Deck 15: The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Group Exercise Instructor Practice Test

Question 1

During pregnancy, the weight of the uterus during supine exercise will MOST likely cause:

A)An increase in cardiac output
B)An increase in blood pressure
C)A decrease in urine output
D)Shortness of breath

Answer 1

Shortness of breath

Question 2

A participant approaches you after attending your class, visibly upset. She confides in you that she just had her Body Mass Index (BMI) assessed at 34.2. Her goals for exercise include a reduction in BMI out of the "obese" category and into the "overweight" category. In order to achieve this goal, she must reduce her BMI to a maximum of:

A)18.5
B)24.5
C)29.9
D)32.5

Answer 2

29.9

Question 3

Individuals who wish to initiate an exercise program may be affected by underlying health conditions. Which of the following is NOT an example of a condition that would alter the individual's risk according to the American College of Sports Medicine's risk stratification?

A)Diabetes
B)Cystic fibrosis
C)Thyroid disorder
D)Vertigo

Answer 3

Vertigo

Question 4

Muscle spindles play a key function in the sensory-motor feedback loop. They notify the central nervous system of changes in:

A)Muscle length
B)Weight bearing
C)Temperature
D)Friction within the joint capsule

Question 5

Although your musical preference leans strongly towards an eclectic mix of reggae and 1940's show tunes, you realize that may not be everyone's cup of tea. Regardless of the style of music, your tempo must match the pacing of the chosen activity. Which tempo would BEST match the pacing of an inside cycling class?

A)110-125 bpm
B)137-139 bpm
C)147-157 bpm
D)135-170 bpm

Question 6

One of the most common cautions cited for the pregnant women concerns exercising while positioned in supine (lying on the back). The weight of the uterus pressing on blood vessels can reduce blood flow to the fetus which creates a potential for fetal hypoxia and possible developmental disorders. Supine exercises for pregnant women are MOST often:

A)Carefully monitored for duration and repetitions
B)Avoided after first trimester
C)Avoided after initial weight gain of five pounds
D)Avoided all together

Question 7

The day is young and the Group Fitness Instructor (GFI) has many responsibilities to fulfill. Which of the following is LEAST likely to be a part of a comprehensive Risk Management strategy implemented by the GFI?

A)Selecting equipment that meets industry-standards for safety and design
B)Assembling equipment following the guidelines established by the manufacturer
C)Recommending the best equipment for class members to purchase for home use
D)Establishing a regular schedule for the service and repair of all equipment

Question 8

Broken, neglected or just plain nasty equipment will ruin the vibe - and safety - of any exercise class. Which of the following would be the BEST method to prevent the use of damaged equipment in a group class setting?

A)Remove the equipment from the group exercise space or lock it in a secure location that is not accessible to participants
B)Hang a large sign on the main entry door directing participants to avoid use of equipment placed in the back of the room
C)Hang a sign over the most visible location on the equipment alerting the participants that the piece is out of order
D)Complete a work order requesting that the equipment be removed and serviced prior to the next class

Question 9

Which of the following Resistance Exercise concepts is NOT strongly supported by the latest ACSM literature?

A)Previously sedentary individuals should start resistance training with very light or light intensity
B)Adults should alternate training so as to address each major muscle group 2-3 days per week
C)Adults interested in gaining strength and power should perform 8-12 repetitions of a greater resistance, while individuals seeking muscular endurance should perform 15-20 repetitions of a lower resistance
D)Adults should wait no longer than 12-24 hours between bouts of resistance training

Question 10

Heat exhaustion can quickly move to heat stroke. Which of the following is the BEST signal that the body's ability to regulate itself is quickly shutting down?

A)Skin becoming pallid
B)Labored breathing eases
C)Profuse sweating shuts down
D)Pulse becomes weak

Question 11

Which of the following class formats would introduce the LEAST weight-bearing stress on the lower extremities?

A)Step aerobics
B)T'ai Chi
C)Aquatic exercise
D)Kickboxing

Question 12

Negligence is typically defined as the "failure to act as a reasonable and prudent person would act under similar circumstances." Which of the following is LEAST related to the concept of "failure to act"?

