This course describes gluteus medius exercises, commonly referred to as gluteus medius activation. Performing hip abduction exercises, with the addition of hip extension, hip external rotation, and tibial internal rotation can improve recruitment (isolation) of this important muscle. The gluteus medius is the primary abductor and frontal plane stabilizer of the hip. It is common to include these exercises in a program designed to address knee valgus (knees bow in) ; however, these exercises may also be recommended to reduce an asymmetrical weight shift, knee varus, feet turn out, and feet flatten (pes planus). Addressing these signs has been correlated with improving and reducing the risk of low back pain, hip pain, knee pain, ankle pain and foot pain, and improving sports performance.