AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Which muscles oppose the hip adductors?

1. Hip flexors

2. Hip extensors

3. Hip abductors

4. Hamstrings

The correct answer is: Hip abductors

The hip adductors are a group of muscles located on the inner thigh that are primarily responsible for bringing the legs together or moving them toward the midline of the body. The muscles that oppose the actions of the hip adductors are the hip abductors, which are primarily located on the outer thigh. The hip abductors work to move the leg away from the midline of the body. When the hip abductors contract, they exert an opposing force against the hip adductors. This antagonistic relationship is essential for maintaining balance, stability, and overall hip function. By having these opposing muscle groups, the body can perform a range of movements efficiently and with coordination. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for personal trainers who aim to develop safe and effective training programs for their clients. Other muscle groups such as the hip flexors, hip extensors, and hamstrings do not directly oppose the actions of the hip adductors in the same manner. While they play significant roles in hip movement, they either assist in different movements or serve different primary functions rather than counteracting hip adduction specifically.