NSCF Certified Personal Trainer Practice Exam 2026 - Free Personal Trainer Practice Questions and Study Guide

The prime mover responsible for hip extension during the back squat is the gluteus maximus. This muscle plays a critical role in extending the hip joint, which occurs as the lifter rises from the squat position. During the ascent of a squat, the hip extends as the torso rises, facilitated primarily by the contraction of the gluteus maximus.

While the hamstrings do assist in hip extension, their primary function is to flex the knee and extend the hip when the knee is flexed. The quadriceps, on the other hand, are mainly responsible for knee extension, not directly for hip extension. The adductors, while they contribute to stabilizing the pelvis and assisting in various leg movements, are not the primary movers for hip extension in this context. Therefore, the gluteus maximus is the clear choice as the prime mover during hip extension in the back squat.