ACE Group Fitness Exam-Practice Questions

The _________ principle demonstrates the importance of physical activity. A. Specificity B. Progression C. Overload D. Reversibility

Reversibility

Which classroom arrangement is the *BEST* option for a youth fitness class? A. Circle B. Stagger C. Parallel lines D. Horizontal lines

A. Circle

Which of the following group fitness class formats would be a good match for using music in the foreground? A. dance-based fitness classes B. boot camp C. aquatic exercise D. yoga

A. dance-based fitness classes

Which of the following exercises may need to be avoided by pregnant women who are in their third trimester? A. deep knee bends B. recumbent cycling C. birddog D. side bridge

A. deep knee bends

What music volume would meet the recommendations for a high-intensity interval training class? A. 80 decibels B. 90 decibels C. 95 decibels D. 100 decibels

A. 80 decibels

Which of the following is an appropriate choice of continuing education for a group fitness instructor looking to expand her services? A. Advanced balance training for older adults. B. Kinesiotaping for injury prevention C. Exercise prescription for cardiac rehabilitation D. Nutrient intake analysis using 24-hour dietary recalls.

A. Advanced balance training for older adults.

A person swimming laps in order to improve their cardiorespiratory fitness will *PRIMARILY* derive energy from which pathway? A. Aerobic system B. Anaerobic system C. Phosphagen system D. Glycolytic anaerobic system

A. Aerobic system

Which of the following is the *MOST* appropriate method for increasing range of motion during the warm-up portion of a group fitness class? A. Dynamic movements B. Static stretching C. PNF stretching D. Ballistic stretching

A. Dynamic movements

To help participants develop more effective movement patterns, GFI's should develop a dynamic warm-up that focuses on adequate mobility in four key areas, including the __________ A. Hips B. Knees C. Scapulothoracic region D. Lumbar spine

A. Hips

What is the primary goal for an exerciser in the action stage of behavioral change? A. Maintain physical activity as a habit through motivation and adherence B. Regularly participate in structured physical activity C. Get involved in some type of activity, avoiding boredom or burnout

A. Maintain physical activity as a habit through motivation and adherence

When using visual cues, what does holding up one thumb indicate to the class? A. Positive reinforcement and praise B. Increase the tempo of this movement C. intensity will increase in the next set D. hold this position for 8 more counts

A. Positive reinforcement and praise

The rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and vastus medialis are collectively known as the _____ A. Quadriceps B. Hip Flexors C. Hamstrings D. Hip extensors

A. Quadriceps

Teaching a new mother who is returning to exercise after the birth of her first child that strengthening the muscles of the upper back will make carrying the baby a little easier addresses which learning domain? A. cognitive B. affective C. psychomotor D. associative

A. cognitive

Which of the following types of musculoskeletal injury requires that the instructor active EMS? A. compound fracture B. contusion C. strain D. sprain

A. compound fracture

_________ is a common cause off hyperglycemia during exercise. A. consuming too many calories before exercise B. low pre-blood glucose levels C. too much pre-exercise insulin D. insufficient glucose consumption during activity

A. consuming too many calories before exercise

Which of the following is among the supervision guidelines and responsibilities of a group fitness instructor? A. continuous supervision in immediate proximity to the participants B. specific supervision of individual participants, even in larger groups C. securing a blanket license for the use of copyrighted music D. providing classes with progressions for elite participants

A. continuous supervision in immediate proximity to the participants

Which of the following is the *BEST* option for enhancing tissue elasticity and increasing joint lubrication in participants with osteoporosis? A. dynamic flexibility exercises B. isometric strengthening exercises C. unilateral exercises D. body-weight exercises

A. dynamic flexibility exercises

Which series of movements is performed in the sagittal plane? A. flexion, extension, plantar flexion, dorsiflexion B. Abduction, adduction, lateral spinal flexion C. Spinal rotation, and shoulder adduction and abduction D. Circumduction, opposition, elevation, depression

A. flexion, extension, plantar flexion, dorsiflexion

Cold environments can cause a generalized vasoconstriction that can be dangerous for individuals with A. hypertension B. low-back pain C. hypotension D. osteoporosis

A. hypertension

Which of the following *BEST* promotes muscular balance throughout the body during class? A. incorporating bilateral movements as well as moving forward and backward B. using lighter weights and more repetitions to improve muscular endurance C. progressing from single-to multi-joint movements D. Always providing the easiest version of an exercise and then offering progressions.

