AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Which exercise is an example of a closed kinetic chain exercise?

1. Leg press

2. Bench press

3. Deadlift

4. Barbell curl

The correct answer is: Leg press

A closed kinetic chain exercise is one in which the body's distal segment (like the feet or hands) is fixed in space and cannot move, while the proximal segments (such as the hips or shoulders) move. This type of exercise typically involves multiple joints and mimics functional movements more closely than open kinetic chain exercises, where the distal segment is free to move (like in a leg curl or shoulder press). The leg press is an excellent example of a closed kinetic chain exercise because the feet are placed on a platform and remain in a fixed position while the legs move through the exercise. This setup engages multiple muscle groups, particularly in the lower body, and promotes stability and strength development in a functional manner. In contrast, the bench press, deadlift, and barbell curl are all open kinetic chain exercises. In these exercises, the hands (in the case of the bench press and curls) or the feet (in the deadlift) are not fixed and can move freely. This distinction highlights the different mechanical advantages and functional applications of closed vs. open kinetic chain exercises, making the leg press the correct choice in this context.