Free Practice Questions for NASM CPT Exam

NASM recommends that speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training for seniors be safe, low-impact, and fun while still promoting movement efficiency, coordination, and reaction time. The “Red light, green light” drill fits this profile because it uses controlled start-and-stop movements that can be adjusted for speed and range of motion based on ability.

Hurdle stepovers, box drills, and mirror drills involve greater joint stress, faster direction changes, and higher impact, which may not be ideal for all senior clients unless they have advanced fitness levels. Thus, Red light, green light is the most appropriate SAQ drill for this population.

The Rockport walk test is an appropriate submaximal cardiovascular assessment for seniors and individuals with joint issues such as arthritis in the knees. It involves a one-mile walk at the fastest comfortable pace and is used to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness without requiring high-impact activity. The NASM CPT7 guidelines recommend low-impact, steady-state tests for populations with joint limitations to avoid aggravating symptoms. Tests like the YMCA 3-minute step test require repetitive stepping that can strain arthritic knees, the Davies test is a high-intensity agility/coordination drill involving upper body movement (not suited for seniors with lower body arthritis), and the Shark skill test is a dynamic balance/agility assessment with hopping—highly contraindicated for knee arthritis. The Rockport test is performed on a flat surface, minimizing joint stress while still providing valid aerobic fitness data.

When collecting objective information in a fitness assessment, NASM includes measurable physiological data such as resting heart rate, blood pressure, body composition, postural assessment results, and performance metrics.

Medical history, past injuries, and past surgeries are subjective information gathered from client self-reports. Blood pressure, however, is measured by the trainer using a sphygmomanometer, making it objective and quantifiable.