CAT Aerobics Trainer Exercise Physiology & Conditioning 3

Question 1

A client's resting blood pressure reads 145/95 mmHg on two separate visits. How should the aerobics trainer respond?

Accepted Answer

Refer the client to a physician before starting or progressing exercise

Answer

Resting BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg meets the threshold for Stage 1 hypertension, requiring medical clearance before advancing exercise intensity.

Question 2

Which breathing technique is recommended during aerobic group exercise to optimize oxygen exchange?

Accepted Answer

Natural rhythmic breathing matched to movement

Answer

Natural rhythmic breathing synchronized with movement maintains adequate ventilation and prevents dangerous intra-thoracic pressure spikes.

Question 3

The 'overload principle' in exercise programming means:

Accepted Answer

Applying a stress above the body's current capacity to stimulate adaptation

Answer

Overload requires the exercise stimulus to exceed normal demands, prompting physiological adaptations such as improved aerobic capacity.

Question 4

During steady-state aerobic exercise, ventilation rises primarily because of increased:

Accepted Answer

Plasma pH and CO2 levels

Answer

Rising CO2 and falling blood pH (due to lactic acid accumulation) stimulate chemoreceptors, driving increased ventilation during aerobic work.

Question 5

Which ACSM target heart rate method uses a percentage of heart rate reserve (HRR)?

Accepted Answer

Karvonen formula

Answer

The Karvonen formula calculates target HR as (HRmax – HRrest) × intensity% + HRrest, incorporating resting heart rate into the prescription.

(CAT) Certified Aerobics Trainer Practice Test