Which of the following is a Trapeze/Tower exercise to increase BOTH spinal Flexion and Extension?

• A. Arch and Curl
• B. Push Through Back
• C. Airplane
• D. Cat Kneeling

Answer: (A)

This item focuses on spinal mobility on the Trapeze/Tower by using a movement that travels through both directions of the spine. Arch and Curl does exactly that: the arch phase lengthens and opens the front of the body, promoting spinal extension, while the curl phase rounds the spine, engaging the abdominals and promoting spinal flexion. Practicing these in one smooth sequence builds coordinated control of the spine across its full range on the equipment, which is the goal when aiming to increase both flexion and extension.

The other options serve different focuses on the apparatus. Push Through Back emphasizes pushing and back stability, rather than a deliberate arch-to-round sequence. Airplane centers on balance and limb control, not the combined spinal directions. Cat Kneeling involves spinal articulation in a kneeling position but doesn’t specifically couple full thoracic/lumbar extension with flexion in the same way Arch and Curl does.