What happens when the glutes are not active?

When the glutes are not active, synergist muscle activity increases as the body compensates for the lack of strength and stability provided by the gluteal muscles. The glutes play a crucial role as primary movers and stabilizers during various hip and lower body movements. When they are not effectively engaged, other muscles that serve as synergists must take on additional workload to maintain stability and functionality. This can lead to overreliance on other muscle groups, which might be less efficient and can potentially result in muscular imbalances or injuries over time.

In this context, synergist muscles are those that assist the primary muscles—in this case, the glutes—in performing movements. Without glute activation, these muscles may become overworked as they attempt to perform functions they're not primarily designed for, such as stabilizing the hips and supporting the pelvis during activities like squatting, running, or even maintaining an upright posture. This shift can diminish overall performance and increase the risk of injury due to improper movement patterns.