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NSCA CPSS Chapter 2: Training Load
Model Questions and Answers Latest
2026
Primary reason for monitoring athletes Ans: info
obtained can guide decisions about future training
Supercompensation Ans: performance enhancement if
body is allowed to adapt
Selye's general adaptation syndrome Ans: training stress,
acute fatigue response, adaptation, new level of
homeostasis/performance
Fitness-fatigue model Ans: model in which performance
is function of positive and negative fitness effects
both fitness and fatigue decay exponentially over time
but a different rates (fatigue decays 2x the rate of fitness)
dose-response effect Ans: higher volume and intensity of
training/comp = larger acute fatigue response
training system Ans: all factors important to
performance
includes those that
1. directly influence system (training/testing,
load/fatigue monitoring)
© 2025 All rights reserved
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2. support the system (training facilities/equipment)
key factors for successful training system Ans: System
aims
Short and long-term planning
Search for continuous improvement
Assessment of progress
Adherence to fundamental aspects of training
Program adjustments
Continual manipulation of program variables on micro
and macro level
External load Ans: What athlete has done (distance and
speed of running, kilograms lifted)
Internal load Ans: How athlete responds to given external
load, both physiological and perceptual (HR, blood
lactate, RPE)
What drives the training outcome Ans: the internal
response to a given external load
What is performance a function of Ans: difference
between fitness and fatigue
© 2025 All rights reserved
NSCA CPSS Chapter 2: Training Load
Model Questions and Answers Latest
2026
Primary reason for monitoring athletes Ans: info
obtained can guide decisions about future training
Supercompensation Ans: performance enhancement if
body is allowed to adapt
Selye's general adaptation syndrome Ans: training stress,
acute fatigue response, adaptation, new level of
homeostasis/performance
Fitness-fatigue model Ans: model in which performance
is function of positive and negative fitness effects
both fitness and fatigue decay exponentially over time
but a different rates (fatigue decays 2x the rate of fitness)
dose-response effect Ans: higher volume and intensity of
training/comp = larger acute fatigue response
training system Ans: all factors important to
performance
includes those that
1. directly influence system (training/testing,
load/fatigue monitoring)
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
2. support the system (training facilities/equipment)
key factors for successful training system Ans: System
aims
Short and long-term planning
Search for continuous improvement
Assessment of progress
Adherence to fundamental aspects of training
Program adjustments
Continual manipulation of program variables on micro
and macro level
External load Ans: What athlete has done (distance and
speed of running, kilograms lifted)
Internal load Ans: How athlete responds to given external
load, both physiological and perceptual (HR, blood
lactate, RPE)
What drives the training outcome Ans: the internal
response to a given external load
What is performance a function of Ans: difference
between fitness and fatigue
© 2025 All rights reserved
