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.Thank you to our sponsors:✨ Good Ranchers: American-grown meat, delivered frozen to your doorstep. Use code IRON for $40 off the first order, or$100 off across the first three orders when customers start a subscription. Plus free protein with every order (choice of burgers, bacon, or chicken breasts). Be sure to mention “Tread Lightly Podcast” for how you heard about the company! https://www.goodranchers.com/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/Let’s stay connected:➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/