How to tell if you have a glute imbalance?

Author: Mr. Geoffrey Dickinson  |  Last update: Thursday, December 4, 2025

Signs of glute imbalance may include tightness in the hip on the weaker side of the gluteus maximus, hamstring dominance on the weak glute side, variations in muscle activation during exercises, uneven muscle soreness after a workout, and one side of the glute appearing larger than the other.

How to check for glute imbalance?

See whether the movements are symmetrical, in particular, see if one hip rotates internally while the other remains more neutral? Also look at bilateral movements -- squats in particular. See if the hips shift to one side as the movement descends.

Are my glutes uneven?

Glute imbalances are common and part of normal human anatomy. No one has a perfectly symmetrical body in any area, including the glutes. In fact, it is normal to shift slightly to the more dominant side when squatting or have one side of your glutes that activates more or sits higher than the other side.

How long does it take to correct a glute imbalance?

For less-serious cases of glute imbalances, this process might take 4 weeks. For more serious glute imbalances, the process could take 3-6 months. It's impossible to tell. Just be consistent and diligent and you should be able to restore proper function.

How do you test for gluteal weakness?

Single-leg squat — Frontal and sagittal planes.

If you observe hip or pelvis drop, or if the knee moves inward (valgus), this indicates weakness of gluteus medius with or without overactive adductors.

Uneven Hips aka Lateral Pelvic Tilt | Fix the ROOT cause!

Does squeezing buttocks strengthen glutes?

Researchers found that those who performed gluteal squeezes increased their hip extension—or glute—strength by 16 percent compared to an 11 percent increase in those who performed glute bridges. Gluteal girth also increased in the group who performed gluteal squeezes.

How do you get rid of glute imbalance?

To fix glute imbalance, focus on strengthening the weaker glute with low-load dynamic drills, such as side lying abductions, clams, quadruped hip extensions and single leg glute bridges. Additionally, engage the glutes with exercises such as glute bridges, split squats and glute kickbacks.

How to activate your weaker glutes?

Weak glutes can be addressed through a variety of exercises, including squats, lunges, bridges, and hip abduction exercises. Strengthening these muscles can help improve posture, stability, and movement, and can help reduce the risk of lower back pain, knee pain, hip pain, and ankle pain.

Is muscle imbalance easy to fix?

Once properly assessed, muscle imbalances and postural dysfunctions are fairly easy to correct. Generally we focus on three main areas: Mobilising joints and releasing short, tight muscles and soft tissues. Strengthening the longer, weaker muscles to correct the body's alignment and movement control.

How do I know my glute shape?

Determining your butt shape starts with assessing its width. Measure the distance between the widest points of your hips. A wider hip measurement may indicate a pear or round butt shape. A narrower width often suggests a square or inverted shape.

How long does it take to see differences in glutes?

It can take a few weeks of soreness and recovery to begin to see the size gains as with any muscle group. The butt is no different! The adaptations of hypertrophy training can take 4 to 8 weeks to show measurable difference but keep working.

How common is glute imbalance?

🍰🎂 Glute imbalances are actually very common and part of normal human anatomy. No one has a perfectly symmetrical body in any area, including the glutes. The imbalances can present themselves as one side of your gluteus being bigger, stronger, and more dominant.

How do you test for muscle imbalance?

A common technique for detecting muscle imbalances is known as a Muscle Balance Assessment (MBA), which consists of a series of tests that evaluate the range of motion in your joints as well as the strength and flexibility of your muscles.

Does walking strengthen glutes?

“Speed walking and power walking absolutely help build glute strength,” says Matty. However, incline is a crucial factor if you want to have the greatest impact on glute recruitment. “Walking on an incline maximizes your glute activation,” he says.

How to wake up dead glutes?

Gluteal amnesia, or dead butt syndrome, can happen if you spend too much time sitting in a chair or do not engage the glute muscles enough. You can fix dead butt syndrome with exercises that activate and strengthen the glute muscles. Examples include lateral lunges, marching glute bridges, and side-lying leg lifts.

How do you activate weak glutes?

Some of the best exercises for glute activation include the following:
  1. Full Extension Step-Up.
  2. Resistance Band Kickbacks.
  3. Wall Single-Leg Glute Bridges.
  4. Hip Drop and Lift.
  5. Toe Stab Hip Raises.
  6. Toe Up Hip Raises.
  7. Toe Down Hip Swings.
  8. Toe Up Hip Swings.

Is walking good for a gluteal strain?

During the early stages of your recovery, your hip may not tolerate much walking. But as you recover, walking can become a helpful tool to build your gluteal tendons' tolerance to weight-bearing and prepare them for a return to running. Walking can help prepare your gluteal tendons for getting back to running.

How do you tone saggy glutes?

Exercises such as squats, lunges, or leg presses will help increase muscle strength in your glutes and keep them firm. A balanced diet rich in lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential fats is crucial for toning your body.

What are the symptoms of weak glutes?

Watch out for the following symptoms to determine if you have weakness in your gluteus medius:
  • Chronic muscle pain in the joints and groin area.
  • Internal rotation of the knees.
  • Abnormal movement pattern due to weak abductor muscles.
  • Muscle tightness as the body compensates for the lack of hip stability and control.

What happens if I squeeze my glutes everyday?

'Strong glutes contribute to improved hip stability, posture and overall lower body strength. ' This is also where the idea that the move can 'grow' your bum comes from. Hamstring strength - 'They also engage the hamstrings, the muscles located on the back of the thighs,' notes Long.

Does clenching your bum make it toned?

Butt-clenching involves the action of tightening then releasing the glutes and while it won't give you the shape and firmness that comes with regular lunges and squats, it will help strengthen your glutes which will help maximize those lunges once you get to them.

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