What Does "Wake Up Your Glutes" Actually Mean? Dr. Gaby Go, DPT Explains Glute Activation

About this episode

Dr. Gaby Go discusses the importance of glute activation for runners and its impact on performance and injury risk.

You have probably encountered claims that your “glutes aren’t firing” or that you have “sleepy glutes,” and that lazy glutes are hurting your running. This approach misses a lot of nuance: if you can stand, your glutes work; but weak glutes can impact running injury risk and running economy. We are joined by Dr. Gaby Go, DPT and run coach, who explains the nuances of glute activation and why strong glutes matter for runners. Thank you to our sponsors: ✨ Good Ranchers: American-grown meat, delivered frozen to your doorstep. Use code IRON for $40 off the first order, or$100 off across the first three orders when customers start a subscription. Plus free protein with every order (choice of burgers, bacon, or chicken breasts). Be sure to mention “Tread Lightly Podcast” for how you heard about the company! https://www.goodranchers.com/ In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How the glutes and agonzing/antagonizing muscles work in your running stride ✅ What does “glute activation” actually mean? ✅ If squeezing your glutes while you run helps or harms ✅ Signs and symptoms of underactive or weak glutes ✅ Whether sitting all day harms your running or not ✅ When to use bodyweight/banded glute…

People in this episode

Hosts: Amanda Brooks, Laura Norris

Guest: Dr. Gaby Go

Topics covered

• glute activation
• running injury risk
• running economy
• strength training
• running form

Keywords

• glutes
• activation
• running
• injury risk
• strength training
• exercise
• form

Sponsors

Good Ranchers

More episodes of Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast

• Does Summer Running Really Make You Faster in the Fall? · September 5, 2026 · 35 min
• What to Do The Week After a Half Marathon or Marathon: A Science-based Post Race Recovery Guide · August 29, 2026 · 38 min
• Tune Up Race Formula: Timing, Recovery, and What the Training Theory Says · August 15, 2026 · 37 min
• The Psychology Behind Peak Running Performance with Dr. Trent Claypool · August 8, 2026 · 42 min
• Pilates as Strength Training, Can You Overfuel on Long Runs, If Max Cushion Shoes are Harmful and More: Our Hot (Science-based) Takes · August 1, 2026 · 32 min
• Sweat, Sodium, and Running Performance: What the Science Actually Says · July 25, 2026 · 36 min