Pump Up Your Passion: Rock the NASM Group Fitness Instructor Exam 2025!

When addressing an arched lower back during a push-up, the most appropriate cue is to "engage glutes and abs." This cue targets the core muscles, which include the abdominal muscles and gluteal muscles, helping to stabilize the pelvis and spine during the movement. Engaging these muscle groups is crucial in maintaining proper alignment and preventing excessive arching of the lower back, which can lead to injury.

The other cues, while helpful in other contexts, do not directly address the specific problem of an arched lower back. "Keep your head up" focuses primarily on neck positioning, which may not resolve the underlying issue with spinal alignment. "Lower your hips" can be confusing and might not provide sufficient guidance on how to correct the posture. "Spread your fingers" is relevant for hand placement and grip but does not contribute to correcting the alignment of the lower back. Overall, emphasizing the engagement of the core and glutes is key to improving form and ensuring safety during push-ups.