Which of the following exercises is considered an open-chain exercise?

An open-chain exercise is characterized by the fact that the distal end of the limb (the hand or foot) is free to move and not fixed to a surface, allowing for more isolated movements. The bench press, where the individual lies on a bench and pushes the barbell away from the chest, exemplifies this motion. In this exercise, the hands are not fixed to an immovable object, and the movement primarily targets specific muscle groups in the upper body—particularly the pectorals, deltoids, and triceps.

The other exercises listed involve more complex movements where the limbs are often in a closed-chain position, meaning the hands or feet are fixed to a surface, which engages multiple muscle groups and joints in a coordinated manner. This fundamental distinction between open-chain and closed-chain exercises is crucial for understanding different training modalities and their applications in improving strength, stability, and functional movement.