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

What is the role of tempo in exercise?

1. Determining exercise frequency

2. Controlling the amount of time muscles produce tension

3. Defining rest periods during workouts

4. Measuring overall workout duration

The correct answer is: Controlling the amount of time muscles produce tension

Tempo in exercise refers to the speed at which each phase of a movement is performed, controlling how long a muscle is under tension during the lifting and lowering phases of an exercise. This controlled pace can significantly affect the intensity of a workout, the muscle's time under tension, and ultimately the training response. By manipulating tempo, trainers can target different aspects of muscle performance such as strength, hypertrophy (muscle size), and muscular endurance. For example, a slower tempo can increase time under tension, which is beneficial for muscle growth, while a faster tempo may encourage power development. Therefore, understanding and applying tempo in exercise programming is crucial for achieving specific fitness goals and maximizing the effectiveness of each workout. In contrast, options related to exercise frequency, rest periods, or overall workout duration focus on broader training aspects rather than the specific muscular control and intensity related to tempo.