Teaching moment: Pilates exercises for Gluteus Medius: side kicks & side planks

The gluteus medius is a critical component of the body's core (or centre). When the gluteus medius is weak, the same side knee collapses across the body's midline and the opposite hip sags - all of which makes for a soggy, as opposed to high bounce running action and a crumpled posture.

Physiotherapists list the following problems that can be remedied by strengthening the gluteus medius (and other core muscles, including the abdominals, lower and mid back muscles):

Gluteal tendinopathy/greater trochanteric Bursitis
Patellofemoral pain
IT band friction
Achilles tendinopathy
Shin splints (or medial tibial stress syndrome)
Various forms of lower back pain

Pilates exercises for gluteus medius: sidekicks and side planks can be modified for individual needs, and when we tweak them to improve posture and dynamic stability at the same time, they quickly improve your standing, walking, running, and even your sitting!