What do the glutes do?
The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the body. It straightens the hip, which powers standing up, climbing stairs and sprinting. The smaller gluteus medius and minimus at the side of the hip hold the pelvis level every time you stand on one leg, which is every step you take.
How do you train your glutes?
Bridges and hip thrusts load the glutes directly. Squats, lunges and step-ups work them along with the thighs. Side-lying and banded exercises target the smaller glutes at the side of the hip.