In the Leg Lifts/Leg Changes exercise, which of the following helps maintain alignment?

Maintaining proper alignment during the Leg Lifts/Leg Changes exercise is crucial for ensuring both effectiveness and safety in the practice. Keeping the angle of the knee at 90 degrees contributes significantly to alignment because it stabilizes the pelvis and lower back while engaging the core muscles. This position allows the instructor or practitioner to focus on isolating the movements of the legs without compromising the alignment of the spine and pelvis.

When the knees are held at this angle, it also enables a more controlled movement, which is essential for preventing strain on the joints and promoting the engagement of the appropriate muscle groups. This alignment facilitates better coordination and helps maintain the integrity of the entire body during the exercise, leading to improved strength and flexibility in an effective and safe manner.

Other options, while they may seem relevant to the exercise, do not specifically target the alignment aspects as the correct answer does. For instance, keeping the legs straight may lead to strain on the hip flexors and lower back, while swinging the arms freely might distract from maintaining a stable core. A heightened torso, though important for engagement, does not directly relate to maintaining the specific alignment needed in the knee and hip joints during this exercise.