Weak buttocks ruin the runner (ie do I waddle when I run?)

I was reading an extract from Sports Injury Bulletin and came across this article! Sean Fyfe, an Australian sports physio, says that "the gluteus medius should be considered in every running injury." The deep-lying gluteus medius muscle is normally associated with movement but its key role in running is to act as a stabilising force, to slow the downward drive of the pelvis on the opposite side during stance phase. This pelvic restraint prevents excessive hip sway or roll of the type that is classically known as "Trendelenburg gait". But even short of the tell-tale waddle of a Trendelenburg, there are various adaptations that runners make to compensate for weakness in the gluteus medius. Hmmmmm, I'm having problems with my glutes - could it be that they are weak? Though, no-one has told me I waddle when I run!

Friday lunchtime - gym

Session - lower body weights session plus killer abs workout

I focused on glute strengthening and stabilising exercises such as one-legged squats (with a swiss ball behind me), the glute machine, stationary lunges and one legged raises on swiss ball. (Saturday - I am feeling it in my glutes today!!!!)

Friday morning - swim session

Distance - 800m
Time - about 20mins
Session - 200m fs; 200m backstroke; 200m kicking (without fins); 200m freestyle.

I was supposed to have swum 1,000m but miscalculated and by the time I realised, was out of the pool and heading to the change rooms. Oh well, another day......


Oh, and by the way, today is a rest day - yes, I do have them!!!

Tomorrow:
(am) Cycle
(pm) Run


This was one of the poses we were attempting the other night at yoga - the Crane pose, I think. I spent more time on my backside than up in the air!