A. incorporating bilateral movements as well as moving forward and backward

The use of which type of cueing often requires permission from the class participants? A. kinesthetic touch B. verbal C. visual D. directional

A. kinesthetic touch

Cueing participants to perform a single-leg hamstring curl at each of a grapevine is an example of ________ A. matching B. patching C. mending D. blending

A. matching

A participant reports pain and tightness under the foot that gets worse when he jogs. What is the condition *MOST* associated with these symptoms? A. plantar fasciitis B. shin splints C. patellofemoral pain syndrome D. illitibial band syndrome

A. plantar fasciitis

Which of the following statements about rapport is true? A. rapport can be defined as a relationship of trust and mutual understanding B. rapport is static and established during the first interaction with an individual C. active listening and establishing professional expertise are key elements in the development of rapport D. good rapport will eliminate feelings of insecurity and apprehension among class participants

A. rapport can be defined as a relationship of trust and mutual understanding

Which of the following actions is *MOST* appropriate if you are experiencing symptoms of burnout while teaching multiple step-training classes each week? A. switch classes with another GFI to have exposure to new students B. lower the intensity of the classes you teach C. add a few circuit training classes to your schedule, as they require less instructor participation D. extend the cool-down segment to give you more time to relax during class

A. switch classes with another GFI to have exposure to new students

Which of the following statements about reporting an accident that occurs during a class is most accurate? A. the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses should be recorded. B. the report should be kept on file for a minimum of one year. C. an accident report is needed only when EMS was activated D. witness statements about who was to blame should be recorded.

A. the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses should be recorded.

What is the primary disadvantage of using target HR to monitor intensity in a group setting? A. the prediction equations have standard deviations of 7 to 12 beats per minute B. finding the target HR requires tests in a laboratory setting C. The 6 to 20 scale can be confusing for new exercisers D. many participants do not know their resting HR, which is needed for equation

A. the prediction equations have standard deviations of 7 to 12 beats per minute

What repetition range is recommended to effectively improve strength in older adults who are starting exercise? A. 8-12 B. 10-15 C. 15-20 D. 20-25

B. 10-15

HR and talk test are the two *PRIMARY* methods recommended for monitoring exercise intensity in which of the following formats? A. an aquatic based class for older adults B. A high-intensity indoor cycling class C. A beginner kickboxing class D. A Pilates Reformer class

B. A high-intensity indoor cycling class

Which of the following intensity-monitoring techniques is *MOST* appropriate when working with a participant with asthma? A. talk test B. Dyspnea scale C. target HR D. percent of maximal HR

B. Dyspnea scale

Which of the following statements about cerebrovascular emergencies is *MOST* accurate? A. asthma attack is a common example that must be managed by the GFI B. EMS should be activated if any cerebrovascular emergency takes place C. common signs of this emergency include coughing and syncope D. during a cerebrovascular emergency, the individual will likely not be breathing at all.

B. EMS should be activated if any cerebrovascular emergency takes place

After observing a participants posture, an instructor encourages them to stretch the muscles of the chest, and work on strengthening the erector spinae, trapezius, and rhomboids. What type of posture did the instructor *MOST* likely observe? A. Lordosis B. Kyphosis C. Scoliosis D. Arthrosis

B. Kyphosis

Adhering to the appropriate standard of care will help instructors reduce their risk of ____________. A. negligence B. Liability C. copyright infringement D. improper referral

B. Liability

What would be a safe and effective way to modify an existing 60-minute class blueprint to create an express lunchtime class that lasts 40 minutes? A. eliminate the cool-down, encouraging participants to stretch on their own B. Maximize class time by including higher-intensity intervals lasting 15-60 seconds with a 1:1 exercise-to-recovery interval ratio. C. Maximize class time by shortening the recovery intervals following each high-intensity interval to a 2:1 exercise-to-recover ratio. D. Shorten the warm-up and cool-down segments of class to allow the conditioning segment to remain the same

B. Maximize class time by including higher-intensity intervals lasting 15-60 seconds with a 1:1 exercise-to-recovery interval ratio.

