ACE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ACE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which energy system is the PRIMARY source of ATP during a 100-meter sprint? → Phosphocreatine (ATP-PC) system
2. Which cardiovascular field test is most appropriate for a deconditioned older adult who cannot safely run? → Rockport 1-mile walk test
3. A client performs the push-up test to fatigue. Which of the following is a key indicator to terminate the test? → The client's hips begin to sag towards the floor.
4. During the health-history interview a client reports occasional chest pain when climbing stairs. The trainer should: → Refer the client to a physician before any exercise testing
5. A client complains of anterior knee pain during lunges. Which modification should the trainer apply FIRST? → Ensure the forward knee does not travel excessively past the toe
6. What is the primary role of the enzyme creatine kinase (CK) during high-intensity exercise? → Catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate from phosphocreatine to ADP to regenerate ATP
7. For a client with Parkinson's disease, which training component most directly addresses the disease's hallmark motor symptoms? → Balance, coordination, and rhythmic movement training
8. A client with a BMI of 31 falls into which weight classification according to standard guidelines? → Obese Class I
9. A client has completed 8 weeks of linear periodization. To continue progressing, the trainer should consider: → Introducing undulating periodization to vary stimuli
10. Which hormone is primarily responsible for the breakdown of glycogen into glucose during high-intensity exercise? → Epinephrine (adrenaline)
11. A client wants to improve sport performance. Which training variable is most important in the later phases of a periodized program? → Low volume, high intensity
12. A client with hypertension has a resting blood pressure of 158/96 mmHg today. What should the trainer do? → Refer the client to their physician and postpone intense exercise
13. Which of the following is a contraindication to exercise that requires immediate cessation of the session? → Sudden onset of dizziness or lightheadedness
14. What is the Fick equation used to calculate? → Oxygen consumption (VO2)
15. Which of the following assessments is part of McGill's Torso Muscular Endurance Test Battery? → Trunk lateral endurance test (side bridge)
16. A client who uses a wheelchair wants to improve upper-body endurance. Which exercise programming principle is MOST important to emphasize? → Balancing pushing and pulling exercises to prevent overuse injuries
17. What is the primary energy system used during a 10-minute moderate-intensity jog? → Oxidative phosphorylation (aerobic)
18. During the ACE postural assessment, excessive anterior pelvic tilt is most commonly associated with which muscle imbalance pattern? → Overactive hip flexors and underactive gluteus maximus
19. According to the ACE IFT Model, what does the second stage, 'Movement Training,' primarily focus on? → Teaching foundational movement patterns and joint mobility
20. Which muscle fiber type is most recruited during a 400-meter sprint? → Type IIx (fast-twitch glycolytic)
21. What is the term for the minimum number of calories needed to maintain basic physiological functions at rest? → Basal metabolic rate
22. Which energy system predominantly fuels a 400-meter sprint? → Glycolytic system
23. A client asks their trainer to recommend a specific weight-loss drug. The trainer should: → Decline and refer the client to a physician or pharmacist
24. During an overhead squat assessment, a client's arms fall forward. Which muscle group is MOST likely overactive? → Latissimus dorsi
25. Which principle of exercise programming states that gains made from cardiorespiratory training are lost when training stops? → Reversibility
26. When are health-history and lifestyle questionnaires given out in the client-trainer relationship? → Investigation Stage
27. When measuring resting blood pressure, the trainer should position the client's arm so that the brachial artery is: → At the level of the heart
28. What does the 'R' in the RICE method for acute injury management stand for? → Rest
29. A client asks the trainer to keep their HIV-positive status confidential. The trainer is ethically required to: → Maintain strict confidentiality as this is protected health information
30. Which of the following is TRUE about isometric muscle actions? → The muscle produces force with no change in joint angle or muscle length