Are you feeling a little tight in your hips? Maybe it’s not just the long weekend. A new health trend is emerging, and it’s got everyone talking (or rather, not talking) about their glutes.
Dead butt syndrome, or gluteal amnesia, is one of the most buzzwords in the health world. It’s a condition in which your glute muscles become so inactive that they basically “forget” how to work.
Dr Ashish Acharya, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi explains, “The gluteus muscles, often referred to as the ‘butt’, are essential for maintaining proper body alignment. When these muscles become weak, it can lead to a variety of problems, including lower back pain, hip discomfort, and even knee problems.
what causes it?
Sitting for long periods of time is the main culprit. When you don’t use your muscles enough, they can weaken and “forget” how to work properly. Activities such as sitting at a desk for long periods of time, traveling or watching TV can weaken the gluteal muscles. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to “muscle atrophy” and inactivity. “Poor posture” can put further strain on the gluteal muscles. Compensating for weak gluteal muscles can lead to “overuse injuries” in other parts of the body.
Dr. Sudhir Seth, Director, Orthopaedics, MASSH Super Speciality Hospitals, New Delhi, explains, “Sitting for long periods of time, especially while working from home, can cause our muscles to weaken significantly. Our muscles are important to our overall health, and inactivity can lead to atrophy, especially in the core and lower body. Over time, this muscle loss can be replaced by fat and adipose tissue.”
How do you know if you have dead butt syndrome?
According to a study, if you think your glutes are weak, try standing on one leg for a while. If your hip bends on the side you are not standing on, it is a sign that your glutes are not strong enough. Another test is trying to work your glutes and if you cannot feel them, you should consider visiting a physiotherapist to find out the cause.
How to wake up your buttocks?
Regular physical activity: Participate in activities that strengthen the gluteal muscles, such as squats, lunges, and bridges.
Take frequent breaks: Get up and move around every 30-60 minutes to avoid sitting for long periods of time.
Maintain good posture: Ensure proper alignment when sitting, standing, and walking.
Balanced diet: Eat a nutritious diet rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals to maintain muscle health.
