Gym & Training

Hip Thrust

The hip thrust is the premier glute isolation exercise, driving hip extension against load while the back rests on a bench. The glutes are the primary mover at the top of the range, while the hamstrings and quadriceps assist. The core braces to prevent pelvic tilt, and the adductors stabilize the knees.

Primary Muscles

gluteshamstrings

Supporting Muscles

quadricepsabdominalsadductorslower back

Primary Muscles

Hip

gemellus inferior

Small deep rotator in the hip, gemellus inferior laterally rotates and stabilizes the thigh. Works with piriformis in squats and pivots. Crucial for hip control in sports.

Hip

gemellus superior

Tiny hip muscle above ischial spine, gemellus superior laterally rotates femur. Assists in twisting sports and hip stability. Part of deep six rotators.

Hip

gluteus maximus

Largest hip muscle, gluteus maximus extends and externally rotates thigh for powerful hip thrust in squats, deadlifts, running. King of posterior chain.

Hip

gluteus medius

Side hip muscle for abduction and stabilization during single-leg stance in running, squats. Prevents Trendelenburg gait.

Hip

gluteus minimus

Deepest glute under medius, minimus abducts and internally rotates hip. Key stabilizer for balance in yoga, hiking.

Hip

piriformis

The piriformis is a deep hip rotator in the glutes, externally rotating the hip for balance in squats and deadlifts. Tightness often causes sciatica-like pain. Essential for hip mobility in athletes.

Hip

quadratus femoris

Deep hip external rotator between ischium/femur for leg stability in single-leg work. Prevents twisting injuries in sports.

Thigh

biceps femoris

The biceps femoris is the lateral hamstring on the back of the thigh, with long and short heads forming a thick band from hip to knee. It flexes the knee, extends the hip, and rotates the leg outward, vital for running, jumping, and deadlifts. Key for posterior chain power and injury prevention.

Thigh

gracilis

Long, thin medial thigh muscle adducting and flexing knee. Aids cutting movements in soccer, stabilizing in squats.

Lower Leg

popliteus

The popliteus is a small knee muscle behind the joint that 'unlocks' the knee from full extension for flexion. Crucial for downhill running and pivoting in sports. Prevents knee hyperextension.

Thigh

semimembranosus

The semimembranosus is a posterior thigh hamstring forming the teardrop at knee back, flexing knee and extending hip. Powers deadlifts, lunges, and deceleration in sports. Prevents ACL strains by stabilizing.

Thigh

semitendinosus

Semitendinosus is the slender medial hamstring with a long tendon, flexing knee and extending hip. Aids in medial knee stability for cutting sports. Complements semimembranosus for balanced posterior chain.

Supporting Muscles

Thigh

rectus femoris

The rectus femoris is the central quad muscle crossing both hip and knee, visible as the teardrop above your knee. It flexes the hip and extends the knee, powering sprints, jumps, and squats. Balanced development prevents knee pain in athletes.

Thigh

vastus intermedius

Deep central quad muscle under rectus femoris, extends knee powerfully. Core quad for squats and jumps.

Thigh

vastus lateralis

Largest quad on outer thigh, massive knee extender for lateral stability in lunges and sprints.

Thigh

vastus medialis

Teardrop inner quad (VMO) stabilizes patella, key for knee health in deep squats.

Abdomen

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is the dome-shaped breathing muscle separating chest from abdomen, contracting to inhale. Central tendon anchors it, essential for core bracing in lifts and endurance.

Pelvis

External anal sphincter

The external anal sphincter is a skeletal muscle ring around the anus that you can consciously control for bowel movements. It maintains continence during daily activities and is strengthened via Kegels for pelvic floor health. Important for athletes in high-impact sports to prevent incontinence.

Abdomen

external oblique

External obliques form the outer 'V' of your abs on each side, rotating and side-bending the torso while compressing the abdomen. They're powerhouse muscles for rotational power in sports like golf, boxing, and throws. Train them for a defined waist and core stability.

Hip

iliacus

The iliacus is the fan-shaped hip flexor filling your pelvis bowl, partnering with psoas to lift the thigh. Crucial for running, kicking, and rising from sits. Tight iliacus contributes to anterior pelvic tilt and lower back strain in fitness enthusiasts.

Abdomen

psoas major

The psoas major is a deep hip flexor from spine to thigh, lifting knees in running/squats. Core to posture and power; tightness causes low back pain.

Pelvis

pubococcygeus

Part of pelvic floor, the pubococcygeus supports bladder/bowel, aids continence and core stability. Crucial for intra-abdominal pressure in heavy lifts like squats.

Hip

adductor brevis

Short inner thigh muscle adducts the thigh and assists rotation, key for lateral stability in squats and sprints. Middle adductor, it prevents groin pulls in dynamic sports. Essential for balanced leg power.

Hip

adductor longus

Prominent inner thigh muscle adducts and flexes the hip, powering lateral lunges and cutting moves. Prone to strains but key for athletic power. Gym staple for groin strength.

Hip

adductor magnus

Largest inner thigh muscle, with adductor and hamstring-like parts, adducts and extends hip powerfully. Mimics hamstring in deadlifts. Crucial for posterior chain balance.

Hip

adductor minimus

Small deep inner thigh muscle above magnus, aids adduction and rotation. Stabilizes hip in single-leg work. Often overlooked but prevents imbalances.

Thigh

gracilis

Long, thin medial thigh muscle adducting and flexing knee. Aids cutting movements in soccer, stabilizing in squats.

Hip

obturator externus

Deep hip external rotator and adductor originating from the pelvis obturator foramen. Stabilizes hip in deep squats and lateral movements. Often overlooked but prevents groin strains in agility training.

Hip

pectineus

The pectineus is a flat muscle on the inner upper thigh that flexes and adducts the hip, helping drive knees up in running or squats. It's crucial for lower body power in athletes. Tightness contributes to groin strain prevention.

Thigh

sartorius

The sartorius is the longest muscle in the body, spiraling from hip to inner knee, forming a 'tailor's muscle' for crossing legs. It flexes, abducts, and rotates the hip plus flexes the knee, key for soccer kicks and agility drills. Balances quad-dominant training.

Pelvis

iliococcygeus

The iliococcygeus forms the back part of the pelvic floor, spanning from pelvis to tailbone, supporting organs and pelvic stability. Important for core integrity in heavy lifts and preventing incontinence. Weakness shows in squats or postpartum.

Lower Back

iliocostalis lumborum

Iliocostalis lumborum is the lumbar erector spinae muscle along the back, from iliac crest to lower ribs, maintaining upright posture and spinal extension. Critical for deadlifts, squats, and anti-rotation core work.

Upper Back

longissimus thoracis

The longest erector spinae muscle, running parallel to the spine from sacrum to mid-back, it extends the spine and maintains upright posture. Essential for deadlifts, squats, and spinal stability in powerlifting. Weakness leads to back rounding under load.

Lower Back

lumbar rotator

Lumbar rotators (multifidus and rotatores lumborum) are deep spinal muscles that rotate and stabilize individual lumbar vertebrae. They prevent twisting injuries during rotational lifts like Russian twists. Essential for core stability in CrossFit and golf swings.

Upper Back