NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Practice Exam

When the hips rise ahead of the shoulders during the initial push, the force is being generated too early from the hips in a way that can let the torso lag and the spine lose its neutral position. The corrective cue is to start with a higher hip position. This setup helps you keep the spine stacked and braced, so the hips and legs drive the movement first and the shoulders rise in sync with the hips. A higher starting hip position promotes a more hip-dominant, power transfer from the legs into the tire, reduces the tendency for the hips to shoot up independently of the upper body, and supports a safer, more efficient push. Focus on driving with the hips and legs while keeping the chest up and the spine neutral, rather than letting the back take over early or pushing with the arms first.