Muscular balance in a resistance training session may be achieved by alternating ______.

Bench press and supine flys both target the pectoralis major and anterior deltoids, meaning they train the same muscle group rather than opposing ones.

Leg extensions isolate the quadriceps (knee extensors) and leg curls isolate the hamstrings (knee flexors), which are direct antagonist muscle groups acting on the same joint. Alternating between antagonist pairs within a session promotes balanced strength development and reduces the risk of muscle imbalance injuries. This agonist-antagonist pairing is the textbook definition of achieving muscular balance in program design.

Seated cable rows and lat pulldowns both target the back musculature (latissimus dorsi, rhomboids), so they do not represent an antagonist pairing for muscular balance.

Pushups and tricep extensions both emphasize the triceps and anterior pushing muscles, rather than pairing opposing muscle groups.