Who am I?
I am the heaviest muscle in the body.
I am a powerful extensor of the hip joint.
I am most active when standing from a seated position, or when walking upstairs.
Who am I?
I am gluteus Maximus.
If the hamstrings and/or erectors take on the role of gluteus maximus as prime mover, they will shorten and further inhibit gluteus maximus, (Chaitow).
Summary
Layer: Superficial
Origin: Coccyx, edge of sacrum, posterior iliac crest, sacrotuberous and sacroiliac ligaments
Insertion: Iliotibial tract (upper fibers); gluteal tuberosity (lower fibers)
Nerve: Inferior gluteal nerve L5, s1, s2
Action: Powerful extensor of the hip; lateral rotation; ABduction; lower fibers ADduction.
Day-to-day life
Function: Walking up stairs. Rising from seated.
Common cause of injury: overambitious in cross-legged positions, such as lotus pose in yoga.
Common problems when tight: pain or damage inside the knee.