NASM CPT Exam Cheat Sheet + A Few
More Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
Why does NASM emphasize movement quality before load?
✔✔Proper movement reduces injury risk and improves long-term performance.
What does a pronated foot posture typically indicate?
✔✔Overactive calf muscles and underactive intrinsic foot muscles.
What is the purpose of the five-step NASM corrective exercise process?
✔✔To identify, correct, and reinforce optimal movement patterns.
Why is tempo control important in resistance training?
✔✔It regulates time under tension and improves motor control.
What muscle group is commonly underactive in individuals with lower crossed syndrome?
✔✔Gluteus maximus.
What does the term kinetic chain refer to?
✔✔The interconnected system of muscles, joints, and nerves working together.
Why are unstable surfaces used sparingly in training?
1
,✔✔They reduce force production and are best suited for stabilization goals.
What does dorsiflexion occur at?
✔✔The ankle joint.
Why is core stabilization trained before core strength?
✔✔Stability is required to safely and effectively generate force.
What does a valgus knee position during a squat indicate?
✔✔Poor hip and ankle control.
Why does NASM recommend integrated training?
✔✔It simultaneously improves strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination.
What muscle is primarily responsible for scapular retraction?
✔✔Rhomboids.
What does anaerobic training primarily improve?
✔✔Short-duration, high-intensity performance.
Why is breathing cadence important during exercise?
✔✔It supports core stability and oxygen delivery.
2
, What does the OPT strength endurance phase combine?
✔✔Stabilization and strength training elements.
Why are movement assessments performed before programming?
✔✔To individualize exercise selection and intensity.
What joint action occurs at the hip during a squat descent?
✔✔Hip flexion.
What is the main purpose of mobility training?
✔✔To increase usable range of motion.
Why is neutral head alignment important during lifting?
✔✔It protects the cervical spine and maintains posture.
What does reciprocal inhibition describe?
✔✔Relaxation of an overactive muscle when its antagonist contracts.
Why does NASM recommend single-leg exercises?
✔✔They improve balance and reduce asymmetries.
3
More Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
Why does NASM emphasize movement quality before load?
✔✔Proper movement reduces injury risk and improves long-term performance.
What does a pronated foot posture typically indicate?
✔✔Overactive calf muscles and underactive intrinsic foot muscles.
What is the purpose of the five-step NASM corrective exercise process?
✔✔To identify, correct, and reinforce optimal movement patterns.
Why is tempo control important in resistance training?
✔✔It regulates time under tension and improves motor control.
What muscle group is commonly underactive in individuals with lower crossed syndrome?
✔✔Gluteus maximus.
What does the term kinetic chain refer to?
✔✔The interconnected system of muscles, joints, and nerves working together.
Why are unstable surfaces used sparingly in training?
1
,✔✔They reduce force production and are best suited for stabilization goals.
What does dorsiflexion occur at?
✔✔The ankle joint.
Why is core stabilization trained before core strength?
✔✔Stability is required to safely and effectively generate force.
What does a valgus knee position during a squat indicate?
✔✔Poor hip and ankle control.
Why does NASM recommend integrated training?
✔✔It simultaneously improves strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination.
What muscle is primarily responsible for scapular retraction?
✔✔Rhomboids.
What does anaerobic training primarily improve?
✔✔Short-duration, high-intensity performance.
Why is breathing cadence important during exercise?
✔✔It supports core stability and oxygen delivery.
2
, What does the OPT strength endurance phase combine?
✔✔Stabilization and strength training elements.
Why are movement assessments performed before programming?
✔✔To individualize exercise selection and intensity.
What joint action occurs at the hip during a squat descent?
✔✔Hip flexion.
What is the main purpose of mobility training?
✔✔To increase usable range of motion.
Why is neutral head alignment important during lifting?
✔✔It protects the cervical spine and maintains posture.
What does reciprocal inhibition describe?
✔✔Relaxation of an overactive muscle when its antagonist contracts.
Why does NASM recommend single-leg exercises?
✔✔They improve balance and reduce asymmetries.
3