A)Failure to do something that should have been done
B)Doing something that should not have been done
C)Not doing anything
D)Eliminating all potential for future liability

Question 13

Novice instructors are at special risk of losing control of their classes. One of the best ways to control variables is to create a choreography cheat sheet. Which of the following is LEAST likely to be part of such as cheat-sheet?

A)Timeframe for each movement to be instructed
B)Progressions and regressions for each movement
C)Social goals for each movement
D)Functional purposes for each movement

Question 14

The Group Fitness Instructor who wants to keep a class engaged but not overwhelmed should remember the acronym DRILL created by Copeland (1991). Which of the following are the 4 methods of progression described by the acronym DRILL?

A)Duration, Rate, Integration, Lever length
B)Duration, Rhythm, Intensity, Lever length
C)Direction, Rhythm, Intensity, Lever length
D)Direction, Rate, Interaction, Lever length

Question 15

You want to create a lively, alerting atmosphere in your pre-dawn class. However, extended exposure to sound levels of 85-90 decibels or greater may eventually damage hearing, so it's not an option to just "crank it up". You choose to raise the bass but lower the treble because:

A)Lower frequency sounds are less damaging to the ear than higher frequency sounds
B)Lower frequency sounds are more damaging to the ear than higher frequency sounds
C)Dominant beats become more pronounced with a lower treble
D)A lower treble encourages alertness and arousal

Question 16

In which phase of tissue healing does the body produce collagen?

A)Fibroblastic/proliferation phase
B)Inflammatory phase
C)Maturation/remodeling phase
D)Granulation phase

Question 17

If an activity is judged to be too hazardous to perform, the BEST risk-management approach would be:

A)Reduction
B)Retention
C)Avoidance
D)Transfer

Question 18

One of the primary responsibilities of the Group Fitness Instructor is to cue proper breathing strategies. In planning a workout, it is helpful to understand that the respiratory control center will receive neural input from many types of receptors. Which of the following receptor type is LEAST likely to provide respiratory input?

A)Muscle spindles
B)Golgi tendon organs
C)Pacinian corpuscles
D)Joint pressure receptors

Question 19

All of the following are examples of risk-management components for facilities EXCEPT:

A)The floor surface is appropriate for each activity
B)Lighting is adequate for performance of the skill and for supervision
C)Entrances and exits are well marked
D)Water bottles are provided for participants during group class

Question 20

"Music is like a legal drug for athletes," says Costas Karageorghis, Ph.D., one of the world's leading authorities on music and exercise. By this, he MOST likely meant:

A)Music creates an unrealistic state of euphoria, serving much like an amphetamine drug
B)Music improves endurance significantly while reducing the athlete's perception of effort, serving much like performance-enhancing drugs
C)Music reduces the anxiety and stress of competition, serving much like a depressant drug
D)Athletes can become addicted to listening to music

Question 21

With regular cardiovascular endurance training, blood flow to working skeletal muscle is increased by ALL BUT ONE of these means. Which mechanism is NOT USED to increase blood flow?

A)A decrease in the recruitment of capillaries in the skeletal muscles being trained
B)An increase in the number of capillaries in the skeletal muscles being trained
C)An effective blood flow redistribution from inactive muscles to active muscles
D)An increase in blood volume

Question 22

Cueing is a vital aspect of group exercise classes. Cues are used to enhance safety, timing, education, motivation, and structure (STEMS). Which of the following is LEAST likely to be an appropriate use of cueing?

A)Providing compliments to participants
B)Giving instruction on proper anatomical alignment
C)Providing instruction on how to progress a particular exercise
D)Providing encouragement to participants

Question 23

One of the simplest ways to quickly change the nature of an exercise is to change the position or environment of the exerciser. During land-based exercise, gravity insures that the body must work harder to push blood "up the hill" and back towards the heart. During immersion, hydrostatic pressure does the work. Because of this external pressure, there is a fundamental increase in WHICH of the following?

A)The volume of blood in the ventricles at the end of diastole and the force of contraction of the heart muscle
B)Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure
C)Blood pressure and intensity of exercise
D)Heart rate and blood pressure

Question 24

Which of the following Cardiovascular Exercise concepts is strongly supported by the latest ACSM literature?

