Exercise Programming & Technique Flashcards
7 cards from real CFP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Exercise Programming & Technique flashcards as text
What does RPE stand for in exercise programming, and what scale is most commonly used?
Answer: Rate of Perceived Exertion; Borg 6–20 scale
RPE stands for Rate of Perceived Exertion and is most commonly measured using the Borg 6–20 scale, where 6 = no exertion and 20 = maximal exertion.
A fitness professional notices a client consistently hyperextends their lumbar spine during overhead pressing. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: Limited thoracic mobility or tight hip flexors
Lumbar hyperextension during overhead pressing is typically caused by limited thoracic extension mobility or tight hip flexors anteriorly tilting the pelvis.
What is the recommended warm-up sequence before a heavy resistance training session?
Answer: Dynamic warm-up → activation exercises → movement prep
An effective warm-up progresses from general dynamic movement to specific activation exercises and movement preparation matching the upcoming training demands.
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'periodization' in a training program?
Answer: Systematically varying training variables over time to optimize performance and recovery
Periodization is the systematic manipulation of training variables (volume, intensity, frequency) over planned time periods to maximize adaptations and prevent overtraining.
During a push-up, a client's hips sag toward the floor. Which muscle group is most likely insufficient?
Answer: Core stabilizers (transverse abdominis, obliques)
Hip sagging during push-ups indicates insufficient core stabilization, particularly the transverse abdominis and obliques that maintain a rigid torso.
What is the primary benefit of performing compound (multi-joint) exercises before isolation (single-joint) exercises in a resistance training session?
Answer: Compound movements require more neural drive and should be performed when fresh
Compound movements require greater neuromuscular coordination and heavier loads, so they should be prioritized early in a session before fatigue compromises performance.
A client is transitioning from the hypertrophy phase to a strength phase. How should the programming change?
Answer: Decrease reps (1–6), increase load, increase rest periods
Moving from hypertrophy to strength phase involves reducing repetitions (1–6), using heavier loads, and extending rest periods (3–5 minutes) to allow full neural recovery.