What movement is often used to compensate for weak glutes during squats?

The movement that is often used to compensate for weak glutes during squats is characterized by excessive forward lean or knee collapse. When the glute muscles are not properly engaged or are weak, the body instinctively seeks alternative strategies to perform the squat. This can lead to compensatory patterns such as leaning forward excessively or allowing the knees to collapse inward.

Excessive forward lean can occur as a way to shift the center of gravity, making it easier for the body to squat without adequate glute activation. This compensatory movement shifts the load onto different muscle groups, which may not be as effective for proper squatting mechanics. Similarly, knee collapse happens when the knees move inward, often due to a lack of stability and the inability to adequately engage the glutes and surrounding muscles, impairing balance and squat performance.

In contrast, movements like hip flexion or lateral shuffling do not directly relate to the compensation for weak glutes during squatting. Standing still does not engage the muscles needed for squatting and does not represent a compensatory mechanism. Thus, the correct answer highlights a common compensatory pattern seen in individuals with weak glutes during the squat movement.