ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer Exam:
The Ultimate Practice Questions &
Answers Guide
Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals
Q: Which human organ systems are primarily responsible for human
movement?
• A: The Nervous System, Muscular System, and Skeletal System
work together to produce all human movement .
Q: What classification of neurons initiates muscle contraction and
activates glands?
• A: Motor neurons .
Q: What is the function of tendons?
• A: Strong, fibrous cords made of collagen that attach muscle to
bone .
Q: What is the function of ligaments?
• A: Short bands of tough but flexible fibrous connective tissue
connecting two bones or cartilages, or holding together a joint .
Q: Which type of muscle fiber derives its energy primarily from
aerobic energy pathways?
• A: Type I muscle fibers .
Q: What does the Golgi tendon organ detect and respond to in the
muscle?
• A: Changes in muscle tension .
Q: What are the three primary inhibitory proprioceptors?
, • A: Golgi tendon organ, muscle spindle, and Pacinian corpuscle .
Q: What is the largest muscle of the chest?
• A: Pectoralis Major .
Q: What three muscles make up the erector spinae group?
• A: Spinalis, Longissimus, and Iliocostalis .
Q: What is the most superficial muscle of the posterior calf?
• A: Gastrocnemius .
Exercise Science & Biomechanics
Q: What is the "Training Effect"?
• A: A change in the body that occurs as a result of exercise training .
Q: What is the definition of biomechanics?
• A: The study of movement .
Q: Newton's second law of motion deals with what?
• A: Force and its relationship to mass and acceleration .
Q: What is the difference between an isometric and concentric
contraction?
• A: In a concentric contraction, the muscle shortens to produce
movement. In an isometric contraction, the muscle does not
lengthen or shorten as it contracts .
Q: What are the three grip types used in weight training?
• A: Supinated, Pronated, and Neutral .
, Q: What is the recommended breathing pattern for new trainees
during lifts?
• A: Exhale through the sticking point and inhale during the less
strenuous portion of the lifts .
Q: What type of lever is similar to a seesaw?
• A: First-class lever .
Q: What type of lever is similar to a wheelbarrow?
• A: Second-class lever .
Q: The body's automatic tendency to maintain a constant internal
environment is called what?
• A: Homeostasis .
Q: What is the molecule used for storing and transferring energy in
the body?
• A: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) .
Energy Systems & Metabolism
Q: What is aerobic metabolism?
• A: Metabolism that occurs in the presence of oxygen .
Q: What is VO2 max?
• A: Maximum Oxygen Consumption - the maximum rate at which
oxygen can be used during exercise .
Q: What is the estimated maximal heart rate formula?
• A: 220 minus your age .
The Ultimate Practice Questions &
Answers Guide
Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals
Q: Which human organ systems are primarily responsible for human
movement?
• A: The Nervous System, Muscular System, and Skeletal System
work together to produce all human movement .
Q: What classification of neurons initiates muscle contraction and
activates glands?
• A: Motor neurons .
Q: What is the function of tendons?
• A: Strong, fibrous cords made of collagen that attach muscle to
bone .
Q: What is the function of ligaments?
• A: Short bands of tough but flexible fibrous connective tissue
connecting two bones or cartilages, or holding together a joint .
Q: Which type of muscle fiber derives its energy primarily from
aerobic energy pathways?
• A: Type I muscle fibers .
Q: What does the Golgi tendon organ detect and respond to in the
muscle?
• A: Changes in muscle tension .
Q: What are the three primary inhibitory proprioceptors?
, • A: Golgi tendon organ, muscle spindle, and Pacinian corpuscle .
Q: What is the largest muscle of the chest?
• A: Pectoralis Major .
Q: What three muscles make up the erector spinae group?
• A: Spinalis, Longissimus, and Iliocostalis .
Q: What is the most superficial muscle of the posterior calf?
• A: Gastrocnemius .
Exercise Science & Biomechanics
Q: What is the "Training Effect"?
• A: A change in the body that occurs as a result of exercise training .
Q: What is the definition of biomechanics?
• A: The study of movement .
Q: Newton's second law of motion deals with what?
• A: Force and its relationship to mass and acceleration .
Q: What is the difference between an isometric and concentric
contraction?
• A: In a concentric contraction, the muscle shortens to produce
movement. In an isometric contraction, the muscle does not
lengthen or shorten as it contracts .
Q: What are the three grip types used in weight training?
• A: Supinated, Pronated, and Neutral .
, Q: What is the recommended breathing pattern for new trainees
during lifts?
• A: Exhale through the sticking point and inhale during the less
strenuous portion of the lifts .
Q: What type of lever is similar to a seesaw?
• A: First-class lever .
Q: What type of lever is similar to a wheelbarrow?
• A: Second-class lever .
Q: The body's automatic tendency to maintain a constant internal
environment is called what?
• A: Homeostasis .
Q: What is the molecule used for storing and transferring energy in
the body?
• A: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) .
Energy Systems & Metabolism
Q: What is aerobic metabolism?
• A: Metabolism that occurs in the presence of oxygen .
Q: What is VO2 max?
• A: Maximum Oxygen Consumption - the maximum rate at which
oxygen can be used during exercise .
Q: What is the estimated maximal heart rate formula?
• A: 220 minus your age .
