NASM-CPT Resistance Training and Exercise Technique 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client can perform a single-leg balance reach on the floor with excellent form. Following NASM's proprioceptive progression, what is the most appropriate next step?
- Single-leg balance on a BOSU ball
- Single-leg balance on a half foam roll (Correct answer)
- Single-leg squat jump on the floor
- Standing on a stability ball
Correct answer: Single-leg balance on a half foam roll
NASM progresses from floor to more unstable surfaces gradually, such as a balance beam or half foam roll, before pads and discs.
Question 2: A circuit alternates an upper-body exercise with a lower-body exercise to keep blood circulating throughout the body. Which system is this?
- Split routine
- Peripheral heart action system (Correct answer)
- Superset system
- Horizontal loading
Correct answer: Peripheral heart action system
The peripheral heart action (PHA) system alternates upper- and lower-body exercises in a circuit.
Question 3: A client trains chest and triceps on Monday, legs on Tuesday, and back and biceps on Wednesday. Which training system is this?
- Vertical loading
- Split routine (Correct answer)
- Total-body circuit
- Pyramid system
Correct answer: Split routine
A split routine trains different body parts on separate days.
Question 4: A client co-contracts the global core muscles, such as the rectus abdominis, external obliques, and quadratus lumborum, to stiffen the spine before lifting. What is this technique?
- Drawing-in maneuver
- Bracing (Correct answer)
- Valsalva maneuver
- Abdominal hollowing
Correct answer: Bracing
Bracing is the co-contraction of global muscles to stabilize the spine during movement.
Question 5: A client with controlled hypertension is performing resistance training. Which breathing instruction is most appropriate?
- Hold the breath through the entire rep
- Exhale during the exertion phase and avoid the Valsalva maneuver (Correct answer)
- Inhale during the exertion phase only
- Breathe only between sets
Correct answer: Exhale during the exertion phase and avoid the Valsalva maneuver
Hypertensive clients should avoid the Valsalva maneuver, which sharply raises blood pressure, and exhale on exertion.
Question 6: Which exercise pairing best represents a NASM Phase 2 (Strength Endurance) superset?
- Barbell bench press followed by stability ball push-up (Correct answer)
- Barbell squat followed by box jump
- Lat pulldown followed by bench press
- Medicine ball chest pass followed by bench press
Correct answer: Barbell bench press followed by stability ball push-up
Phase 2 pairs a strength exercise with a stabilization exercise of similar joint dynamics.
Question 7: During a lat pulldown, a client's lower back arches excessively. Which muscle is most likely overactive?
- Latissimus dorsi (Correct answer)
- Lower trapezius
- Gluteus maximus
- Rhomboids
Correct answer: Latissimus dorsi
Low-back arching during pulling or pressing is linked to overactive latissimus dorsi, hip flexors, and erector spinae.
