The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus and method of use
adapted to exercise a user's gluteus muscles. The exercise apparatus and
method of use allow the user to focus on and exercise gluteus muscles
with specificity. Embodiments of the exercise apparatus comprise an upper
body support, a foot support, an exercise space, and a way of applying a
loading force to a user's hips. The exercise space is typically disposed
substantially between an upper body support and a foot support, and
permits substantial movement of a user's hips in both a forward direction
and a rearward direction, substantially in or parallel to a user's
sagittal plane. The loading force has a direction approximately
perpendicular to a user's spine, directed rearwardly and substantially in
or parallel to a user's sagittal plane. The exercise apparatus and method
of use are adapted to load a user's gluteus muscles throughout a
generally large range of gluteus muscle flexion and extension.