This is the best test for measuring muscular strength because it is safer than a 1-repetition maximum

bench-press test and most people can complete 10 repetitions with 75% of their maximum resistance.

While a 1-repetition maximum bench-press test is considered a more accurate measure of strength, the

risk of injury outweighs the benefits of performing the test for most personal training clients. Therefore, the

10-repetition test is considered an appropriate substitute for assessing strength.

This response will best ensure agreement between the client and trainer with respect to motivation and

goals. Finding out where a client is mentally and experientially with respect to exercise allows a trainer to

develop a specific exercise program tailored to exactly what the client wants and needs. When a program

is designed with client expectations and prior experience in mind, the client's motivation increases because

the client was a contributor to the process.

Given the information above, which of the following fitness tests is contraindicated for a personal trainer

to perform?

This response is correct because this is a maximal fitness test and, therefore, contraindicated. The client’s

information, given in the stem of the question, places him in the moderate risk category for experiencing a

cardiac event during exercise. He has two risk factors, current cigarette smoker and hypertension, but has

no symptoms of cardiopulmonary disease. Therefore, he may exercise at a moderate intensity and

undergo submaximal fitness testing.

Of all the responses listed for this question, the skinfold measurement method is the most accurate for

assessing body composition provided the measurements are taken properly. If the technician/personal

trainer performing the assessment has ample experience locating and measuring the standard sites, the

results are both valid and reliable for estimating body composition.

This response is correct because using a lifestyle questionnaire prior to training is an excellent way to

uncover a client's preferences, needs, exercise history and motivational readiness for change. With this

information the personal trainer, together with the client, can develop realistic and relevant goals tailored

specifically to the client's motivational needs.

This response is correct. It is outside the scope of practice for a personal trainer to design an exercise

program for a client with a metabolic disorder without first gaining clearance and guidelines from a

physician. The ACSM Initial Risk Stratification places individuals with known thyroid disorders in the high

risk category, indicating that they should receive medical clearance prior to engaging in an exercise

program.

This response is correct because a lifestyle information questionnaire includes the following important

components: (1) physical activity feelings, barriers, preferences, and history, (2) family history and social

support, (3) occupation, (4) stressors, (5) dietary patterns, and (6) hobbies and leisure activities. This

information aids the personal trainer in developing a sound program for the client. Additionally, it provides

an opportunity for rapport-building as the client and personal trainer discuss and clarify any concerns

associated with the training program.

This response is correct because a lifestyle information questionnaire includes the following important

components: (1) physical activity feelings, barriers, preferences, and history, (2) family history and social

support, (3) occupation, (4) stressors, (5) dietary patterns, and (6) hobbies and leisure activities.

This response is correct. All client data should be stored in a secured area within the fitness facility. This

limits the access to the client's personal data to the personal trainer. Every client has the right to expect

all personal data and discussion with an ACE-certified professional will be safeguarded and not disclosed

without the client's express written consent or acknowledgment.

This response is correct because it is one of the components of a well-stated goal (a SMART goal). The

components of a SMART goal are: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. SMART

goals are effective because they translate clients' vague statements about what they want into precise

goals.

This response is correct because beta-blockers decrease an individual's resting, exercise, and maximal

heart rates. This reduction in heart rate requires modifying the method used for determining exercise

intensity. Using the Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion or the newer modified 0 - 10 scale of perceived

exertion is appropriate for monitoring an aerobic exercise program for someone on beta-blockers

This is the most appropriate response listed. Since this is a newly-prescribed medication, it is best to

communicate with the client's physician regarding appropriate exercise intensities as well as any other

limitations that may now be present. Additionally, using a rating of perceived exertion scale to monitor

intensity is an acceptable alternative to heart-rate monitoring.

This response is correct. The supine position allows the weight of the uterus to press against the blood

vessels, especially the inferior vena cava. This pressure causes a restriction in blood flow, which may

cause a reduction in blood pressure, cardiac output, and blood flow to the fetus. Clients should be

advised to avoid the supine position after the first trimester of pregnancy. Supine positions may be

replaced with semirecumbent positions, and prone positions replaced with an all-fours position or an

elbows-and-knees position.

