Free NASM Trivia Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which is not one of exercise's psychological advantages.

Improved sleep
Reduced depression
Increased agility (Correct answer)
Reduced stress

Correct answer: Increased agility

While exercise offers numerous psychological benefits, such as improved mood, reduced stress and depression, and better sleep quality, increased agility is a physical benefit. Agility refers to the ability to change direction quickly and efficiently, which is a component of physical fitness, not a psychological advantage. The other options directly relate to mental well-being.

Question 2: What do you call the motion where you tilt your head backward?

Cervical flexion
Cervical lateral flexion
Cervical extension (Correct answer)
Cervical coronal extension

Correct answer: Cervical extension

Cervical extension is the movement of tilting the head backward, increasing the angle between the back of the head and the neck. This action involves the muscles on the posterior aspect of the neck, such as the trapezius and erector spinae, working to extend the cervical spine. It is the opposite of cervical flexion.

Question 3: The NASM Code of Professional Conduct does not include which of the following?

Maintain their competencies through continuing education
Adhere to professional and ethical business practices
Adhere to safe and ethical training practices
Maintain clean workspaces in compliance with local ordinances (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maintain clean workspaces in compliance with local ordinances

The NASM Code of Professional Conduct outlines ethical guidelines for fitness professionals, focusing on client welfare, professional integrity, and maintaining competence through continuing education. While maintaining a clean workspace is good practice, it is not explicitly listed as one of the core tenets of the NASM Code of Professional Conduct, which primarily addresses professional behavior and client relationships.

Question 4: How many calories per day should come from carbohydrates?

30 - 45
20 - 30
45 - 65 (Correct answer)
65 - 80

Correct answer: 45 - 65

According to general dietary guidelines, carbohydrates should constitute the largest portion of daily caloric intake for most individuals. The recommended range for carbohydrate consumption is typically 45-65% of total daily calories, as they are the body's primary source of energy. This range supports optimal bodily functions and activity levels.

Question 5: What is it known as when a synergist replaces a weak or inhibited prime mover, such as when the hamstrings replace the gluteus maximus?

Muscular failure
Reciprocal inhibition
Arthrokinematics
Synergistic dominance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Synergistic dominance

Synergistic dominance occurs when a synergist muscle, which normally assists a prime mover, takes over the primary role because the prime mover is weak or inhibited. A classic example is the hamstrings compensating for a weak gluteus maximus during hip extension. This compensation can lead to altered movement patterns, muscle imbalances, and potential injury.

Question 6: The Stabilization Level of training would be MOST represented by which of the following?

Building muscle
Intramuscular coordination
Intramuscular coordination (Correct answer)
Explosiveness

Correct answer: Intramuscular coordination

The Stabilization Level of training in the NASM OPT model focuses on improving neuromuscular efficiency, which includes enhancing intramuscular and intermuscular coordination. Intramuscular coordination refers to the ability of the neuromuscular system to allow optimal recruitment of muscle fibers within a single muscle, leading to better stability and control. This foundational level prepares the body for more advanced training.

Question 7: Where and how should a client's heart rate be measured?

Radial pulse with two fingers (Correct answer)
Fingers Ulnar pulse with thumb
Carotid pulse with two fingers
Femoral pulse with palm

Correct answer: Radial pulse with two fingers

The radial pulse is the most common and accessible site for measuring heart rate manually, typically found on the thumb side of the wrist. Using two fingers (index and middle) is recommended to avoid using the thumb, which has its own pulse, and to ensure accurate palpation of the artery. This method provides a quick and reliable heart rate assessment.

Question 8: What category of joints would you classify the shoulder under?

Non-synovial
Pivot
Ball and Socket (Correct answer)
Condyloid

Correct answer: Ball and Socket

The shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) is classified as a ball and socket joint. This type of synovial joint allows for the greatest range of motion, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation, and circumduction. This extensive mobility is due to the spherical head of the humerus fitting into the cup-like glenoid cavity of the scapula.

