NASM CPT Exercise Technique & Training Instruction Practice Questions
Exercise Technique & Training Instruction makes up 12 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest NASM CPT practice test. Here are 10 of the 48 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.
Updated by the Tigertest team. Based on NASM's CPT7 exam blueprint. Original questions, not affiliated with NASM; 50 per test with a 70% pass line.
1. What are the four steps of NASM's Corrective Exercise Continuum, in order?
- A.Integrate, activate, lengthen, inhibit
- B.Inhibit, lengthen, activate, integrate
- C.Activate, inhibit, lengthen, integrate
- D.Lengthen, inhibit, integrate, activate
Answer: B. The continuum inhibits overactive tissue (SMR), lengthens it (stretching), activates underactive muscles (isolated strengthening) and integrates them in whole movements.
2. Which technique is used in the inhibit step of the Corrective Exercise Continuum?
- A.Isolated strengthening
- B.Dynamic integrated movement
- C.Static stretching
- D.Self-myofascial release
Answer: D. SMR with a foam roller or similar tool inhibits overactive tissue. Static stretching is the lengthen step.
3. When using SMR, how long should a client hold pressure on a tender spot?
- A.About 30 seconds
- B.Until pain goes numb
- C.About 3 seconds
- D.About 5 minutes
Answer: A. Holding on a tender area for about 30 seconds gives the Golgi tendon organ time to reduce muscle tension.
4. How long is a static stretch typically held in the lengthen step?
- A.5 seconds
- B.3 to 5 minutes
- C.30 seconds
- D.2 to 3 seconds
Answer: C. A static stretch is held about 30 seconds at the first point of tension. Active-isolated stretches are held only 1 to 2 seconds.
5. Active-isolated stretching is typically performed as:
- A.Bouncing reps at end range
- B.A 30-second hold, then release
- C.1-2 s holds for 5 to 10 reps
- D.One 60-second static hold
Answer: C. Active-isolated stretching uses the agonist and synergists to move a joint through range, holding 1 to 2 seconds for 5 to 10 reps, which uses reciprocal inhibition.
6. A client has knee valgus in the overhead squat. Which muscle should be foam rolled first?
- A.Adductor complex
- B.Anterior tibialis
- C.Lower trapezius
- D.Gluteus medius
Answer: A. For knees moving inward, inhibit and lengthen the overactive adductors, TFL and biceps femoris, then activate the gluteus medius and maximus.
7. A client's arms fall forward in the overhead squat. Which muscle should be activated?
- A.Teres major
- B.Latissimus dorsi
- C.Pectoralis major and minor
- D.Middle and lower trapezius
Answer: D. Activate underactive middle and lower trapezius, rhomboids and rotator cuff, after inhibiting and lengthening the lats and pecs.
8. A client's low back arches in the overhead squat. Which muscle should be stretched?
- A.Intrinsic core stabilizers
- B.Hip flexor complex
- C.Gluteus maximus
- D.Hamstring complex
Answer: B. Lengthen the overactive hip flexors and erector spinae, then activate the gluteus maximus and deep core.
9. Before most exercises, NASM cues the drawing-in maneuver. It mainly recruits the:
- A.External obliques only
- B.Transversus abdominis
- C.Rectus abdominis
- D.Latissimus dorsi
Answer: B. Drawing the navel in toward the spine recruits the transversus abdominis and other local stabilizers. Bracing co-contracts the global muscles.
10. Contracting the global abdominal and low back muscles together to stiffen the trunk is called:
- A.Hollowing
- B.Valsalva
- C.Drawing in
- D.Bracing
Answer: D. Bracing co-contracts the rectus abdominis, obliques and erector spinae. Drawing in targets the deep local muscles.
Practice all 48 exercise technique & training instruction questions, and the rest of the 200-question bank, in the free NASM CPT training sets. Questions you miss come back until you have mastered them.
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