Which statement about the scope of practice is correct? A. Scope of practice is universal and doesn't vary by location. B. Scope of practice includes the setting in which a professional's services can be provided. C. Scope of practice includes optional guidelines and parameters that can be followed by the professional. D. Scope of practice is based on the education required to work in a given field.

B. Scope of practice includes the setting in which a professional's services can be provided.

Which intensity-monitoring method takes into account each individual participant's metabolic responses to exercise? A. Target HR B. Talk Test C. RPE D. Dyspnea scale

B. Talk Test

What is considered to be a disadvantage of teaching pre-choreographed class formats? A. A performance-like delivery from the instructor. B. The ongoing costs of new music and choreography C. An always-changing environment D. The challenge of improving proficiency over time.

B. The ongoing costs of new music and choreography

What is the role of certifications in the fitness industry? A. To provide evidence of a completed course on a particular topic. B. To provide a competency-based assessment to identify individuals who are qualified to practice in a given job role. C. To provide continuing education for veteran professionals. D. To provide fitness enthusiasts with an introduction to the career opportunities in the industry.

B. To provide a competency-based assessment to identify individuals who are qualified to practice in a given job role.

Which of the following it among the four elements necessary to form a binding contract? A. the existence of a right to control B. an exchange of items of value C. complete list of exercise equipment provided by the facility D. agreement on the scheduled weekly payment for services

B. an exchange of items of value

It is the responsibility of the _______ to put into place procedures for determining if medical evaluation is warranted prior to an individual participating in physical activity based on the health-related information provided on his or her pre-participation forms. A. group fitness instructor B. business operator C. participant D. primary care physician

B. business operator

The ________ style of teaching has traditionally been the most commonly used style in group fitness classes, as it is well-suited to warming up, cooling down, and introducing new movements. A. practice B. command C. self-check D. autonomous

B. command

Which of the following core muscles is/are *PRIMARILY* responsible for spinal extension? A. obliques B. erector spinae C. hamstrings D. Hip extensors

B. erector spinae

The three natural curves of the spine are best observed from a(n)______________ view. A. frontal B. lateral C. anterior D. posterior

B. lateral

Which of the following is outside of the Scope of Practice? A. conducting pre-class assessments of participants and the class environment B. Providing class participants with science-based nutrition advice and meal planning. C. Protecting participant confidentiality, even when a family or friend inquires about a participant's progress. D. Teaching participants how to monitor intensity using HR, RPE, or ventilator response.

B. providing nutrition information

Which of the following statements about youth exercisers is *MOST* accurate? A. they sweat more than adults B. their maximal HR is much higher than their adult counterparts C. they reach much higher blood pressure during exercise than adults D. they have a lower body surface-to-mass ratio than adults

B. their maximal HR is much higher than their adult counterparts

Which of the following individuals is *MOST* likely to be considered an independent contractor? A. a GFI who has been teaching at a facility for more than two years B. A GFI who is paid on a weekly basis based on a set number of hours C. A GFI offering lunchtime workouts for employees at a publishing company D. A GFI teaching classes using the equipment already in place at a fitness facility

C. A GFI offering lunchtime workouts for employees at a publishing company

Myofascial release is *MOST* appropriate during which portion of class? A. Between the resistance and cardiorespiratory segments of class B. As a recovery segment during the conditioning phase C. During the cool-down D. At the very beginning of class

C. During the cool-down

What is the *FIRST* step in the planning process that GFI's can use to design a well-organized class? A. Identify the moderate-intensity version of each movement featured B. Choose appropriate music that will motivate participants while keeping them moving at an appropriate pace C. Identify the broader focus of what the class intends to accomplish D. Choose a class title that will appeal to potential participants

C. Identify the broader focus of what the class intends to accomplish

Following a step training class, several participants voice their frustration at being unable to perform certain movements correctly during the conditioning phase of class. What is the *MOST* appropriate action for the GFI to take during the warm-up of the subsequent class session? A. incorporate more stability-focused movements into the warm-up B. Extend the warm-up in order to elevate the participants' heart rates C. Incorporate more rehearsal moves into the warm-up D. Increase the intensity of the warm-up to better prepare them for the conditioning segment

