NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What term describes the group of muscles primarily responsible for a specific movement?

1. Antagonist

2. Synergist

3. Agonist

4. Stabilizer

The correct answer is: Agonist

The term that describes the group of muscles primarily responsible for a specific movement is "agonist." In any given movement, the agonist muscle (or group of muscles) is the one that contracts to produce the action. For example, during a bicep curl, the bicep brachii acts as the agonist as it is the muscle that is primarily responsible for flexing the elbow. Understanding the role of the agonist is crucial for personal trainers because they need to identify which muscles are working during an exercise to ensure effective programming and to help clients achieve their fitness goals. The agonist will typically work in conjunction with other muscle groups, which can include antagonists, synergists, and stabilizers, each playing a different role in the movement. This knowledge is foundational in creating well-rounded training plans that promote balance and prevent injury.