The gluteus minimus (G. gloutos, buttock. L. minimus, smallest) is the smallest and deepest of the three buttock muscles. Its primary responsibility is hip abduction.
It is like a mini version of the gluteus medius, sharing a similar shape, location and function.
The gluteus minimus constitutes part of the superficial gluteal region.
It is in the deepest layer of muscle on the outer hip, lying deep to the gluteus medius and situated anterosuperior to the piriformis.
It originates from the external surface of the ilium. Its parallel-oriented fibers run inferomedially from either end of the muscle toward its midline.
They converge on the anterior greater trochanter, creating a fan-shaped, or radiate muscle architecture.
Also Called
- Glute min
- Hips
- Hip abductor
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve Supply
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Action | Nerve Supply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gluteus Minimus | Dorsal surface of the ilium between the anterior gluteal line and inferior gluteal line (just inferior to the gluteus medius origin) | Anterior surface of the greater trochanter of the femur |
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Superior gluteal nerve (L5-S1) |
Exercises:
Note: The table below only includes direct gluteus minimus exercises. That is, only exercises that involve hip abduction or internal rotation. All of these exercises are also direct gluteus medius exercises.
There are several other exercises that work the gluteus minimus (and medius) indirectly yet intensely as a stabilizer, including: all standing or lying single leg exercises for the gluteus maximus, quadriceps or hamstrings (e.g. single leg RDL, single leg squat, Bulgarian split squat, single leg glute bridge). In these movements, the gluteus minimus/medius contract isometrically to keep the pelvis level.
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Stretches & Myofascial Release Techniques:
Stretches
Note: The following techniques are the same as those used to stretch the gluteus medius.
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Self Myofascial Release Techniques
When using these techniques, give special attention to the common trigger points shown in the image below.
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Common Issues:
- Inhibited/Excessively Lengthened Gluteus Minimus: If the gluteus minimus is inhibited and lengthened, that indicates the gluteus medius is, too. Because these muscles are so much alike, they become dysfunctional for the same reasons. Instead of re-writing what I’ve already written, I will simply link to the relevant information about common gluteus medius issues, which also applies to the gluteus minimus.
Training Notes:
Note: Since the gluteus medius and minimus are so similar in function, they cannot be trained separately. And if one is dysfunctional, the other one probably is, too. As such, for the gluteus minimus training notes below, I’ll refer you to the relevant information for gluteus medius:
- If you have a inhibited/excessively lengthened gluteus minimus, please refer to gluteus medius treatment protocols.
- For general training advice and tips for gluteus minimus, please refer to gluteus medius training advice.
I had 2 separate ultrasound and testing of my right hip and both indicated that I have atrophy (referred to as fatty) in my glute Minimus muscle but the MEDIUS muscle has no issues (no atrophy or weak). Would you provide 1-2 exercises to target MINIMUS. I presently do exercises for the glutes but Minimus still a problem after years of exercises. The Minimus atrophy seems to cause hip pain. Thank you. Great site.
As far as I know, there’s no way to effectively isolate the gluteus minimus from the gluteus medius. You work one, you work the other. So to answer, all the exercises listed on this page will isolate the glute min, as much as is possible…
…Now that being said, I would strongly advise talking to a good orthopedic doctor and/or physical therapist to get a rehab routine and any other medical treatment specific to your diagnosis.