffer if weak in that area. My name is Eddie Hernandez and like yourself I am a personal trainer with a B.S in physical education from Montclair state college in New Jersey and I’m the full time strength/Conditioning coach for St.John Vianney high school in Holmdel NJ and also special teams coordinator for the football team. I also have a have a passion for learning as much as I can in this field so I can differentiate myself from the everyday trainer.
Hello Eddie,
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Dwayne Wimmer’Owner
Vertex Fitness Personal Training Studio