A)Individuals who are unable to meet the minimum recommendations for exercise will not benefit from making the attempt
B)Sedentary behavior (sitting for long periods of time) is not a health risk factor as long as the individual participates in daily resistance training
C)Adults should get a minimum of 180 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity training every week
D)Individuals seeking cardiovascular training effects can break cardiovascular training into multiple shorter sessions (of at least 10 minutes) or perform one long sustained training session

Question 25

One of the responsibilities of the Group Fitness Instructor is to reduce the potential for injury to class members. Which of the following risk factors would be under the GREATEST control of the instructor?

A)Friction coefficient of the flooring
B)Environment (temperature, humidity, lighting) of the room
C)Instruction and demonstration of movement execution
D)Participant health history

Question 26

The Reciprocal teaching strategy involves participants utilizing a partner to provide feedback. This teaching technique works best for:

A)Classes involving partner strength or flexibility
B)Novice exercisers who could use a fitness role model
C)Creating uniformity among participants
D)Providing private practice time for participants

Question 27

One of the most frustrating categories of pain syndromes for physical therapists to address is patella femoral pain disorders. Individuals who suffer from these disorders are often unable to report exactly where the pain is located or what brings it on. Fortunately, no matter the cause, many of the recommendations for management are the same. All of the following are proper recommendations for participating in group exercise with patella femoral pain EXCEPT:

A)Avoid excessive squatting
B)When indoor cycling, lower the seat to give quadriceps greater power
C)Avoid ballistic movements
D)Avoid high repetitions of knee extensions (keep it under 20 reps)

Question 28

The contract-relax stretching technique applies the principle of reciprocal inhibition. Which of the following BEST defines this principle?

A)Activation of muscles on both sides of a joint simultaneously will cause an overflow cascade of muscle recruitment
B)Activation of muscles on both sides of the body simultaneously will cause an overflow cascade of muscle recruitment
C)Activation of a muscle on one side of a joint will cause inhibition of the muscle on the opposite side of the joint
D)Activation of a muscle on one side of the body will cause inhibition of the same muscle on the opposite side of the body

Question 29

As relates to maximal and submaximal exercise tests, under which circumstances would a doctor-supervised version be recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine?

A)A maximal exercise test of a person who is asymptomatic and has no risk factors
B)A submaximal exercise test of a person is asymptomatic and has 2 risk factors
C)A submaximal test of a person who is asymptomatic and has no risk factors
D)A submaximal test of a person who has cardiac symptoms and 1 risk factor

Question 30

One of the techniques used by fitness instructors to generate a well-loved class is to establish group goals. Group camaraderie and cohesion occurs when people unite around a common task or goal. How does group cohesion relate to fitness?

A)Group cohesion within an exercise class increases enjoyment and adherence to an exercise program.
B)Group cohesion ensures that participants can meet future friends and romantic partners at an exercise class.
C)Group cohesion allows newer participants to imitate their fellow class members without feeling self-conscious.
D)Group cohesion allows for more socialization once the class is over.

Question 31

The original Borg Scale runs from 6-20. Which of the following would BEST represent a rating of perceived exertion range that corresponds to the 55-90% maximum heart rate suggested by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)?

A)10-13
B)10-16
C)12-16
D)12-19

Question 32

The primary purpose of seeking "informed consent" is to:

A)Eliminate all potential for future liability
B)Explain risks or dangers associated with an exercise program or test
C)Standardize the paperwork that class participants must complete
D)Eliminate the need for completing an incident report

Question 33

One of the responsibilities of the Group Fitness Instructor (GFI) is to uphold public trust in the health and fitness industry. Which of the following is LEAST likely to help enhance public appreciation for the industry?

A)Mentor, educate and train novice instructors
B)Endorse commercial products
C)Encourage use of informed consent documents
D)Refer participants to outside health care providers

Question 34

Other than the front desk staff, no other department in a facility will have as much face-time with membership as the Group Fitness Instructor (GFI). What percentage of members visiting the facility on any given day will attend a group fitness class?

