A healthy body always require different types of exercises Like a machine, it’s made up of otherwise fixed segments given mobility by joints. A kinetic chain is the motion that these joints and segments have an effect on one another during movement. When one is in motion, it creates a chain of events that affects the movement of neighboring joints and segments.
types of exercises : Open kinetic chain exercises
- They’re typically characterized by rotation at the primary joint, although rolling and other types of movement may also occur.
- Usually, only one segment moves at a time
- Only the muscles associated with one joint are involved.
types of exercises: Closed kinetic chain exercises
- Linear stress patterns
- Movement occurring at multiple joints and multi-joint axes
- Simultaneous movement of more than one segment
- Promotion of joint stabilization
- Because multiple segments are in motion, more muscles contract at the same time in order to stabilize and control movement across multiple joints.
| OPEN CHAIN EXERCISE | CLOSE CHAIN EXERCISE |
| Used to improve the strength and function of an isolated muscle or muscle group. | Used to strengthen core muscles and stabilize posture. |
| Beneficial early in a rehabilitation program or when improving aesthetics, such as for a bodybuilder. | Benefit of closed kinetic chain exercises is that the movements they promote often relate better to activities of daily life, so they’re considered more “functional |
OPEN CHAIN EXERCISE examples :

- Bicep or leg curl
- Bench press
- Raising your arms over your head while sitting in a chair
- Lifting a leg while lying on your back
- Waving a hand
- Extending the lower leg from the knee while sitting
CLOSE CHAIN EXERCISE examples :

- Yoga cat-cow stretch
- Hip bridge
- Squat
- Lunge
- Wall slide
- Push ups
- Pull ups
Key Takeaways
Exercises can be open or closed-chain movements. In closed-chain movements, the end of the chain is fixed throughout the exercise, whereas in open-chain movements, the end of the chain is free to move. Closed-chain exercises are compound movements and target various muscle groups, whereas open-chain movements target a specific muscle. Together, these exercises can give you a well-planned fitness routine to build strength and improve functional fitness

