Which muscles are included in the hip extensors?

The hip extensors primarily include the gluteus maximus and the hamstrings. The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the buttocks and plays a critical role in extending the hip joint, particularly during movements such as standing from a seated position, running, and climbing. The hamstrings, located at the back of the thigh, also contribute significantly to hip extension, especially when the knee is flexed. Together, these muscles are essential for powerful hip extension movements.

The adductors, while important for leg movements and stabilizing the pelvis, primarily function to adduct the thigh rather than extend the hip. The hip flexors, which include muscles like the iliopsoas, function to flex the hip, bringing the thigh closer to the torso, thus performing opposite actions to hip extensors. The quadriceps, primarily known for extending the knee, do not function as hip extensors, as their main action is associated with the knee joint rather than the hip joint.