In a hip extension exercise performed on a 45-degree hyperextension bench, which muscles act as the agonists?

In a hip extension exercise performed on a 45-degree hyperextension bench, the primary agonists responsible for the movement are the gluteus maximus and the hamstrings. While the gluteus maximus is crucial for extending the hip joint, the hamstrings also play a significant role in this action.

The iliopsoas and lower fibers of the rectus abdominis, which are mentioned in the selected answer, are primarily involved in hip flexion and trunk stabilization rather than hip extension. The iliopsoas is known for its role in flexing the hip, while the rectus abdominis helps stabilize the pelvis and spine during various movements, but it is not a primary mover in hip extension.

The fact that the correct response emphasizes the involvement of the hamstrings and gluteus maximus aligns with the understanding of which muscles are actively working to extend the hip during this exercise. This understanding highlights the importance of correctly identifying the primary movers in various exercises, which is essential for effective training program design and injury prevention strategies.