Question 9: The phrase that best sums up the number of blood beats per minute multiplied by the quantity of heartbeats per minute is:

Stroke Volume
Cardiac Output (Correct answer)
Diastolic Blood Pressure
Systolic Blood Pressure

Correct answer: Cardiac Output

Cardiac output is the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It is calculated by multiplying the heart rate (number of beats per minute) by the stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped out of the ventricle with each beat). This measure is a key indicator of the heart's efficiency and overall cardiovascular health.

Question 10: The blood vessels that gather blood from capillaries, join veins, and start the process of transporting blood back to the heart are referred to as?

Arteries
Arterioles
Venules (Correct answer)
Veins

Correct answer: Venules

Venules are small blood vessels that collect deoxygenated blood from the capillaries and merge to form larger veins. They act as a transition point, facilitating the return of blood from the tissues back towards the heart. This network is crucial for the efficient circulation of blood throughout the body.

Question 11: Which of the following blood pressure measurements would be affected by the ventricles contracting and driving blood into the pulmonary and systemic circuits?

Diastolic blood pressure
Systolic blood pressure (Correct answer)
Ventricular Diastole
Arterial systole

Correct answer: Systolic blood pressure

Systolic blood pressure is the pressure exerted on the arterial walls when the ventricles contract, pushing blood into the pulmonary and systemic circuits. It represents the peak pressure during the cardiac cycle, reflecting the force of the heart's contraction. This measurement is the top number in a blood pressure reading.

Question 12: Type 1 slow twitch fibers have all of the traits listed below, EXCEPT for:

Quick to Fatigue (Correct answer)
More capillaries
Smaller in Size
Less force produced

Correct answer: Quick to Fatigue

Type I (slow-twitch) muscle fibers are known for their high oxidative capacity, making them highly fatigue-resistant. They are smaller, have more capillaries, and produce less force but can sustain contractions for longer periods. Therefore, being 'Quick to Fatigue' is characteristic of fast-twitch fibers, not slow-twitch.

Question 13: When completing a bosu ball push up, one of the muscles below is regarded as a stabilizer. What is the right response?

Triceps Brachii
Pec Major
Teres Minor (Correct answer)
Biceps Brachii

Correct answer: Teres Minor

When performing a bosu ball push-up, the unstable surface requires greater activation of stabilizing muscles to maintain balance and control. The Teres Minor, as part of the rotator cuff, plays a crucial role in stabilizing the shoulder joint. While the Pec Major and Triceps Brachii are prime movers, the Teres Minor acts as a key stabilizer.

Question 14: Which of the following components of a human cell is regarded as an organelle?

Lysosomes, Ribosomes, Endoplasmic Reticulum (Correct answer)
Neurolemma, Schwann Cells, Sarcolemma
Interstitial, Mucus
Neurons, Cell Wall

Correct answer: Lysosomes, Ribosomes, Endoplasmic Reticulum

Organelles are specialized structures within a living cell that perform specific functions essential for the cell's survival and operation. Lysosomes are involved in waste breakdown, ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, and the endoplasmic reticulum is crucial for protein and lipid modification. These are all fundamental components of eukaryotic cells.

Question 15: What muscle is agonist during external rotation of the shoulder?

Teres Major
Rhomboids
Supraspinatus
Teres Minor (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Teres Minor

The Teres Minor is one of the four muscles of the rotator cuff and is a primary external rotator of the shoulder joint. Along with the infraspinatus, it works to rotate the humerus laterally, moving the arm away from the body's midline in the transverse plane. This action is vital for many daily activities and sports.

Question 16: What level of cholesterol is regarded to be high?

<200mg/dl
>200mg/dl (Correct answer)
>180mg/dl
<180mg/dl

Correct answer: >200mg/dl

A total cholesterol level greater than 200 mg/dL is generally considered elevated and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Optimal levels are typically below 200 mg/dL, with specific recommendations for LDL ('bad' cholesterol) and HDL ('good' cholesterol) also playing a role in assessing overall heart health risk. Regular monitoring is important for prevention.

Free NASM Trivia Questions and Answers 1

Which is not one of exercise's psychological advantages.