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

What term describes the number of times an exercise is repeated?

1. Frequency

2. Duration

3. Repetition

4. Intensity

The correct answer is: Repetition

The term that describes the number of times an exercise is repeated is "repetition." In resistance training and exercise programming, repetitions refer specifically to the count of how many times a particular movement is performed consecutively without taking a break. For example, if an individual performs ten bicep curls in a row, that constitutes ten repetitions of that exercise. This concept is crucial for constructing effective workout routines that target specific muscle groups and achieve desired fitness outcomes. By adjusting the number of repetitions, trainers can influence muscle strength, endurance, and hypertrophy. The other terms listed serve different purposes in exercise terminology. Frequency refers to how often a workout is performed within a certain time frame. Duration describes the length of time spent exercising or the total time of a workout session. Intensity relates to how hard the exercise is being performed, typically described by the amount of weight lifted or the effort level exerted during an activity. Understanding these distinctions is key to designing well-rounded fitness programs.