CAT Nutrition & Lifestyle Guidance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An aerobics client reports muscle cramps during class. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with exercise-induced muscle cramps?
- Low sodium
- Low potassium
- Low calcium
- All of the above can contribute (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above can contribute
Exercise-induced muscle cramps can result from deficiencies in sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium — often a combination during heavy sweating.
Question 2: What is the recommended daily protein intake range for an individual regularly participating in aerobic exercise, per pound of body weight?
- 0.2–0.3 g/lb
- 0.5–0.8 g/lb (Correct answer)
- 1.5–2.0 g/lb
- 2.5–3.0 g/lb
Correct answer: 0.5–0.8 g/lb
Regularly active aerobic exercisers generally need 0.5–0.8 g of protein per pound of body weight (1.1–1.7 g/kg) to support repair and recovery.
Question 3: A client asks about sports drinks during a 45-minute moderate-intensity aerobics class. What is the best advice?
- Sports drinks are necessary to replace electrolytes
- Water is sufficient for sessions under 60 minutes (Correct answer)
- Sports drinks should replace all water intake
- Caffeine-based drinks are preferred
Correct answer: Water is sufficient for sessions under 60 minutes
For exercise lasting under 60 minutes at moderate intensity, water is adequate; sports drinks add unnecessary calories without significant benefit.
Question 4: Which vitamin is synthesized by the body through sun exposure and is important for calcium absorption and bone health in aerobics clients?
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D (Correct answer)
- Vitamin K
Correct answer: Vitamin D
Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin via UV exposure and is essential for calcium absorption, bone density, and muscle function.
Question 5: A client who is vegetarian and takes aerobics classes three times per week asks how to meet their iron needs. What is the best dietary advice?
- Take iron supplements daily without food
- Consume non-heme iron foods with vitamin C to enhance absorption (Correct answer)
- Eat more dairy products
- Avoid all plant-based iron sources
Correct answer: Consume non-heme iron foods with vitamin C to enhance absorption
Non-heme iron from plant sources is less bioavailable, but consuming it alongside vitamin C significantly enhances its absorption.
Question 6: A CAT trainer notices a client is skipping breakfast before early morning aerobics classes. What is the potential risk of training in a fasted state?
- Increased muscle growth
- Greater fat burning with no downsides
- Reduced performance and possible muscle protein breakdown (Correct answer)
- Improved glycogen storage
Correct answer: Reduced performance and possible muscle protein breakdown
Fasted training can impair performance and may increase muscle catabolism as the body turns to protein for fuel when glycogen is low.
Question 7: Which dietary pattern is most consistent with current recommendations for aerobic fitness and long-term cardiovascular health?
- High protein, zero carbohydrate diet
- Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (Correct answer)
- High saturated fat, low fiber diet
- Liquid diet with protein shakes only
Correct answer: Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats
The Mediterranean diet is extensively supported by evidence for cardiovascular health, athletic performance support, and sustainable weight management.
CAT Nutrition & Lifestyle Guidance 3
An aerobics client reports muscle cramps during class.
Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with exercise-induced muscle cramps?