ACE Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam

Which exercise promotes thoracic spine mobility?

1. Cat/camel

2. Bridge

3. Squat

4. Push-up

The correct answer is: Cat/camel

The exercise that promotes thoracic spine mobility is the cat/camel. This movement is specifically designed to enhance the flexibility and range of motion in the thoracic spine by encouraging articulation through flexion and extension. In the cat/camel exercise, the individual transitions between a rounded "cat" position and an arched "camel" position, which actively engages the muscles around the spine and promotes proprioception and fluid movement in the thoracic region. This dynamic movement helps to mobilize the area, alleviating stiffness and improving overall spinal health. The other options, while they may contribute to overall strength and stability, do not specifically target thoracic spine mobility in the same way. The bridge focuses more on glute engagement and pelvic stability, the squat emphasizes lower body strength and hip mobility, and the push-up primarily targets upper body strength, particularly in the chest and triceps, without offering the same level of thoracic spine articulation as the cat/camel exercise.