GLPTI Canfitpro PTS Theory Exam Study Guide:
Comprehensive Summary & Practice Concepts
Humber College
This comprehensive GLPTI study guide directly prepares you for the
canfitpro Personal Training Specialist theory exam by covering anatomy,
behavioral change, and injury management. It features high-yield
summaries of critical concepts like the Transtheoretical Model, the PRICE
protocol, and the PFITT program design principle. Master the exact
definitions, screening metrics, and physiological frameworks needed to
confidently pass your written certification on the first attempt.
Which variable MOST increases muscular hypertrophy?
A. Low reps, very high intensity (1–3RM)
B. High reps, low intensity (20–30RM)
C. Moderate reps, moderate-high intensity (6–12RM)
D. Bodyweight only
Answer: C — Moderate reps, moderate-high intensity Rationale:
,Hypertrophy is optimized by mechanical tension + metabolic stress,
typically achieved through:
• 6–12 reps
• 65–85% 1RM
• Multiple sets
• Short rest (60–90 seconds)
This rep range balances load and time under tension.
5. Which cue best maintains spinal alignment during a deadlift?
A. “Round your back slightly”
B. “Chin up high”
C. “Brace your core and keep a neutral spine”
D. “Lock your knees”
Answer: C — Brace your core and maintain a neutral spine Rationale:
Neutral spine = safe and strong.
• Rounding increases disc stress
• Looking too far up creates hyperextension
• Locking knees increases shear forces and reduces glute activation
,6. A client wants fat loss. Which combination is MOST supported by
research?
A. Strength training + small caloric deficit
B. Cardio only
C. Fasting + cardio
D. Yoga only
Answer: A — Strength training + caloric deficit Rationale:
Fat loss requires a negative caloric balance, but strength training
preserves muscle, increases metabolic rate, and improves insulin
sensitivity. This combination outperforms cardio-only or diet-only
approaches.
7. What happens to heart rate as intensity increases?
A. Decreases linearly
B. Increases exponentially
C. Increases roughly linearly
D. Stays about the same
Answer: C — Increases roughly linearly Rationale:
Heart rate rises proportionally with workload until approaching max HR,
where the curve flattens slightly. This relationship forms the basis of
Karvonen and %HRmax training zones.
, 1. Which energy system is primarily used during a 10-second
maximal sprint?
A. Aerobic system
B. ATP–PC system
C. Anaerobic glycolytic system
D. Oxidative phosphorylation Answer: B — ATP–PC system Rationale:
A 10-second sprint is a short, maximal-intensity bout. The ATP–PC
(phosphagen) system provides immediate energy using stored ATP and
phosphocreatine. It lasts 0–10 seconds before depleting.
• Anaerobic glycolysis dominates 10–90 seconds.
• Aerobic metabolism dominates beyond 2 minutes.
• Oxidative phosphorylation is long-duration, low-moderate
intensity.
2. During a squat, which muscles act as the primary agonists?
A. Gluteus maximus and quadriceps
B. Hamstrings and calves
C. Hip flexors and tibialis anterior
D. Abdominals and spinal erectors
Answer: A — Gluteus maximus and quadriceps Rationale:
Comprehensive Summary & Practice Concepts
Humber College
This comprehensive GLPTI study guide directly prepares you for the
canfitpro Personal Training Specialist theory exam by covering anatomy,
behavioral change, and injury management. It features high-yield
summaries of critical concepts like the Transtheoretical Model, the PRICE
protocol, and the PFITT program design principle. Master the exact
definitions, screening metrics, and physiological frameworks needed to
confidently pass your written certification on the first attempt.
Which variable MOST increases muscular hypertrophy?
A. Low reps, very high intensity (1–3RM)
B. High reps, low intensity (20–30RM)
C. Moderate reps, moderate-high intensity (6–12RM)
D. Bodyweight only
Answer: C — Moderate reps, moderate-high intensity Rationale:
,Hypertrophy is optimized by mechanical tension + metabolic stress,
typically achieved through:
• 6–12 reps
• 65–85% 1RM
• Multiple sets
• Short rest (60–90 seconds)
This rep range balances load and time under tension.
5. Which cue best maintains spinal alignment during a deadlift?
A. “Round your back slightly”
B. “Chin up high”
C. “Brace your core and keep a neutral spine”
D. “Lock your knees”
Answer: C — Brace your core and maintain a neutral spine Rationale:
Neutral spine = safe and strong.
• Rounding increases disc stress
• Looking too far up creates hyperextension
• Locking knees increases shear forces and reduces glute activation
,6. A client wants fat loss. Which combination is MOST supported by
research?
A. Strength training + small caloric deficit
B. Cardio only
C. Fasting + cardio
D. Yoga only
Answer: A — Strength training + caloric deficit Rationale:
Fat loss requires a negative caloric balance, but strength training
preserves muscle, increases metabolic rate, and improves insulin
sensitivity. This combination outperforms cardio-only or diet-only
approaches.
7. What happens to heart rate as intensity increases?
A. Decreases linearly
B. Increases exponentially
C. Increases roughly linearly
D. Stays about the same
Answer: C — Increases roughly linearly Rationale:
Heart rate rises proportionally with workload until approaching max HR,
where the curve flattens slightly. This relationship forms the basis of
Karvonen and %HRmax training zones.
, 1. Which energy system is primarily used during a 10-second
maximal sprint?
A. Aerobic system
B. ATP–PC system
C. Anaerobic glycolytic system
D. Oxidative phosphorylation Answer: B — ATP–PC system Rationale:
A 10-second sprint is a short, maximal-intensity bout. The ATP–PC
(phosphagen) system provides immediate energy using stored ATP and
phosphocreatine. It lasts 0–10 seconds before depleting.
• Anaerobic glycolysis dominates 10–90 seconds.
• Aerobic metabolism dominates beyond 2 minutes.
• Oxidative phosphorylation is long-duration, low-moderate
intensity.
2. During a squat, which muscles act as the primary agonists?
A. Gluteus maximus and quadriceps
B. Hamstrings and calves
C. Hip flexors and tibialis anterior
D. Abdominals and spinal erectors
Answer: A — Gluteus maximus and quadriceps Rationale:
