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

Which of the following terms describes a group of consecutive repetitions in exercise?

1. Routine

2. Set

3. Session

4. Cycle

The correct answer is: Set

A set refers to a specific number of consecutive repetitions performed without rest. It is a fundamental concept in strength training and exercise programming, often utilized to structure workouts and optimize performance. For example, a trainer might instruct a client to perform 10 push-ups, which constitutes one set. In contrast, the other terms have distinct meanings. A routine encompasses the overall structure of an exercise program, including various exercises and methods used over time. A session refers to a single workout or training period that could include multiple sets and exercises. A cycle generally involves a longer-term training phase or periodization strategy, often spanning several weeks or months. Understanding the definition of a set is crucial for personal trainers to effectively design and communicate workout plans to clients.