Correction for a loss of neutral spine due to flexion in the lumbar spine during a squat.

• A. Cue the athlete to lift the chest
• B. Have the athlete raise the arms as they descend
• C. Lean the torso forward
• D. Hold breath at bottom

Answer: (A)

Maintaining a neutral spine in a squat hinges on preventing the lower back from rounding as you descend. Lifting the chest is the most effective cue because it encourages thoracic extension, which helps align the spine from pelvis through the upper back and supports bracing. With the chest up, the ribcage sits over the hips, enabling a solid brace and reducing the tendency for the lumbar spine to flex.

Raising the arms during descent tends to destabilize balance and doesn’t directly address the spine angle. Leaning the torso forward increases lumbar flexion, worsening the problem. Holding the breath at the bottom doesn’t correct the spinal position and isn’t a targeted fix for neutral spine alignment.