Last week, we maximized those gluteus maximus muscles.

This week? We’re hitting the glute medius and minimus, two stabilizing muscles that contribute to keeping your hips strong and balanced. (When they’re not so strong and balanced? The six-letter word—injury—is much more likely to come a’ calling.)

Yep, it’s time for the Fire Hydrant, Clam Shell, and Monster Walk. Ideally, you have a resistance band or two you can use for these.

Where did the inspiration for this come? It started with our Return to Running Program + accompanying podcast.

Dimity took a long list of exercises that Coach Liz Waterstraat put together for hip stability and core strength, and broke them into a few categories. We will release a video each week in August; each one will benefit runners of all levels, injured or not.

The best part of the videos—besides a more stable lower half? They’re not just demonstrations. They’re the full workout, complete with (nearly) accurate counting of reps.

So grab a resistance band and play along—promise, it’s (kinda) fun!