ACE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ACE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which energy system is the PRIMARY source of ATP during a 100-meter sprint? → Phosphocreatine (ATP-PC) system
2. A client performs the push-up test to fatigue. Which of the following is a key indicator to terminate the test? → The client's hips begin to sag towards the floor.
3. What is the primary role of the enzyme creatine kinase (CK) during high-intensity exercise? → Catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate from phosphocreatine to ADP to regenerate ATP
4. Which hormone is primarily responsible for the breakdown of glycogen into glucose during high-intensity exercise? → Epinephrine (adrenaline)
5. What is the Fick equation used to calculate? → Oxygen consumption (VO2)
6. Which of the following assessments is part of McGill's Torso Muscular Endurance Test Battery? → Trunk lateral endurance test (side bridge)
7. What is the term for the minimum number of calories needed to maintain basic physiological functions at rest? → Basal metabolic rate
8. When are health-history and lifestyle questionnaires given out in the client-trainer relationship? → Investigation Stage
9. Which of the following is the BEST example of a SMART goal for a client whose primary objective is to improve cardiovascular health? → "I will jog for 30 minutes, 3 days per week, and aim to complete a 5k race in 10 weeks."
10. During aerobic exercise, which muscle fiber type is recruited FIRST? → Type I (slow-twitch oxidative)
11. At what point in the theoretical model of behavior change a client is prepared to adopt and lead a healthy lifestyle? → Preparation
12. Which of the following best describes the 'lactate threshold'? → The exercise intensity at which lactate begins to accumulate faster than it can be cleared
13. Which movement describes rotating the sole of the foot inward (medially)? → Inversion
14. What is the anatomical term for movement away from the body's midline? → Abduction
15. When progressing a deconditioned client's cardiorespiratory exercise program, which component of the FITT-VP principle should generally be manipulated FIRST? → Time (duration)
16. Which type of muscle contraction produces the GREATEST amount of force? → Eccentric contraction
17. What may testing on a submaximal cycle ergometer predict? → VO2max
18. What is the most accurate field method for estimating body composition used by ACE-certified trainers? → Skinfold calipers
19. How many calories are provided per gram of carbohydrate? → 4 calories
20. Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+)? → To identify individuals who need to seek medical clearance before exercise.
21. How many calories are in one gram of dietary fat? → 9 calories
22. How many calories per week must be reduced (through diet and/or exercise) to lose approximately one pound of body fat? → 3,500 calories
23. Which physiological variable best predicts aerobic exercise performance in trained athletes? → Lactate threshold as a percentage of VO2 max
24. What is the primary storage form of carbohydrates in the human body? → Glycogen
25. What is the term for the maximum amount of oxygen the body can consume per minute during maximal exercise? → VO2 max
26. The primary purpose of conducting functional fitness assessments, according to the ACE Integrated Fitness Training® (ACE IFT®) Model, is to: → Identify movement compensations and reestablish stability and mobility.
27. The ATP produced per mole of glucose via complete aerobic oxidation (glycolysis + Krebs cycle + ETC) is approximately: → 30–32 ATP
28. Which of the following questions is most likely to reveal daily stress and obstacles to exercise? → PAR-Q
29. Which of the following adaptations is a hallmark of long-term endurance training? → Increased mitochondrial density in skeletal muscle
30. A personal trainer's area of practice includes identifying the root cause of a client's lordosis posture and suggesting an activity to correct it. → FALSE