What Does "Wake Up Your Glutes" Actually Mean? Dr. Gaby Go, DPT Explains Glute Activation

You have probably encountered claims that your “glutes aren’t firing” or that you have “sleepy glutes,” and that lazy glutes are hurting your running. This approach misses a lot of nuance: if you can stand, your glutes work; but weak glutes can impact running injury risk and running economy. We are joined by Dr. Gaby Go, DPT and run coach, who explains the nuances of glute activation and why strong glutes matter for runners.

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In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How the glutes and agonzing/antagonizing muscles work in your running stride

✅ What does “glute activation” actually mean?

✅ If squeezing your glutes while you run helps or harms

✅ Signs and symptoms of underactive or weak glutes

✅ Whether sitting all day harms your running or not

✅ When to use bodyweight/banded glute exercises and when to progress them

✅ How to know if you are doing too much strength training

✅ Do you need to change your running form for optimal glute activation?

Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.

Connect with our guest:

Dr Gaby Go on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.gabygo/

Work with Dr. Gaby Go at https://gorunstronger.com/

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