š The Best Glute Exercises for Any Age (YesāAny Age)
Strong glutes arenāt about aesthetics alone. Theyāre foundational for posture, balance, joint health, metabolism, and longevity. Whether youāre 25 or 75, training your glutes properly pays dividends in everyday life. Below are my go-to glute exercises that are safe, scalable, and effective at any ageāwith options to regress or progress as needed. 1ļøā£ Glute Bridges Why they matter: - Activate dormant glutes - Support the lower back - Improve hip stability How to scale: - Beginner: Bodyweight, slow tempo - Advanced: Single-leg bridges or add a dumbbell/band š Coaching cue: Squeeze the glutes at the top like youāre holding a credit card. 2ļøā£ Sit-to-Stands (Box Squats) Why they matter: - Direct carryover to daily life - Strengthens glutes, quads, and core - Excellent for knee and hip health How to scale: - Higher chair = easier - Lower box or goblet squat = harder š Opinion: If you canāt control a sit-to-stand, adding load elsewhere is premature. 3ļøā£ Step-Ups Why they matter: - Build unilateral (single-leg) strength - Improve balance and coordination - Very joint-friendly when done correctly How to scale: - Low step, bodyweight - Higher step or added load š Coaching cue: Drive through the heel of the working legādonāt bounce off the back foot. 4ļøā£ Reverse Lunges Why they matter: - Easier on the knees than forward lunges - Emphasize glutes more than quads - Great for symmetry and control How to scale: - Hold onto support - Add dumbbells or slow the eccentric š Opinion: Reverse lunges are criminally underrated, especially for adults over 40. 5ļøā£ Hip Hinges (Deadlift Pattern) Why they matter: - Essential movement pattern - Protects the back when lifting in real life - Massive glute engagement How to scale: - Start with bodyweight or kettlebell - Progress to dumbbells or barbell š Coaching cue: Push the hips back like youāre closing a car door with your butt. š Final Thought