There's no denying the pleasure of curling up on the sofa with your favorite show, binge-watching episodes without barely moving, not even for a snack. But what if we told you that this seemingly harmless habit might be causing gluteal amnesia, also known as Netflix Bum? This increasingly common modern condition has very real consequences for your health, your posture... and even your skin. Far from being just a loss of tone or definition in our backside (although that also happens), gluteal amnesia is a warning sign that affects the entire body.
Let's take a closer look... and above all, let's learn to care for the body from the inside out, 365 days a year.
What is "Netflix Bum"?
Netflix Bum is the informal name for gluteal amnesia, a condition in which the gluteus medius muscle – which supports your hips and stabilizes your lower back – practically “shuts down” due to lack of use. It may sound exaggerated, but it's becoming increasingly common due to the long hours we spend sitting: in front of the computer, on the sofa, in the car, or in some endless video calls.
When you spend a lot of time sitting, especially with a hunched back, your glutes are not activated. Over time, they weaken, and other muscles – such as the hip flexors, hamstrings, and lower back – are forced to compensate. This muscular imbalance causes tension, stiffness, poor posture, and even pain or injuries.
Some signs that you might be developing Dead Butt Syndrome or gluteal amnesia include:
- Numbness or stiffness in the glutes and hips
- Lower back pain after prolonged sitting
- Loss of tone or shape in the backside
- Reduced mobility or stiffness when walking or stretching
The longer this situation persists, the harder it is to regain normal function... unless you take steps to reverse it.
Beyond Summer: Why Body Care Shouldn't Be Seasonal
Often, we treat body care as a seasonal project. As soon as the sun comes out, we rush to exfoliate, moisturize, and tone. But as soon as the sweaters come back, we forget everything and switch back to "neglect" mode.
But your body doesn't understand seasons. It needs movement, nutrition, and skin care every day of the year.
Gluteal amnesia is the perfect example of what happens when we focus only on aesthetics. Instead of trying to "fix" the body every summer, what if we started to care for it consistently? That means:
- Taking regular breaks to get up and move
- Creating gentle strength and mobility routines
- Applying quality body cosmetics that nourish and stimulate circulation from the neck down—not just on the face
Your body works for you every day. It deserves more than occasional care.
Why Body Care Is Essential
Here's a little-known fact: the skin on your body, from the neck down, also suffers the effects of aging, dehydration, and environmental stress. And yet, we rarely pay attention to it.
Body skin is often thicker and drier, especially in areas like the legs, buttocks, and arms. Additionally, it experiences more friction (tight clothing, sitting, workouts), but we don't usually care for it... until we see stretch marks, sagging, or cellulite.
If you've recently noticed your skin feeling rougher, more sensitive, or less firm, it might be a sign that it needs more support. And luckily, body cosmetics have evolved to offer real solutions.
Body Care with Science: Rewarding Body Balm
At Twelve Beauty, we believe that body skin deserves the same highly effective active ingredients as facial skin. That's why, back in 2007, we launched Rewarding Body Balm, one of the first body formulas that applied real cosmetic science.
This nourishing, fast-absorbing balm contains:
- Germinated barley wax to retain hydration
- Buddleja extract with antioxidant properties
- Hyaluronic acid to improve elasticity and smoothness
Unlike lotions that only create a superficial layer, Rewarding Body Balm works deep down, improving skin's resilience with continuous use. Think of it as a workout for your skin: the more consistent you are, the better results you get.
Do you notice sagging, lack of tone, or visible signs of dead butt syndrome? This balm can be the first step in your recovery routine.
Specific Support: Reverent Antioxidant Dry Body Oil
For improving circulation, firmness, and lymphatic drainage, few products are as effective and sensorial as Reverent Antioxidant Dry Body Oil.
This dry oil underwent a 28-day clinical trial with 20 women between 18 and 65 years old with Grade II and III cellulite. The results:
- Increased skin elasticity after just 4 weeks
- Improved firmness and visible reduction of cellulite
- 85% noticed relief in tired or heavy legs
- 90% felt their skin was softer
- 100% positively rated the fragrance and sensory experience
What's special about this oil is its dual function: it's a pleasure for the senses, but also an active booster against gluteal amnesia. Use it on thighs, buttocks, or legs after showering to stimulate the skin and counteract the effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
It's also a great ally for reactivating the lymphatic system, which is key when we spend many hours sitting.
How to Reverse Dead Butt Syndrome
The good news: Netflix Bum is not irreversible. With some movement, proper care, and small daily changes, you can regain muscle tone, improve your skin, and feel better.
Start today with simple actions:
- Take breaks every 30 minutes to stretch or walk
- Walk during calls or virtual meetings
- Replace a daily sitting activity with a standing one
- Consciously activate your glutes when walking or climbing stairs
- Hydrate inside and out: water and good cosmetics make a difference
Addressing both the muscle and the skin not only corrects the problem but also protects your long-term physical well-being.
Recommended Exercises to Combat Gluteal Amnesia
Ready to wake up your glutes? Combating gluteal amnesia doesn't require extreme bootcamps or body punishments. It's about moving smartly and avoiding common mistakes. Here are three key tips from personal trainer Mateo Ottavi for safe toning:
1. Cardio alone is not enough: include weight training
Doing only cardio doesn't activate your glutes properly. You need resistance. Use weights appropriate for your level and progress gradually. The goal is not to reach muscle failure – especially in the quadriceps – but to activate with control.
2. Alternate upper and lower body
Combine leg exercises with arm or shoulder exercises. This keeps your heart rate up and activates your entire body, promoting fat burning and overall toning.
3. Stay active outside the gym
Take the stairs, walk, move frequently if you work sitting down. And don't cut out carbohydrates: after exercise, they are vital for muscle recovery and for constant energy.
Simple, yet effective rules. If you stick to them, you will notice real results.
Although the term Netflix Bum may sound funny, the lifestyle that causes it is not very amusing. Don't wait until summer to take care of your body. Gluteal amnesia can be prevented and reversed, but only if you decide to move... inside and out.