AFAA Exercise Science and Kinesiology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the FITT principle stand for in exercise programming?
- Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type (Correct answer)
- Flexibility, Intensity, Training, Technique
- Frequency, Interval, Time, Training
- Force, Intensity, Time, Type
Correct answer: Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type
FITT stands for Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type — the four variables used to design effective exercise programs.
Question 2: According to AFAA, the recommended target heart rate zone for moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is approximately:
- 40–55% of HRmax
- 55–70% of HRmax
- 65–85% of HRmax (Correct answer)
- 85–95% of HRmax
Correct answer: 65–85% of HRmax
AFAA guidelines recommend 65–85% of maximum heart rate for moderate-to-vigorous aerobic conditioning.
Question 3: The Karvonen formula for target heart rate uses which baseline measurement?
- Maximum heart rate only
- Resting heart rate and maximum heart rate (Correct answer)
- Age and body weight
- Blood pressure and resting heart rate
Correct answer: Resting heart rate and maximum heart rate
The Karvonen (heart rate reserve) formula incorporates both resting heart rate and maximum heart rate to calculate target training zones.
Question 4: Which principle states that the body must be challenged beyond its current capacity to produce a training adaptation?
- Specificity
- Reversibility
- Overload (Correct answer)
- Individuality
Correct answer: Overload
The principle of overload requires placing greater-than-normal demands on the body to stimulate physiological adaptations.
Question 5: What is the recommended minimum frequency of aerobic exercise per week for general health according to major fitness guidelines?
- 1 day
- 2 days
- 3 days (Correct answer)
- 5 days
Correct answer: 3 days
Most major health organizations, including AFAA, recommend at least 3 days per week of aerobic activity for general health benefits.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the 'talk test' as a measure of exercise intensity?
- The ability to sing during exercise
- The ability to carry on a conversation comfortably (Correct answer)
- Counting heartbeats per minute
- Rating perceived exertion on a scale of 1–10
Correct answer: The ability to carry on a conversation comfortably
The talk test assesses intensity by whether the exerciser can converse comfortably; difficulty speaking indicates high intensity.
AFAA Exercise Science and Kinesiology 1
What does the FITT principle stand for in exercise programming?