AFAA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which of the following best describes the 'talk test' as a measure of exercise intensity? → The ability to carry on a conversation comfortably
2. Which type of movement is classified as 'high impact' in aerobic exercise? → Jumping jacks
3. The principle of specificity states that training adaptations are: → Specific to the muscles and energy systems trained
4. Which component of the FITT principle refers to whether an exercise is aerobic, anaerobic, or resistance-based? → Type
5. During a cool-down, what is the primary physiological goal? → Prevent venous pooling and gradually lower heart rate
6. Which eating pattern is associated with reduced chronic disease risk and is often recommended in US fitness guidelines? → Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats
7. Which of the following is NOT a component of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE)? → Sleep quality score
8. In exercise prescription, what is a MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) used to measure? → The energy cost of physical activity relative to resting metabolic rate
9. What kind of connective tissue holds bones together? → ligament
10. During the warm-up in a group exercise class, intensity should be: → Progressively increasing from low to moderate
11. Which population requires the closest monitoring of blood glucose levels during exercise? → Participants with insulin-dependent diabetes (Type 1)
12. Which assessment measures cardiorespiratory endurance by having participants walk or run a set distance? → 1.5-mile run test
13. Lordosis is characterized by an anterior pelvic tilt and may be brought on by: → weak abdominals
14. An element of physical fitness that relates to skills is → coordination
15. Which condition describes insufficient iron intake leading to reduced hemoglobin production? → Iron-deficiency anemia
16. When calculating the training heart rate range using the Karvonen formula, the ____ is taken into account (THRR). → resting heart rate
17. The thoracic spine's excessive curvature, or kyphosis, can originate from: → osteoporosis
18. The cardiovascular response known as 'cardiac output' is calculated as: → Heart rate × stroke volume
19. Which teaching style involves the instructor demonstrating the full combination before participants attempt it? → Add-on method
20. Which macronutrient is the preferred fuel source during moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise? → Carbohydrate
21. What does VO2 max measure? → Maximum rate of oxygen consumption during exercise
22. Which of the following is a key benefit of incorporating flexibility training into a fitness program? → Improved joint range of motion and reduced injury risk
23. When is the best time for an AFAA-certified instructor to provide form corrections to a participant? → During exercise when it can be done safely and positively
24. The 'layering' technique in group fitness choreography involves: → Gradually increasing the complexity or intensity of a movement sequence
25. A caloric deficit of approximately 3,500 calories is associated with a loss of how much body fat? → 1 pound
26. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that stabilize which joint? → Shoulder
27. Two risk factors for artherosclerotic cardiovascular disease that are reduced by regular physical activity are __ and : → blood pressure; total serum cholesterol
28. The skeletal system's bones have the following fundamental functions. → provide a site for the production of red blood cells.
29. What is the primary purpose of verbal motivational cueing during a group class? → Encourage effort and maintain participant energy
30. Which method is used to estimate a participant's maximum heart rate using a simple formula? → 220 minus age