Free Practice Questions for NASM CPT Exam

NASM defines relative flexibility as the phenomenon where the kinetic chain seeks the path of least resistance during movement. This occurs when one joint or muscle is restricted, causing movement to occur at an alternative joint that has more mobility, often leading to compensations. The CPT7 guide explains that this can result from muscle imbalances, poor flexibility, or faulty movement patterns, and it often appears in functional movement assessments as compensatory motions.

NASM defines strength as the ability of the neuromuscular system to produce internal tension to overcome an external force. This is distinct from stability (ability to maintain postural control), endurance (ability to sustain a force for a prolonged time), and power (ability to produce force quickly).

Strength adaptations occur when muscles are challenged with sufficient resistance, leading to improved recruitment of motor units, greater muscle fiber size, and increased force production capacity. The focus is on maximal tension generation, not necessarily the speed of movement (as with power).