Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Exercise Technique & Program Design 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which exercise is classified as a structural exercise because it loads the spine axially?
- Leg press
- Back squat (Correct answer)
- Seated row
- Leg curl
Correct answer: Back squat
The back squat loads the spine axially, classifying it as a structural exercise.
Question 2: What is the primary muscle group targeted by the Romanian deadlift?
- Quadriceps
- Hamstrings (Correct answer)
- Pectorals
- Deltoids
Correct answer: Hamstrings
The Romanian deadlift primarily targets the hamstrings through a hip hinge movement with minimal knee flexion.
Question 3: During a properly executed power clean, the bar should be caught in which position?
- Extended arms overhead
- Front rack position at shoulder height (Correct answer)
- Behind the neck
- At hip level
Correct answer: Front rack position at shoulder height
In a power clean, the lifter catches the bar in the front rack position with elbows high and bar resting on the anterior deltoids.
Question 4: What is the recommended spotter position for the barbell back squat?
- Standing in front of the lifter
- Standing behind the lifter with hands near the hips/waist (Correct answer)
- Standing to the side of the lifter
- No spotter is needed for back squats
Correct answer: Standing behind the lifter with hands near the hips/waist
The spotter for a barbell back squat stands directly behind the lifter with hands near the hips or waist to assist if needed.
Question 5: What is the primary benefit of maintaining a neutral spine position during resistance training exercises?
- Maximizes range of motion
- Reduces compressive and shear forces on the lumbar spine (Correct answer)
- Increases muscle activation in the biceps
- Allows for greater bar speed
Correct answer: Reduces compressive and shear forces on the lumbar spine
Maintaining a neutral spine reduces harmful compressive and shear forces on the lumbar vertebrae during resistance training.
Question 6: In the back squat, at the bottom position the knees should track in line with which anatomical landmark?
- The big toe
- The second and third toes (Correct answer)
- The heel
- The ankle
Correct answer: The second and third toes
During the back squat, the knees should track in line with the second and third toes to maintain proper alignment and reduce medial knee stress.
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Exercise Technique & Program Design 1
Which exercise is classified as a structural exercise because it loads the spine axially?