Crossfit Trainer Practice Test Level 1

What position should the feet maintain during the dip in a push press?

1. Flat and wide apart

2. Heels down

3. Toes lifted up

4. Feet elevated on a platform

The correct answer is: Heels down

Maintaining the heels down during the dip in a push press is crucial for proper technique and stability. When the heels remain grounded, it helps to establish a solid base of support, allowing the lifter to transfer energy effectively from the legs through the core and into the press. This position promotes optimal force generation as the hips and knees flex, storing elastic energy that can be released explosively during the upward press. Additionally, keeping the heels down encourages the correct alignment of the body, preventing unnecessary forward lean or imbalance. This alignment is important not only for maximizing weight lifted but also for minimizing the risk of injury. By activating the posterior chain and maintaining a strong, stable position, the lifter can engage their power effectively, resulting in improved performance in the push press. Other positions, such as having the feet flat and wide apart, or toes lifted up, can disrupt the body's center of gravity and reduce effective force transfer, leading to an inefficient movement pattern. Furthermore, elevating the feet on a platform is not standard practice and would hinder the ability to achieve the optimal biomechanics needed for a successful push press.