ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

The hip extension exercise primarily targets the glutes and hamstrings. This type of movement involves extending the hip joint, which is the primary action of these muscles. The gluteus maximus, as one of the largest muscles in the body, plays a crucial role in this motion, providing powerful extension and stabilization of the hip. The hamstrings, located on the back of the thigh, also contribute to hip extension, aiding in the movement and supporting the glutes.

Understanding this exercise's muscle activation is essential for personal trainers when developing programs for strength building, functional movements, and athletic performance. It is also important to recognize that other muscle groups mentioned in the alternatives do not play a significant role in hip extension. The quadriceps are mainly involved in knee extension rather than hip extension, the deltoids are shoulder muscles, and the erector spinae primarily work to extend and stabilize the spine rather than the hip. Therefore, focusing on the glutes and hamstrings as the primary targets is pivotal for effectively assessing and implementing hip extension exercises in training regimens.