This response is correct. The goal is well-stated and follows the ACSM guidelines for safe and effective

weight loss.

This response is the most realistic goal for this client. It addresses the fact that he only scored a "fair" on

his endurance assessments by focusing on increasing local muscular endurance. Additionally, the

reduction in weight by 8% is within the ACSM guidelines for weight loss of losing no more than 1-2 lb per

week. This scenario has the client losing 2 lb per week. Finally, it is recommended that the initial weight

loss goal be set at no more than 10% of the client's total body weight. The goal of 8% body weight

reduction falls within this recommendation.

This response is most appropriate for an initial program because it addresses the loss of muscle mass

and bone density as one ages. To promote strength gains and increases in bone density, a program with

more resistance and fewer repetitions is required. However, because this individual is more than 50 years

old, the ACSM recommends he begins his program with low resistance and high repetitions. This is the

recommendation for older individuals due in part to the fact that as people age their blood pressures tend

to rise. Low resistance and high repetitions is the recommendation for resistance training for hypertensive

clients as well. After several months of training a more intense program may be appropriate.

This response is the most appropriate because diuretic medications increase the excretion of water and

electrolytes through the kidneys, which may lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Since diuretics

decrease blood volume, they may predispose an exerciser to dehydration. Therefore, adequate fluid

intake before, during, and after exercise is important.

A.

B.

C.

D.

This response is correct because the primary effect of diuretic medication is increased excretion of water

and electrolytes through the kidneys, which may cause electrolyte imbalances and cardiac arrhythmias.

Since the diuretics may also decrease blood volume, they may predispose an exerciser to dehydration.

This is the correct response because high blood pressure is a condition that causes increased peripheral

resistance. Regular aerobic exercise appears to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an

average of 10 mmHg, thereby reducing peripheral vascular resistance.

This response is correct. Most unfit individuals need lower intensity, duration, and frequency

programming than their more fit counterparts to give their unconditioned bodies adequate time to adapt to

the higher demands of exercise. Additionally, unfit individuals experience higher gains in fitness

improvements through lower doses of exercise than do fit exercisers. This is a result of the fact that fitter

individuals are closer to reaching their fitness potential than unfit exercisers and have less room for

improvement.

This response is correct. The client's heart rate is elevated, which will affect her performance and ability

to work at her regular intensity level. Since the formula used to determine exercise intensity is no longer

valid due to her altered exercise heart rate, the best approach is to reduce exercise intensity and monitor

exercise using rating of perceived exertion.

This response is the best intervention because it assists the potential client in the process of weighing the

costs and benefits of lifestyle modification. Completing a health-risk appraisal and consulting with a

personal trainer about the results may initiate the motivation needed to progress to the preparation stage

of change. Often individuals in the contemplation stage are unaware of their own health risks and may be

motivated to change upon discovering their shortcomings.

A.

B.

C.

D.

This is the most appropriate program to improve a client's initial level of conditioning. All parameters fall

within the ACSM guidelines for cardiorespiratory endurance progression in the improvement conditioning

This is the most appropriate program to improve a client's initial level of conditioning. All parameters fall

within the ACSM guidelines for cardiorespiratory endurance progression in the improvement conditioning

This response is correct. The guideline for fluid replenishment while exercising in a hot environment is to

drink at least 3-6 ounces of water every 10-15 minutes during exercise. Additionally, drink 8 ounces of

water 20-30 minutes prior to exercise and 8-10 ounces of water in the 30 minutes following exercise.

This response is correct. The muscle spindle responds to a quick stretch of its associated muscle fibers

by creating a sudden, reflexive, protective muscular contraction. In the case of catching a medicine ball,

the muscle fibers of the anterior shoulder girdle and triceps are quickly stretched as they are called into

eccentric action to decelerate the velocity of the incoming ball. The muscle spindles are activated by this

quick movement and respond by calling on the muscles of the anterior shoulder girdle and triceps to

quickly contract, which results in the participant throwing the ball in return.