ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Which muscle is involved in horizontal adduction during bench press movements?

1. Deltoids

2. Pectoralis major

3. Latissimus dorsi

4. Trapezius

The correct answer is: Pectoralis major

The pectoralis major is the primary muscle involved in horizontal adduction during bench press movements. This muscle is located in the chest and plays a crucial role in bringing the arms toward the midline of the body, which is essential for the pressing motion in a bench press. When performing the bench press, the arms move horizontally across the body, and the pectoralis major contracts to facilitate this movement, making it the key muscle engaged in this action. In contrast, while the deltoids assist in shoulder movements and stabilization, they are not the primary movers in horizontal adduction. The latissimus dorsi is primarily involved in shoulder extension and adduction but is less active in the horizontal adduction aspect specific to the bench press. The trapezius muscle primarily functions to move and stabilize the shoulder blades rather than directly contributing to the horizontal adduction of the arms.