Fitness Lessons Exercise Physiology Basics 3

Question 1

What does the term 'progressive overload' mean in fitness?

Accepted Answer

Gradually increasing exercise demands to continue making gains

Answer

Progressive overload involves systematically increasing training stress so the body continues to adapt and improve.

Question 2

Which physiological event triggers muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum

Answer

Calcium ions released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum bind to troponin, initiating the cross-bridge cycle and muscle contraction.

Question 3

What is the Karvonen formula used for?

Accepted Answer

Calculating target heart rate zones using heart rate reserve

Answer

The Karvonen formula uses heart rate reserve (max HR minus resting HR) to calculate personalized target training heart rate zones.

Question 4

What is muscle atrophy?

Accepted Answer

Loss of muscle mass due to disuse or lack of stimulation

Answer

Muscle atrophy is the reduction in muscle mass and strength caused by prolonged inactivity or insufficient training stimulus.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'specificity' as a training principle?

Accepted Answer

The body adapts specifically to the type of stress placed upon it

Answer

The principle of specificity states that training adaptations are specific to the type, intensity, and volume of exercise performed.

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