C. Incorporate more rehearsal moves into the warm-up

Which of the following is considered a physical-activity factor that may influence a person's decision to engage in exercise? A. Health status B. Activity History C. Injury D. Access to facilities

C. Injury

Performing muscular contractions at high velocity is primarily focused on improving which component of physical fitness? A. Reaction Time B. Muscular Strength C. Power D. Muscular Endurance

C. Power

What is the *BEST* course of action for a GFI to take it he or she finds a strip of peeling rubber along the edge of a step platform while setting up the room prior to class? A.Repair the step by cutting off the torn piece of rubber B. use the step while teaching so that no participant has to use it C. Remove the step from the class and report the issue to management D. Place a sign on the step alerting participants to the damage

C. Remove the step from the class and report the issue to management

What occurs when a muscle spindle is activated due to a quick stretching of a muscle? A. The muscle spindle causes a reflex contraction in the antagonist muscle group. B. The muscle spindle relaxes the agonist muscle group. C. The muscle spindle causes a reflex contraction in the muscle stretched. D. The muscle spindle causes a reflex inhibition.

C. The muscle spindle causes a reflex contraction in the muscle stretched.

Organizing the class participants into a horizontal line with the GFI facing the participants is the *BEST* option for a(n)_________ class. A. Kettlebell B. older adult balance training C. Dance based D. Pilates reformer

Kettlebell

Which of the following types of flooring is the *BEST* option when trying to control undesirable medial-lateral motions of the foot? A. Grass B. Concrete C. Wood D. Carpet

C. Wood

Which of the following statements about the post-conditioning cool-down is *MOST* accurate? A. It is important to perform static stretches at the beginning of the cool down. B. The arms should be kept above the level of the heart to reduce the chance of blood pooling. C. Work should be less intense than during the conditioning segment of the class. D. Driving music should be used to keep participants excited during the final segment of class.

C. Work should be less intense than during the conditioning segment of the class.

____________ represents an intrinsic risk factor for the participant. A. importer footwear B. the temperature of the room C. a strength or flexibility imbalance D. complexity of the movements

C. a strength or flexibility imbalance

A participant who immediately respond when hearing the instructor cue " four grapevines left" by performing the movement the movement smoothly and in time with the music is in which stage of learning? A. cognitive B. affective C. autonomous D. associative

C. autonomous

Which of the following primary moments required are listed in the proper order to perform the following tasks: lift a heavy box off the floor, carry it upstairs, open a closet door, and place the box on a high shelf? A. upper body pull, double leg movement, rotate, upper body push B. bend and lift, double leg movement, upper body pull, and rotate C. bend and lift, single leg movement, upper body pull, upper body push D. upper body push, single leg movement, rotate, upper body pull

C. bend and lift, single leg, upper body pull, upper body push

Which of the following is an example of a symptom, as opposed to a sign, of injury or illness? A. loss of coordination B. heavy coughing C. dizziness D. blue lips

C. dizziness

Which of the following documents is used to make the dangers of a program or test procedure known to the participant? A. waiver B. contract C. informed consent D. agreement to participate

C. informed consent

Which verbal communication technique helps the GFI empathize with the participant and clarify the main points and feelings the participant is communicating? A. open-ended questions B. close-ended questions C. reflective listening D. encouragement

C. reflective listening

Use of the talk test during a group fitness class is an example of the _______ style of teaching. A. practice B. command C. self-check D. inclusion

C. self-check

If a participant is standing with good overall posture, the _______ will be visible from the anterior view. A. knuckles B. elbows C. thumbs and index fingers D. forward-head position

C. thumbs and index fingers

Which type of insurance policy would cover the shortfall should a judgement against an instructor exceed the coverage of his or her other insurance policies? A. professional liability B. personal liability C. umbrella liability D. rider policy

C. umbrella liability

Which of the following statements about progressions is *MOST* accurate? A. it is effective to cue progressions as "advanced" or "high level" options B. the GFI should teach the progressed version of each movement, only offering regressions when necessary C. when offering higher-intensity options, refer to them as "progressions" rather than "modifications" D. encourage all participants to perform progressions whenever possible, as the standard versions are often not intense enough

C. when offering higher-intensity options, refer to them as "progressions" rather than "modifications"

Which of the following is an example of intrinsic motivation? A. A spouse taking a participant out to dinner once a month as a reward for making it to the gym three times each week. B. A participant treating herself to a manicure and pedicure after every 10 classes she attends C. A participant receiving a free t0shirt from the facility after attending 15 classes in one month D. A participant continuing to attend weekly Yoga classes because he enjoys the sense of relaxation he experiences.

