In most exercise programs we tend to focus on moving the legs forward and backwards. This can cause muscle imbalances by making the muscles of the front and back of the leg strong but not working the muscles on the outside and inside of the thigh. These muscles are equally important for keeping the knees, hips, pelvis, low back, and even ankles, feet, shoulders and neck properly aligned.

So much emphasis is put on working the large muscles - the gluteus maximus, quadriceps, hamstrings, while the smaller muscles are neglected. Over time, these muscles will not be able to keep up with the larger muscles that have been getting all of the attention. This can result in poor form with exercises, making the imbalance even greater. Learning to do the right exercises with correct form, and mindful movement, helps to wake the neglected muscles up, making them more involved (active) and stronger.

Our modern-day lifestyle has really reduced the variety of our movement. Even walking on fairly even sidewalks, running on treadmills, walking on paths, instead of walking on uneven terrain, has contributed to the inside and outside of our thighs being less active and weaker. When the hip muscles are not used in a lot of different ways, the joint can get tight and the muscles on the outside and inside of the hip can get weaker. When the hips are weak and stiff it changes the way the leg is used. The knee can begin to collapse inward, causing knee pain, pronation (ankle rolling in), bunions, and foot problems. Weak hip muscles have been associated with increased fall risk and poor balance.