Which of the following is an example of a contraindicated exercise?

• A. Full & Straight-Leg Sit-Up
• B. Push-Ups
• C. Jumping Jacks
• D. Cycling

Answer: (A)

Contraindicated exercises are ones you should avoid because they can cause harm or worsen existing issues. The full and straight-leg sit-up puts a lot of strain on the lower back by forcing the spine into full extension while the legs remain straight, which increases pressure on the lumbar discs and can lead to back injury or hamstring/hip flexor strain. For this reason, it’s commonly avoided in fitness testing and training in favor of safer core moves that don’t stress the spine as much. The other options—push-ups, jumping jacks, and cycling—are generally safe when performed with proper form, so they aren’t considered contraindicated in this context.