Whether you are working on your glutes to improve strength or for it's looks, you want to maximize the usage of glutes in all of the exercises that you are performing. Whether it is the abductor machine, glut ham raises, hip thrusters, or monster walk, the basics will not change.
One big mistake that I see frequently that are minimizing your glutes activation is position of your toes and knees, which automatically leads to hip positioning.
Typically when trainees are doing monster walk or any type of abduction exercises I typically see the knees internally rotated like picture on the left.
Functions glutes are external rotation and extension of the hip. So if the knees are turning inward, your hip will automatically rotate inward as well, which means you are not fully utilizing the glutes while you are performing these abduction type exercises.
Reason why you have a tendency to internally rotating your hip is because of long duration of sitting, which leads to tight inner thighs and weak glutes. Probably the reason for you working on it.
So easiest way to fix this issue is: 1.) improve your mobility of your hip, especially adductors or inner thighs and hip flexors. 2.) activate your glutes by externally your hip or point your knees and toes towards out.
By loosening your adductors and hip flexors your hip will be able to externally rotate which is the function of your glutes. Keeping your kness and toes pointed outward during your glutes exercises will help you engage your glutes even better.
So for your next glutes workout remember to keep your knees and toes out to maximize your effort.
Enjoy!
Kota Shimada
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