How to Stretch Glutes: Best Routines for Ultimate Improvement

Everywhere you look, there's a wealth of advice for building your glutes, but what about stretching them? Whether you have tight hips, lower back pain, or are a runner looking to improve your performance, glute stretching exercises could be a great addition to your fitness regimen. Throughout this article, you’ll find tips and tricks for how best to stretch your glutes, helping to improve stability and flexibility and reduce the risk of injury, no matter your fitness level.

The importance of stretching glutes

Located in the buttock area, your glutes are made up of three different muscles called the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus. They are some of the largest and most powerful muscles in the body and without them, we wouldn’t be able to walk, run, jump, or carry out many of our daily activities. Simply put, it's important to keep them strong and flexible for everyday activities.

If you’ve ever felt the discomfort of having tight glutes, you’ll know that it’s not just a pain in the backside but something that affects your mobility and range of motion, too. Glute stretching exercises are excellent for increasing lower body mobility, helping boost flexibility in an area that can often get stiff.

Benefits of glute stretching

Stretching your glutes offers a myriad of benefits, including:

• Enhanced flexibility. Regularly performing glute stretching exercises can help increase muscle elasticity, allowing for greater mobility and range of motion in the pelvis, hips, and lower back.
• Injury prevention. Muscle tightness is one of the factors that can contribute to the risks of strains and sprains in muscles and ligaments. Glute stretching helps improve flexibility and range of motion, which can reduce the risk of injury.
• Improved performance. Having flexible glutes can enhance your athletic performance in sports such as running, cycling, and weightlifting.
• Postural correction. Muscle tightness can be a contributing factor to poor posture, so stretching the glutes may help reduce the risk of lower back pain and postural imbalances.

Best glute stretches

If you are wondering how to stretch your glutes, here are some of the best glute stretching exercises suitable for beginners and more experienced athletes.

1. Pigeon pose

Ideal for deep glute stretching and beneficial for runners

Start in a plank position, bring your right knee forward toward your right hand, and extend your left leg straight behind you. As you lower your hips toward the ground, you should feel a deep stretch in the right glute. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then switch sides.

2. Seated stretch

Simple and effective for beginners

Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Cross your right ankle over your left knee, then gently lean forward, keeping your back straight, until you feel a stretch in your right glute. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then switch sides.

3. Foam rolling

Good for post-workout recovery

Lie on your back with a foam roller positioned under your glutes. Roll back and forth slowly, pausing on any tender spots while taking slow deep breaths. Roll for around 1–2 minutes on each side.

4. Lunges with a twist

This dynamic stretch targets the glutes and improves flexibility

Step your right foot forward into a lunge position. Twist your torso to the right, placing your left elbow on the outside of your right knee. Hold for a few seconds, feeling a stretch in the glutes and hips. Repeat on the other side.

5. Bridge pose

For stretching and strengthening simultaneously

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips toward the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top. Hold for a few seconds, then lower back down. Repeat for 10–15 reps.

Pre-workout vs. post-workout stretching

In order for your stretching regimen to be most effective, you have to know the difference between pre- and post-workout stretching. Ideally, you want to be doing both at the beginning and end of your workouts, as they each have separate and very important functions.

Essentially, pre-workout exercises focus on aiding recovery and reducing muscle soreness, while post-workout exercises aim to prepare the muscles for activity by increasing blood flow and range of motion.

Pre-run stretching routine

Whether you are an avid runner, or you’ve only just bought your first pair of running shoes, making sure you perform pre-run glute stretches beforehand is essential to warm the body up and prevent injuries.

1. Dynamic leg swings

Stand upright and swing one leg forward and backward in a controlled motion, gradually increasing the range of motion with each swing. Repeat 10–15 times on each leg.

2. Hip circles

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and place your hands on your hips. Circle your hips in a clockwise motion, then switch to counterclockwise. Perform 10 circles in each direction.

3. Walking lunges

Take exaggerated lunging steps forward, bending the front knee and focusing on stretching the hip flexors and glutes with each step. Perform 10 lunges on each leg.

Post-run recovery stretches

If you’ve ever been for a run and forgotten to stretch afterward, you’ll be familiar with the muscle tightness the next day. Here are some of the best glute stretches for runners to aid in recovery and alleviate tightness post-run.

1. Figure-four stretch

Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Cross your right ankle over your left knee, then gently pull your left knee towards your chest until you feel a stretch in the right glute. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides.

2. Child's pose

Kneel on the floor with your big toes touching and knees spread apart. Sit back on your heels and reach your arms forward, lowering your head and chest towards the ground. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, focusing on deep breathing and relaxing the glutes.

3. Seated forward fold

Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Reach your arms overhead, then hinge forward from the hips, reaching towards your toes. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, feeling a stretch in the hamstrings and glutes.

Are there any risks associated with glute stretching?

Despite the numerous benefits of glute stretching exercises, there is such a thing as over-stretching, which can damage your muscles and make you more prone to injuries such as muscle strains, ligament sprains, joint instability, or aggravating any existing injuries.

You should always aim for a balance between stretching and strengthening and remember to listen to your body — don’t force yourself into any glute stretches that feel uncomfortable or painful.

Frequency and duration recommendations for glute stretches

You can include glute stretching exercises into your warm-up and warm-down routines whenever you plan on exercising.

Aim for up to 4 sessions per week, performing each set of stretches 2–3 times and holding each stretch for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Pay attention to the signals from your body and adjust the frequency and duration of your stretching sessions according to your individual needs and goals.