ISSA Strength Coach Prep 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.
Q11A training session where an athlete performs kettlebell swings immediately followed by box jumps is primarily an example of which type of training?
✓ Correct answer: C. Complex training
Complex training combines a heavy resistance exercise (kettlebell swings) with a plyometric movement (box jumps) to enhance muscle activation, utilizing post-activation potentiation for improved performance.
Q12In performing a bench press, how should the hands be placed on the bar for optimal performance?
✓ Correct answer: B. Slightly wider than shoulder-width apart
Answer: Slightly wider than shoulder-width apart For an effective bench press, the hands should be placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. This position is ideal for optimizing leverage and muscle engagement while minimizing injury risk. A grip that is too wide or too narrow can lead to decreased effectiveness and potential strain on the shoulders.
Q13After completing a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session, the body's metabolism remains elevated for a period. For how many hours does this elevated state typically last?
✓ Correct answer: B. 36 hours
Answer: 36 hours The afterburn effect, known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), extends the elevated metabolic rate for up to 36 hours after an intense workout like HIIT. This increased metabolic rate is beneficial as it aids in burning calories even after the workout is completed, but diminishes after this period.
Q14You're concerned that an athlete you coach is showing signs of burnout. What is the first action you should take?
✓ Correct answer: B. Become familiar with signs and symptoms of burnout
Answer: Become familiar with signs and symptoms of burnout Before acting on your suspicions, it is crucial to be informed about the symptoms of burnout. Recognizing these signs can prevent misinterpretation and help provide accurate guidance for the athlete. As a coach, while it's important to support mental health, diagnosing or making treatment decisions should be left to qualified professionals.
Q15Based on recommendations for athletic nutrition, calculate the percentage of daily caloric intake coming from protein for strength athletes. Select the nearest whole number. Group Daily Protein Intake (grams) Calories per gram of protein Total Daily Caloric Intake Endurance Athletes 100 4 2500 Strength Athletes 120 4 3000 Recreational Athletes 80 4 2000
✓ Correct answer: B. 16%
For strength athletes, their daily protein intake is 120 grams and each gram provides 4 calories. Total protein calories = 120 \times 4 = 480 calories. Total daily caloric intake for strength athletes is 3000 calories. Percentage of calories from protein = \frac{480}{3000} \times 100\% \approx 16\%.
Q16Which of the following plays a critical role in uncovering the binding sites on actin filaments during muscle contraction?
✓ Correct answer: C. Calcium ions
Answer: Calcium ions Calcium ions bind to troponin on the actin filaments, causing a conformational change. This action shifts tropomyosin away from the myosin-binding sites on actin, allowing for cross-bridge attachment and muscle contraction.
Q17Which of the following hormones plays a significant role in promoting muscle protein synthesis and is classified as a polypeptide hormone?
✓ Correct answer: A. Growth hormone
Answer: Growth hormone Polypeptide hormones, such as growth hormone, are composed of amino acids and interact with cell surface receptors. Growth hormone specifically plays a major role in muscle protein synthesis, promoting muscle growth and repair. In contrast, cortisol is a steroid hormone, and adrenaline (epinephrine) is an amine hormone.
Q18During the contraction phase of a muscle contraction cycle, which of the following sarcomere structures decreases in length as the actin and myosin filaments slide past each other?
✓ Correct answer: C. H-zone
During the contraction phase of muscle shortening, the H-zone of the sarcomere decreases in length and eventually disappears due to the overlap increase between actin and myosin filaments. The A-band remains constant as it represents the length of the myosin filaments. The Z-lines do not decrease in length; instead, they move closer together.
Q19All of the following techniques can be used to promote intrinsic motivation in athletes except:
✓ Correct answer: B. Offering a trophy at the end of the season
Answer: Offering a trophy at the end of the season Intrinsic motivation arises from internal satisfaction. Techniques that focus on personal growth and self-reflection foster this type of motivation. Offering a trophy is an external reward, thus serving as extrinsic motivation.
Q20Which of the following sugars is commonly used in sports drinks for quick energy replenishment during endurance events?
✓ Correct answer: C. Glucose
Answer: Glucose Glucose is a monosaccharide and is commonly found in sports drinks as it provides a quick source of energy. Maltose is a disaccharide, composed of two glucose units, while cellulose is a complex carbohydrate and not digestible for direct energy use by humans.
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Theory