A)15%
B)20%
C)25%
D)30%

Question 35

Every Thanksgiving, we are given a graphic view of the difference between slow twitch and fast twitch muscle fibers. Those who like to eat the turkey drumsticks, for example, are eating muscles which have plenty of a darkly-colored protein that is necessary for sustained activity. Typically, the dark meat is comprised of slow-twitch muscles, while the lighter meat has a greater percentage of fast twitch fibers. What is this darkly colored protein?

A)Tryptophan
B)Myoglobin
C)Adenosine tri phosphate (ATP)
D)Lysine

Question 36

The average adult body contains about 5 liters of blood. This means that all of our blood is rotated through our body once every minute or so. The idea of "cardiac output" is an important concept in understanding this phenomenon. It is possible to calculate cardiac output by knowing which two values?

A)Heart rate and stroke volume
B)Stroke volume and VO2
C)Stroke volume and oxygen debt
D)Heart rate and ejection fraction

Question 37

The benefits of using a stability ball as an exercise tool include strength, flexibility, and balance. What is an added benefit of this type of exercise?

A)It can be performed at home
B)Proper posture
C)The ball can also be used for sports and games
D)Children think it is fun to exercise with a ball

Question 38

The body requires large amounts of energy to perform vigorous physical activity. Which of these is NOT an energy system that helps contribute to the body's total energy needs during exercise?

A)Aerobic
B)Anaerobic glycolysis
C)Phosphagen
D)Photosynthesis

Question 39

During maximal exercise, blood flow decreases to all the following organs EXCEPT:

A)Skeletal muscle
B)Liver
C)Brain
D)Kidneys

Question 40

If a victim is found unconscious and not breathing, it is no longer standard procedure to "look, listen and feel for breathing". Instead, the responder should FIRST assess if:

A)Blood pressure is low
B)Breathing is absent or not normal
C)The heart is not beating
D)Blood is present on the scene

Question 41

One of the newer recommendations made by heart associations is called "Hands-Only CPR." Which of the following is the rationale behind eliminating the respiratory component of CPR?

A)Studies have shown that people have fear of performing the respiratory component (because of infectious disease)
B)When offered a simplified option, people will be more likely to do something
C)Studies show that, when performed correctly, chest compressions are as effective as compressions plus breath support
D)Studies show that the respiratory component of CPR should not be performed until a heart rhythm is restored

Question 42

What type of instructor promotes dependence, intimidates participants, presents unattainable goals, and focuses on the "quick fix" (other than a soon-to-be-fired-instructor)?

A)The facility-centered instructor
B)The participant-centered instructor
C)The goal-centered instructor
D)The teacher-centered instructor

Question 43

The Group Fitness Instructor who teaching multiple types of exercise classes must be prepared to use different methods of intensity monitoring in order to provide feedback. Which of the following options would BEST describe the monitoring methods that should be used during an aquatic exercise class?

A)Heart rate, Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) or Talk Test
B)Heart rate or Talk Test
C)Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) or Talk Test
D)Heart rate or Rating of perceived exertion (RPE)

Question 44

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recently released a document entitled "Quantity and Quality of Exercise for Developing and Maintaining Cardio respiratory, Musculoskeletal, and Neuromotor Fitness in Apparently Healthy Adults: Guidance for Prescribing Exercise". This paper gave a definitive answer to the age-old question:

A)Which disciplines are legally permitted to work with clients?
B)How much exercise is actually enough exercise?
C)What is the minimum age at which children should be permitted to participate in weight training?
D)What are the gold-standard methods for adapting any exercise for the client with a disability?

Question 45

When a Group Fitness Instructor has a novice exerciser in a group exercise class, cues for this person should be focused on all of the following EXCEPT:

A)Correctly timing movements with the music
B)Ensuring the participant's safety
C)Assuring correct positioning during the movements
D)Cueing appropriate breathing patterns

Question 46

One of the best ways that a Group Fitness Instructor (GFI) will create growth and popularity of an exercise class is to create rapport among attendees. Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate method used by GFIs to establish rapport among participants?

