NSCF Certified Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What action is necessary to effectively stretch the glute maximus?

1. Hip and knee extension

2. Hip and knee flexion

3. Rotation of the hip

4. Adduction of the hip

The correct answer is: Hip and knee flexion

To effectively stretch the glute maximus, the action of hip and knee flexion is necessary. This muscle, which is primarily responsible for hip extension, external rotation, and abduction, becomes elongated when the hip is flexed. When both the hip and knee are flexed, it allows for a greater lengthening of the glute maximus fibers, thereby promoting a more effective stretch. In contrast, hip and knee extension would contract the glute maximus rather than stretch it, while rotation of the hip can target different aspects of the gluteal region but does not contribute directly to effectively stretching the entire glute maximus. Adduction of the hip would also tighten the glute maximus instead of stretching it, as it is primarily responsible for abduction. Thus, the action of hip and knee flexion allows for optimal stretching of the glute maximus by placing it in a position where it can be elongated.