NASM SFC Practice Exam 1 Study Guide 2026 | Complete
Review | Graded A+
1. If a client presents with symptoms of excessive CNS tension and has a history
of stroke, what is the most appropriate course of action?
Continue with regular fitness training.
Ignore the symptoms and monitor progress.
Suggest self-stretching techniques.
Refer the client to a medical professional.
2. Describe the significance of flexibility training in addressing postural
dysfunctions.
Flexibility training primarily focuses on building muscle strength.
Flexibility training has no impact on postural dysfunctions.
Flexibility training is crucial for improving range of motion and
reducing the risk of injury associated with postural dysfunctions.
Flexibility training is only beneficial for athletes.
3. Describe how localized dehydration can affect muscle performance and
flexibility.
Localized dehydration enhances muscle performance by increasing
blood flow.
Localized dehydration improves flexibility by reducing muscle
stiffness.
Localized dehydration can lead to increased trigger points, which
may restrict muscle performance and flexibility.
, Localized dehydration has no effect on muscle performance or
flexibility.
4. Which of the following can assist a client in getting started with their self-
stretching program?
Completing stretches that the client loves.
Having a complete rest day where only stretching techniques are
performed.
Doing either upper body or lower body on alternating days.
Pre-planning with the fitness professional.
5. What term describes a condition where a client has reduced range of motion
in their joints?
Hypomobility
Hypermobility
Stability
Flexibility
6. Which of the following describes underactive myofascia?
Chronically shortened tissues with a decreased neural drive,
preventing spastic movement.
Chronically fatigued tissues with an increased spastic neural drive,
preventing recovery from exercise.
Chronically elongated tissues with a decreased neural drive,
preventing normal movement.
Chronically over-strengthened tissues with an increased neural drive,
preventing weakness in the system.
,7. If a fitness trainer notices a client has increased trigger points during a
session, what might be a recommended action to address potential localized
dehydration?
Suggest the client reduce their water intake to avoid bloating.
Encourage the client to hydrate adequately before and during
workouts.
Advise the client to stretch more frequently without hydration.
Instruct the client to take longer breaks between exercises.
8. What type of stretching technique is recommended to be used first by a
client?
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
Ballistic
Dynamic
Static
9. What term refers to the established professional guidelines for behavior in a
fitness training context?
Professional standards
Client confidentiality
Fitness regulations
Code of ethics
10. The most effective frequency of stretching is:
4-5 days/wk
3-4 days/wk
, 1-2 days/wk
daily
11. During a class on stroke, a junior nursing student asks what the clinical
manifestations of stroke are. What would be the instructor's best answer?
"Clinical manifestations of a stroke depend on the area of the
cortex, the affected hemisphere, the degree of blockage, and the
availability of collateral circulation."
"Clinical manifestations of a stroke generally include aphasia, one-
sided flaccidity, and trouble swallowing."
12. Managing client expectations is best achieved by
educating the client.
downplaying client concerns.
using past performance to reassure clients.
presenting research to the client.
13. Describe how postural dysfunction can affect a client's respiratory function.
Postural dysfunction can restrict the diaphragm's movement,
leading to shallow breathing.
Postural dysfunction only affects muscle strength, not breathing.
Postural dysfunction enhances lung capacity and improves breathing.
Postural dysfunction has no effect on respiratory function.
14. Discuss how the diversity of manual and movement therapies reflects the
complexity of fascial dysfunctions.
Therapies are only effective if they are performed in a group setting.
Review | Graded A+
1. If a client presents with symptoms of excessive CNS tension and has a history
of stroke, what is the most appropriate course of action?
Continue with regular fitness training.
Ignore the symptoms and monitor progress.
Suggest self-stretching techniques.
Refer the client to a medical professional.
2. Describe the significance of flexibility training in addressing postural
dysfunctions.
Flexibility training primarily focuses on building muscle strength.
Flexibility training has no impact on postural dysfunctions.
Flexibility training is crucial for improving range of motion and
reducing the risk of injury associated with postural dysfunctions.
Flexibility training is only beneficial for athletes.
3. Describe how localized dehydration can affect muscle performance and
flexibility.
Localized dehydration enhances muscle performance by increasing
blood flow.
Localized dehydration improves flexibility by reducing muscle
stiffness.
Localized dehydration can lead to increased trigger points, which
may restrict muscle performance and flexibility.
, Localized dehydration has no effect on muscle performance or
flexibility.
4. Which of the following can assist a client in getting started with their self-
stretching program?
Completing stretches that the client loves.
Having a complete rest day where only stretching techniques are
performed.
Doing either upper body or lower body on alternating days.
Pre-planning with the fitness professional.
5. What term describes a condition where a client has reduced range of motion
in their joints?
Hypomobility
Hypermobility
Stability
Flexibility
6. Which of the following describes underactive myofascia?
Chronically shortened tissues with a decreased neural drive,
preventing spastic movement.
Chronically fatigued tissues with an increased spastic neural drive,
preventing recovery from exercise.
Chronically elongated tissues with a decreased neural drive,
preventing normal movement.
Chronically over-strengthened tissues with an increased neural drive,
preventing weakness in the system.
,7. If a fitness trainer notices a client has increased trigger points during a
session, what might be a recommended action to address potential localized
dehydration?
Suggest the client reduce their water intake to avoid bloating.
Encourage the client to hydrate adequately before and during
workouts.
Advise the client to stretch more frequently without hydration.
Instruct the client to take longer breaks between exercises.
8. What type of stretching technique is recommended to be used first by a
client?
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
Ballistic
Dynamic
Static
9. What term refers to the established professional guidelines for behavior in a
fitness training context?
Professional standards
Client confidentiality
Fitness regulations
Code of ethics
10. The most effective frequency of stretching is:
4-5 days/wk
3-4 days/wk
, 1-2 days/wk
daily
11. During a class on stroke, a junior nursing student asks what the clinical
manifestations of stroke are. What would be the instructor's best answer?
"Clinical manifestations of a stroke depend on the area of the
cortex, the affected hemisphere, the degree of blockage, and the
availability of collateral circulation."
"Clinical manifestations of a stroke generally include aphasia, one-
sided flaccidity, and trouble swallowing."
12. Managing client expectations is best achieved by
educating the client.
downplaying client concerns.
using past performance to reassure clients.
presenting research to the client.
13. Describe how postural dysfunction can affect a client's respiratory function.
Postural dysfunction can restrict the diaphragm's movement,
leading to shallow breathing.
Postural dysfunction only affects muscle strength, not breathing.
Postural dysfunction enhances lung capacity and improves breathing.
Postural dysfunction has no effect on respiratory function.
14. Discuss how the diversity of manual and movement therapies reflects the
complexity of fascial dysfunctions.
Therapies are only effective if they are performed in a group setting.
