Crossfit Trainer Practice Test Level 1

What is the fault when the lumbar spine is flexed in an Air Squat?

1. Knees caving in

2. Weight on toes

3. Rounded back

4. Not going below parallel

The correct answer is: Rounded back

When executing an Air Squat, maintaining a neutral lumbar spine is crucial for promoting proper mechanics and preventing injury. A flexed lumbar spine indicates that the natural curvature of the lower back is compromised, which can lead to unnecessary stress on the intervertebral discs and may result in back pain or injury over time. In the context of an Air Squat, a rounded back signifies that the individual is allowing their spine to flex forward instead of keeping it straight and engaged. This not only affects the effectiveness of the squat but also puts the lower back at risk during the movement. Proper squat mechanics involve engaging the core and maintaining a straight back to ensure the weight is effectively distributed and the lower body functions properly. The other choices reflect different movement faults that can occur during an Air Squat, but they don't directly address the issue of spinal positioning. For instance, knees caving in refers to an improper alignment of the knees that can affect the squat's stability, weight on toes describes a balance issue that may occur if one leans too far forward, and not going below parallel pertains to the depth of the squat rather than the spinal position.