Dr. Gaby Go, DPT, Run Coach on Instagram: "Running places repeated stress on the spine, hips, and pelvis. Weakness or poor control in the core, glutes, and hip stabilizers can lead to compensations like excessive lumbar extension, pelvic drop, or rotational twisting, which contribute to low back pain and inefficient running mechanics. Strengthening these muscles improves pelvic and spinal stability, enhances force transfer from the legs through the trunk, and helps control movement patterns that