NASM CPT Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

Question 1

What is considered to be the optimum training frequency per week in order to improve strength?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

3-5 times weekly. 3-5 times weekly is considered to be the optimum training frequency per week in order to improve strength. There is no significant difference between 3 and 5 days with regard to strength gain. Though more calories may be burned, the actual increase in strength is negligible.

Question 2

Which gland is known as the “master” gland of the endocrine system?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Pituitary. The pituitary gland is known as the “master” gland of the endocrine system. The functions of the other endocrine glands are controlled by the pituitary gland. It has three different sections: the anterior, intermediate, and posterior lobes.

Question 3

Anorexia nervosa is common in young women in their late teens and early twenties, and is characterized by:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

B and C. A person with anorexia nervosa refuses to maintain body weight over a minimal normal weight for their age and height.  Though underweight, the person experiences intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat.

Question 4

Which hormones are involved in the body’s fight or flight response to stress?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Catecholamines. Catecholamines are the hormones involved in the body’s fight or flight response to stress. The two catecholamines hormones, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine, are made by the adrenal glands. These hormones assist the body in getting ready for activity.

Question 5

Maintenance occurs during the final stage of change when________.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

people have created an exercise habit. It is a personal trainer's duty to help clients discover activities that are enjoyable and rewarding enough to become habits. It should be activities that the client actually looks forward to. Clients are in the maintenance stage when they have established exercise as a habit.

Question 6

Why is it important for the health and fitness professional to learn information about a client’s hobbies and recreational activities?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Knowing these facts allows individualization of an appropriate training plan to those specific lifestyle activities. A health and fitness professional should understand about a client's hobbies and recreational activities so that a suitable training plan may be tailored to those specific lifestyle activities. To help prevent injury during these activities, the training plan should optimize exercises that are beneficial to the client's recreational habits.

Question 7

What is the first accomplishment in the rapport step of READ?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

To establish trust. The first accomplishment in the rapport step of READ is to establish trust. This shows the client that you have their best interest in mind and have integrity. This is a continuous process that helps keep confidence, enthusiasm, and professionalism high in the relationship.

Question 8

What does the acronym SMART stand for?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely. SMART goals allow individuals to focus on precisely what they hope to accomplish by defining a specific plan of action. When using this method of goal-setting, an individual will feel more empowered and can concentrate efforts to achieve whatever goals are set.

Question 9

A specific form of external feedback that provides the client with information to improve form issues is called what?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Knowledge of performance. A specific form of external feedback that provides the client with information to improve form issues is called knowledge of performance. This is when the health and fitness professional provides ideas or guidance for the client to alter a form deficiency, perform the exercise again, and see or feel the difference in its movements.

Question 10

If you notice your client's lower back arches during an overhead squat assessment, which muscle is most likely underactive?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Gluteus maximus. The gluteus maximus is one of the most likely underactive muscles if your client's lower back arches during an overhead squat assessment. The hamstring complex and intrinsic core stabilizers are two other muscles that may be underactive. This problem can be treated with self-myofascial release and static stretching of the quadriceps, latissimus dorsi, and hip flexor complex.

NASM CPT Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

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