National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Practice Exam

What do acute variables specify in exercise?

1. The intensity of cardiovascular training

2. How each exercise is to be performed

3. The duration of the workout session

4. The type of equipment used

The correct answer is: How each exercise is to be performed

Acute variables in exercise refer to the specific components that define how an exercise program is structured on a short-term basis. This includes details on the number of sets, repetitions, rest intervals, training intensity, and exercise selection, which together determine how each exercise is to be performed. These variables help in tailoring workouts to meet individual goals, improving performance, or targeting specific fitness adaptations. By focusing on how each exercise is conducted, practitioners can manipulate these acute variables to produce desired responses in the body, whether it’s building strength, endurance, hypertrophy, or promoting fat loss. Understanding the right configuration of these variables is crucial for optimizing the effectiveness of any exercise regimen, ensuring the client achieves their fitness objectives safely and effectively. The other options touch on important aspects of exercise but do not capture the comprehensive essence of acute variables. For instance, intensity, duration, and equipment type are critical considerations in program design, but acute variables specifically detail the methodology behind exercise execution rather than just the parameters or tools used.