ACSM CPT practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q21The BOSU ball is an inflated rubber hemisphere attached to a solid plastic surface. The name is an acronym for <code>________</code>.
✓ Correct answer: D. "Both Sides Up"
It refers to the ability to use the device with either side up for a stability challenge in many exercises.
Q22How behaviors and choices relate to health by considering costs and benefits is known as what model?
✓ Correct answer: A. Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Change
The Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Change considers costs and benefits of behaviors and choices with regard to health. This model combines strategies of several other theories to explain the path toward making decisions to change health habits.
Q23What correctly describes some of the differences between normal running gait and normal walking gait?
✓ Correct answer: A. Running requires greater balance, range of motion, increased rotary action, and stride length
Some of the differences between normal running gait and normal walking gait include greater balance and range of motion, increased rotary action, and stride length. There is also an additional phase during the gait cycle called the flight phase, during which neither foot is touching the ground.
Q24When the body is using oxygen when exercising, it is undergoing <code>________</code>.
✓ Correct answer: C. aerobic exercise
Aerobic exercise is usually long in duration, but low in intensity such as walking or biking.
Q25It is important to understand what fitness improvements clients hope to achieve and to clarify what clients mean by:
✓ Correct answer: D. A and B
Have clients verbalize their goals, both for them and you. It is important for personal trainers to have an understanding of how to set goals and be able to work with their clients around setting goals.
Q26Which description correctly defines Line of Gravity?
✓ Correct answer: C. The point of exact center around which the body freely rotates
Line of Gravity is the downward direction of the force of gravity on an object, which occurs vertically, toward the center of the earth.
Q27The short term effects of exercise include:
✓ Correct answer: C. A and B
The long term effects of exercise include a maintenance of weight loss, prevention of disease and increased mobility.
Q28To make up for weak hip extensors, the <code>________</code> take over the work during an abdominal workout, increasing their risk for injury due to excessive strain, which was originally meant for the glutes.
✓ Correct answer: C. Hamstrings
To make up for weak hip extensors, the hamstrings take over the work during an abdominal workout, increasing their risk for injury due to excessive strain, which was originally meant for the glutes. It is possible to correct muscle imbalances and posture problems. A foam roller, medicine ball and even a tennis ball can be done before or after a workout, focusing on the muscles causing posture problems and imbalances.
Q29Which condition is characterized by the modifiable risk factors of poor oral health, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and high dietary trans fat?
✓ Correct answer: C. Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is a condition characterized by the modifiable risk factors of poor oral health, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and high dietary trans fat. Oral health and diet of high trans fats are thought to be emerging risk factors, while dyslipidemia (high cholesterol counts) and metabolic syndromes are more traditional risk factors.
Q30Appropriate precautions can minimize the risks of exercise during pregnancy, including:
✓ Correct answer: D. all of the above
Most recreational pursuits are appropriate for all pregnant women, and moderate levels of exercise are encouraged until the third trimester.
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Theory