Want Stronger Glutes? These Yoga Poses Can Help.

Yoga Journal

by Laura Harold

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Yoga is often lauded for its holistic approach to fitness, but one key area that’s frequently overlooked in practice is the activation of the glutes. These powerful muscles play a crucial role in hip stability, posture alignment, and overall movement mechanics. Strengthening the glutes isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s essential for ensuring your body moves smoothly and efficiently, reducing strain on other areas like the lower back and knees. The glutes are a trio of muscles—the gluteus maximus (largest muscle in the body), gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus—that work together to support hip extension, stabilization, and balance. When these muscles are weak or under-engaged, other parts of your body compensate, often leading to discomfort or injury during physical activities like yoga poses, walking, or even sitting for long periods. The article highlights six effective yoga poses that target the glutes, including variations of Chair Pose, Goddess Pose, and Block Squeeze. These exercises help activate and strengthen the glute muscles while promoting better alignment and stability. By engaging the glutes properly in these poses, practitioners can enhance their overall yoga experience, improve balance, and reduce strain on the lower back and knees. For anyone looking to deepen their yoga practice or simply enhance their physical fitness, incorporating these glute-strengthening poses into your routine is a game-changer. Not only do they improve strength and stability, but they also contribute to better posture and movement mechanics—making your body feel more supported and less prone to fatigue or injury. This approach not only benefits yoga enthusiasts but anyone looking to boost their fitness journey with targeted exercises that address often-overlooked muscle groups. By focusing on the glutes, you’ll notice improvements in balance, alignment, and overall physical performance, making these poses a valuable addition to any workout regimen.

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Originally published on Yoga Journal on 2/22/2026