NASM CPT Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

Question 1

Zone one of stage training is generally considered to be the “recovery zone.”

At what percent of the client’s max heart rate should this zone be performed?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

65-75%. Zone one of stage training is generally considered to be the “recovery zone” and should be performed at 65-75% percent of the client’s max heart rate. This training stage is used for the stabilization level of the OPT model.

Question 2

When training a client, it is important to determine which of the following?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A and B. Designing exercises for your client depends on their fitness levels, goals and any physical limitations, including time restraints.

Question 3

Exercising in neutral spine should make the movements________.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

more challenging. Exercising in neutral spine should make the movements more challenging but this is a good thing.  We want to work hard, and above all we want to work our bodies in a safe and correct manner.

Question 4

When does the body increase its functional capacity to adapt to the new stressor during the general adaptation syndrome?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Resistance development. The body increases its functional capacity to adapt to the new stressor during the general adaptation syndrome stage of resistance development. The kinetic chain improves its ability for muscle recruitment and adapts to the new stressor.

Question 5

Which of the following is not a consideration related to determining rest intervals?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Age, occupation, and medical history. Age, occupation, and medical history are not a consideration related to determining rest intervals. All other factors listed are considerations for rest intervals and should be used to determine what the length of rest intervals will be with each individual client and may likely vary even from one workout to the next.

Question 6

What is one effect exercise can have on insulin and glucagon?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Insulin levels drop. Exercise can cause insulin levels to drop. As the intensity of exercise picks up, the body’s cells increase their glucose uptake. The pancreas increases glucagon secretion to assist in supplying the body with blood glucose.

Question 7

Metabolism is the process by which the body converts what a person intakes into energy. This complex process combines the calories eaten with oxygen to release energy through ________that the body needs to function.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

ATP. The resting metabolic rate is the normal metabolic rate without external pressure or activity.  Eating healthy calories make it easier for the body to function at optimum levels.

Question 8

What type of tissue has a form called serous, which is fluid-filled?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Fascia. Fascia is the tissue that has a form call serous, which is fluid-filled. This type of fascia makes up protective membranes that cover the internal viscera. Other types of fascia that do not have specific names relating to their functions are superficial and deep fascia.

Question 9

What are the primary endocrine glands?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal. The hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands are the primary endocrine glands. These glands serve various functions within the body and control overall hormonal activity within the body. Everything from rates of metabolism to milk production after childbirth is affected by the endocrine glands.

Question 10

Why are slow-twitch muscles more resistant to fatigue during exercise, thus making them better for longer duration exercises?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

They have less developed sarcoplasmic reticula, which release calcium more slowly.. Slow-twitch muscles are more resistant to fatigue during exercise because they have less developed sarcoplasmic reticula, which release calcium more slowly. This causes a slower rate of ATP hydrolysis, so they do not tire as quickly.

NASM CPT Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

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