“Strong glutes don’t eliminate those risks, but they improve the mechanics that protect the body every day,” Dr. Volk says. Here’s a closer look at four ways strong glutes support longevity. May Reduce Lower Back Pain[2] Strengthening your glutes can protect your lower back. May Protect Joint HealthWeak glutes let the thigh bone rotate inward, collapsing the knee and driving knee pain, Amber-Wright says. May Improve Metabolic HealthThe glutes are among the largest muscles in the body, and increasing their mass can improve metabolic health.