NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What is the primary characteristic of lordosis?

1. Excessive anterior curvature of the cervical spine

2. Excessive anterior curvature of the lumbar spine

3. Flatness of the thoracic spine

4. Lateral curvature of the spine

The correct answer is: Excessive anterior curvature of the lumbar spine

The primary characteristic of lordosis is an excessive anterior curvature of the lumbar spine. Lordosis refers to the natural inward curve of the spine that is typically observed in the lumbar region. When this curvature is exaggerated, it can lead to an abnormal spinal alignment, contributing to postural issues, discomfort, or pain. This excessive curvature often occurs due to various factors such as muscle imbalances, tight hip flexors, or a sedentary lifestyle, which can alter the normal spinal mechanics. Understanding lordosis is crucial for personal trainers, as they often work with clients to improve posture and spinal alignment, potentially mitigating issues related to excessive curvature. Recognizing the details of spinal curvature helps in crafting appropriate exercise programs that address these concerns.