A)Learning participants' names
B)Being approachable before and after class
C)Shaking hands or hugging participants after an amazing class
D)Using eye contact or other non-verbal cues appropriate to the person

Question 47

"If you can just talk, you are just about at the right exercise intensity." This sage piece of exercise advice is often referenced as:

A)The Rating of Perceived Exertion Test
B)The Talk Test
C)The Borg Test
D)The Intensity Test

Question 48

Specificity of Training doctrine tells us that sports training should be relevant to the activity for which the individual is training in order to produce a maximal effect. Individuals looking to gain aerobic fitness must train aerobically. Why does an increase in the size and number of mitochondria result from aerobic endurance training?

A)Mitochondria contain DNA which determines the genetic makeup of the muscle tissue
B)Mitochondria contain enzymes that suppress the production of ATP
C)Mitochondria help the muscle to produce ATP
D)Mitochondria contain glycogen

Question 49

One of the greatest services a facility can offer its membership is quality group fitness classes. In order to determine which classes meet the needs of the customer, it is essential for facilities to track attendance to determine is the class is a good use of resources. When examining class value from a business perspective, management is MOST likely to use any of the following metrics EXCEPT:

A)Class counts
B)Cost-per-head
C)Instructor seniority and wages
D)Penetration

Question 50

Which of the following would be the MOST appropriate instruction for a participant suffering from trochanteric bursitis?

A)"Avoid calf raises"
B)"Avoid open-chain kicking"
C)"Avoid side-lying positions"
D)"Avoid weight bearing activities"

Question 51

Cycling, both outdoor and indoor, has hit the fitness club industry by storm. All of the following are reasons that group indoor cycling a good exercise option for those with orthopedic limitations EXCEPT:

A)Cycling is a non-impact form of exercise
B)Cycling is a non-weight bearing activity
C)Cycling is not as intense as traditional aerobics or step training
D)Participants can control the amount of resistance

Question 52

Water-based exercise brings many benefits to the forefront, not the least of which is the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the lower extremities. Which of the following is MOST likely to be the result of hydrostatic pressure acting on the human body when positioned in a vertical (upright) posture in the pool?

A)A reduction in weight through the legs and spine
B)A loss of joint position sense (the ability to know where the limbs are in space)
C)An increase in resistance to movement
D)A shift in pooled blood and lymph from the legs to the abdomen and thorax

Question 53

One of the most important responsibilities of a Group Fitness Instructor is to provide understandable cues from "afar". Many of these cues relate to safety. Which of the following are the MOST likely to be classified by Biscontini (2011) as safety-related cues?

A)Numerical, counting, tempo and rhythm
B)Encouraging, energetic, reinforcement and humor
C)Anatomical, alignment, breathing and equipment
D)Relevance, functional purpose, progressions and regressions

Question 54

ACE-Certified professionals are required to provide fair and equal treatment for participants without bias, preference or discrimination against all of the following EXCEPT:

A)Gender
B)Ability to pay
C)Religion
D)National origin

Question 55

Instructor Kendra observes a class participant moving incorrectly or in an unsafe manner. The best way for her to provide positive feedback would be to say:

A)"Don't hold your breath while lifting weights."
B)"Holding your breath while weightlifting is not a good idea."
C)"Don't bear down when you lift something heavy because it can be dangerous."
D)"Make sure you remember to exhale while you lift the weights to prevent doing the Valsalva maneuver."

Question 56

Exercise can be difficult for the individual who is excessively overweight. Which of the following should be the HIGHEST priority for establishing an exercise program for the obese participant?

A)Keep the activity at an intensity level that is sustainable without pain and soreness
B)Reduce body fat
C)Improve BMI
D)Gain muscle mass so that the body requires a greater number of calories at rest

Question 57

According to Lillegard et al (1999), a new tetanus shot is MOST likely to be indicated any time the following occurs:

A)Any time the skin is broken
B)Any time a bone is broken
C)Any time contact is made with blood borne pathogens
D)Any time the EMS is activated

Question 58

Group Fitness Instructors (GFIs) do not typically perform individualized testing of VT1 (first ventilatory threshold) to determine optimum target heart rate zones. Instead, in a group format, the instructor can educate participants in finding their ideal "workout zone" by instructing them to check their "_____" at the moment that they can no longer talk comfortably.

