Squats are an example of which type of kinetic chain exercise?

• A. Open
• B. Both
• C. Neither
• D. Closed

Answer: (D)

In this concept, the key idea is whether the end part of the limb farthest from the body is fixed to a surface. In a squat, your feet stay planted on the floor throughout the movement, so the distal segment is fixed. That makes the squat a closed kinetic chain exercise, where multiple joints—ankle, knee, and hip—work together in a coordinated, functional pattern and the resistance is transmitted through the limb to a stable surface. This contrasts with open kinetic chain movements, where the distal segment moves freely, like a leg extension. So squats are a closed kinetic chain exercise.