D. A participant continuing to attend weekly Yoga classes because he enjoys the sense of relaxation he experiences.

Which combination of symptoms required immediate medical attention? A. Cold, clammy skin and low BP B. Headache and general weakness C. profuse sweating and a weak, rapid pulse D. Bright red skin color and labored breathing

D. Bright red skin color and labored breathing

The *PRIMARY* goal of the birddog exercise is to________ A. promote thoracic spine mobility B. Enhance hip mobility C. Improve shoulder mobility D. Enhance stability of the lumbar spine

D. Enhance stability of the lumbar spine

Which of the following joints is designed to favor stability more then mobility? A. Glenohumeral B. Thoracic Spine C. Hip D. Knee

D. Knee

Which of the following exercises is an example of adduction in the frontal plane? A. Bicep curl B. Bench Press C. Body-weight squat D. Lateral shoulder raise

D. Lateral shoulder raise

A person who participates in your dance-based group fitness class once or twice each week and reports no other leisure-time activity is in which stage of behavioral change? A. Contemplation B. Preparation C. Action D. Maintenance

D. Maintenance

Which class of medication reduces resting, exercising, and maximal exercising heart rates? A. diuretics B. caffeine C. antidepressants D. beta-blockers

D. beta-blockers

A GFI who attends an ACE-sponsored live workshop at a health and fitness conference will likely receive a_____ A. professional certification B. knowledge-based certificate C. curriculum-based certificate D. certificate of completion

D. certificate of completion

What is the most likely explanation for an experiences participant exhibiting improper exercise technique during class? A. rhabdomyosis B. injury C. burnout D. fatigue

D. fatigue

What is the *BEST* exercise option for an older client who has osteoporosis? A. indoor cycling B. swimming laps C. aquatic exercise D. group strength

D. group strength

Extreme cases of ______ can result in fatigue, lethargy, and possible cardiac arrest. A. Head exhaustion B. hypothermia C. heat stroke D. hypothermia

D. hypothermia

A participant approaches you prior to class to let you know that English is his second language and that he sometimes struggles to understand your cues. What is the *BEST* response in this situation? A. begin your cues earlier so he has more time to react B. lower the music volume and increase the mic volume C. make other participants aware of the situation and teach a lower-intensity class D. incorporate aerobic q-signs, using them in addition to your verbal cues

D. incorporate aerobic q-signs, using them in addition to your verbal cues

What is the most common reason that individuals provide for not exercising or for dropping out of an exercise program? A. lack of access to a facility B. injury C. chronic illness D. lack of time

D. lack of time

Which of the following is a late symptom of hypoglycemia? A. anxiety B. confusion C. extreme hunger D. loss of motor coordination

D. loss of motor coordination

When posting before-and-after pictures of a regular class participant who has lost a considerable amount of weight one a Facebook page, the instructor should _________. A. ask the participant for permission during class B. use only the participant's first name C. blur out the participants face D. option written consent from the participant

D. option written consent from the participant

Which of the following would be recommended for a class participant with a cardiac condition? A. using the valsalva maneuver to increase force production during resistance training B. performing isometric exercises to improve posture and increase muscle tone C. alternate between exercises performed lying down and standing up with little rest time D. participating in classes that focus on moderate-to-high intensity exercise

D. participating in classes that focus on moderate-to-high intensity exercise

What is the *BEST* way to build endurance when performing the birddog exercise? A. extend the hold time B. increase the range motion C. increase the speed of movement D. perform more repetitions

D. perform more repetitions

Which of the following teaching strategies should be used sparingly during the peak of the conditioning segment of class due to its tendency to reduce exercise intensity? A. repetition-reduction B. add-in C. layering D. slow-to-fast

D. slow-to-fast

Which teaching strategy involves the performance of a base movement followed by the addition of variables such as changes in direction, rhythm, and lever length? A. part-to-whole B. Simple-to-complex C. slow-to-fast D. repetition-reduction

Simple-to-complex