More Than a Look: The Science Behind Glute Training for Performance and Retention
There's no question that glute training is one of the hottest topics in fitness today. But for gym owners, it's much more than just a visual trend. Smart programming around glute strength offers real benefits for performance, injury prevention, and member retention.
Done right, glute training becomes a cornerstone of functional fitness, and a major selling point for your facility.
Why Glutes Matter Beyond Aesthetics
The glutes are the largest, most powerful muscle group in the body. They drive explosive movement, support proper posture, and stabilize the hips and spine. Weak glutes can lead to:
- Knee pain
- Lower-back strain
- Hip instability
- Poor athletic performance
Conversely, strong glutes contribute to:
- More powerful lifts
- Better running mechanics
- Faster sprint times
- Increased injury resilience
Whether your members are athletes or active adults, targeted glute work benefits everyone.
Undertrained and Overlooked
Despite their importance, glutes are often undertrained. Many traditional workouts overly rely on squats and lunges, which shift tension to the quads and back when not performed correctly.
Desk jobs and sedentary lifestyles also lead to "glute amnesia," where the glutes forget how to fire properly. Without intentional activation, other muscles compensate—leading to imbalances and discomfort.
That's why guided, glute-specific equipment is so valuable. It ensures proper muscle activation, clean movement patterns, and scalable resistance for all fitness levels.
Recommended Equipment That Makes a Difference
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Glute Coaster™
A patented machine that guides users through a controlled, upright glute kickback. It's easy to use, great for all body types, and protects the spine. -
The Froggy™
An innovative prone glute drive machine that mimics the popular Smith machine glute push—but safer, and without needing a training partner. It targets the glutes with precise, comfortable resistance in a low-profile design.
Bonus mention: Glute Lift™ Pro – For facilities looking to replace barbell hip thrust stations with something more member-friendly and ergonomic.
The Retention Equation: Results = Loyalty
Members stay longer when they see results, and few results show faster than in the glutes. Glute training appeals to all demographics:
- Women looking to build shape
- Athletes seeking more speed and strength
- Older adults focused on balance and stability
These machines also add visual appeal and are often among the most shared zones on social media, creating organic buzz for your gym.
Programming Tip: Build a Glute-Focused Zone
Pair glute equipment with brief, high-impact programming. Examples:
- 15-minute Glute Burn circuits
- Core + Glute combo workouts (more on that in a later post)
- Personal training sessions that include hip activation and posterior chain focus
Want to go all in? The Abs Company offers a complete Glute Zone™ solution that fits seamlessly into any club layout.
Final Thoughts
Glute training is here to stay. The demand is high, the benefits are proven, and the business case is strong.
If your facility doesn't currently offer guided glute solutions, now's the time to rethink your floor plan. Strong glutes build strong athletes and strong member loyalty.