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Glute Activation Protocol

fitness · easy · 5 minutes before workouts or daily

What is Glute Activation Protocol?

Most people have 'dead butt syndrome' from sitting all day — glutes that barely fire during exercise. This 5-minute activation sequence wakes them up before workouts, reducing knee pain, back pain, and dramatically improving squat and deadlift strength.

Is there evidence for it?

EVIDENCEstrong

How do you do Glute Activation Protocol?

  1. 1.Glute Bridge (1 min): lie on back, feet flat, squeeze glutes and lift hips. Hold 3 seconds at top, squeeze HARD, lower slowly. 15 reps. Focus on feeling your glutes, not your hamstrings
  2. 2.Clamshell (1 min each side): lie on side, knees bent 90 degrees, heels together. Open top knee like a clamshell while keeping hips stacked. 15 reps each side. Use a mini band above knees for extra resistance
  3. 3.Fire Hydrant (1 min): hands and knees, lift one knee out to the side keeping it bent 90 degrees. 15 reps each side. Keep core tight and don't let hips shift
  4. 4.Banded Walk (1 min): place mini band above knees, get in half-squat position, take 10 steps left then 10 steps right. Stay low and push knees out against the band
  5. 5.Do this BEFORE every lower body workout and ideally every morning. After 2 weeks, you'll feel your glutes actually working during squats, lunges, and deadlifts for the first time

How long does it take?

5 minutes before workouts or daily.

Is it hard to start?

easy.

Source: Bret Contreras (Glute Lab), physical therapy activation protocols, gluteal amnesia research
fitness · health · recovery · performance
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