A)Comfort
B)Heart rate
C)Dyspnea
D)Pain

Question 59

One of the responsibilities of the Group Fitness Instructor (GFI) is to look for warning signs that class members are exercising at an unsustainable level. Which of the following is the LEAST likely to be a red flag that can be observed any time during group class?

A)Participant repeatedly trips on the edge of his aerobic step
B)Participant uses poor form during a lateral deltoid lift
C)Participant begins to turn red and sweat excessively during the dance element
D)Participant experiences over 90% of maximum heart rate while riding the cycle

Question 60

After a bout of prolonged exercise, many endurance athletes feel as if they have "hit the wall." This muscle fatigue is MOST STRONGLY associated with:

A)Dehydration
B)Depletion of the body's glycogen reserves
C)Electrolyte imbalance
D)Muscle breakdown

Question 61

It is possible for blood sugar to drop significantly during a 60 minute class; this effect is particularly noticeable in higher-intensity classes, such as spinning. This drop in glucose happens - in part - because of the effect of exercise on insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas. What happens to insulin secretion during exercise?

A)Insulin secretion does not change during exercise
B)Insulin secretion is suppressed during exercise
C)Insulin secretion increases during exercise
D)Insulin secretion ceases completely during exercise

Question 62

The human body adapts to exercising in the heat by increasing plasma volume, decreasing core temperature, decreasing heart rate, and increasing the rate of sweating. How soon do these changes occur?

A)1-2 days
B)3-4 days
C)5-7 days
D)9-14 days

Question 63

Group Fitness Instructors who suggest use of closed chain exercises during their sessions are taking advantage of WHICH exercise principle?

A)Co-contraction of the agonist and antagonist muscle groups produces compression of the joint
B)Co-contraction of the agonist and antagonist muscle groups produces shear of the joint
C)Isolated contraction of a single muscle group produces compression of the joint
D)Isolated contraction of a single muscle group produces shear of the joint

Question 64

The Group Fitness Instructor is responsible for providing the most effective workout in the shortest time. Which three triceps exercises have been shown to elicit the GREATEST muscle activity?

A)The triangle pushup, dip and triceps kickback
B)The traditional pushup, dip and lying barbell triceps extension
C)The triangle pushup, closed-grip bench press and bar push-down
D)The traditional pushup, bar push-down and rope push-down

Question 65

The term "concussion" BEST describes:

A)An injury to the brain, with immediate life-threatening repercussions
B)An injury to the brain caused during a sports event
C)An injury to the brain caused by anoxia
D)An injury to the brain caused by impact, resulting in change to mental status

Question 66

Leaving the club, you observe a woman being clipped by a car in the parking lot. The victim is standing and shows no signs of external trauma, but over the next 5 minutes, she turns pale, with clammy skin, and her pulse becomes weak and irregular. Which of the following is NOT a good idea while waiting for the EMS to arrive?

A)Lay her down on the ground
B)Cover her with a blanket or other warm item
C)Keep her head elevated to keep her awake
D)Elevate her legs 8"-12"

Question 67

Your facility just launched a new aerobic fitness initiative. For the kick-off, they offered members a standardized method to estimate their VO2max without the risks commonly associated with maximal exercise testing. Which of the following would LEAST likely have been chosen as a test for assessing submaximal aerobic fitness?

A)YMCA sub maximal step test
B)McArdle step test
C)Timed up and go (TUG) test
D)Rockport fitness walking test (1-mile walk)

Question 68

Viscosity refers to the property of bodily tissues which allows the tissues to resist loads. Which factors are MOST LIKELY to alter viscosity?

A)Strength and muscle mass
B)Time and temperature
C)Muscle mass and gender
D)Strength and nutrition

Question 69

The rotator cuff - often mispronounced as "rotor cuff" -- is comprised of a group of muscles that are BEST known to work in harmony to:

A)Depress the head of the humerus into the glenoid fossa during shoulder elevation
B)Elevate the head of the humerus into the inferior aspect of the acromion during shoulder elevation
C)Provide normal scapulo-humeral rhythm during shoulder adduction
D)Work in concert with the upper trapezius to elevate the entire shoulder complex (e.g. a shrugging motion)