What is the appropriate cue for engaging the hips during a workout?

Engaging the hips effectively during a workout is crucial for maintaining proper form and maximizing strength in various movements. Squeezing the glutes specifically targets the hip extensors, which plays a significant role in stabilizing the hips and pelvis during exercises. This action activates the gluteal muscles, helping to support the hips in activities that require power, balance, and coordination, such as squats, deadlifts, and running.

While keeping the core tight, lifting the chest, and relaxing the shoulders are also important cues for overall stability and posture, they do not directly address the engagement of the hips. Each of these other cues contributes to form and alignment in a more general sense, but the specific action of squeezing the glutes directly activates the hip muscles, making it the most appropriate cue for engaging the hips during a workout.