NASM CPT Chapter 1 and 2 Comprehensive Study Notes

NASM Systems and Evidence-Based Practice

  • Focus on Scientific Principles: NASM’s systems and methodologies are rooted in scientific principles, ensuring they are safe and effective for any client, regardless of their specific fitness goal.

  • Evidence-Based Practice: This is defined as the conscientious use of current best evidence in making decisions about patient or client care.

  • Professional Recommendation: NASM recommends that all fitness professionals maintain a focus on an evidence-based practice to attain the highest levels of professional success.

  • The OPT Model: This is NASM’s proprietary approach to exercise training. It stands for the Optimum Performance Training model and was developed with evidence-based practice as its core guiding philosophy.

Understanding Disease and Body Composition

  • Acute Disease: Any suddenly occurring medical condition that can be treated and healed in a short period of time.

  • Chronic Disease: A medical condition that persists without quickly going away or being cured altogether.

  • Overweight and Obesity: These terms refer to a body weight that is greater than what is considered normal or healthy for a certain height. This weight gain is specifically due to excess body fat. Being overweight or obese greatly increases the chances of developing a chronic disease.

  • Cardiovascular Disease: A broad term describing numerous problems related to the heart and blood vessels. This includes:

    • Stroke

    • Heart attacks

    • Heart failure

    • Heart valve problems

    • Arrhythmias

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Identified as one of the primary risk factors for heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death globally.

  • Cholesterol: A waxy substance found in the blood. It is composed of a combination of protein and fatty acids.

  • Diabetes: A disease characterized by blood glucose levels that are too high. Glucose is primarily derived from the foods individuals consume.

  • Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas. Its function is to help glucose get into cells to provide the necessary energy for work.

  • Cancer: Characterized by an abnormal growth of cells. This can result from a wide range of genetic and environmental factors.

  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): An umbrella term for lung diseases characterized by:

    • Increased breathlessness

    • Airflow limitation

    • Accelerated decline of lung function

Musculoskeletal Health and Scope of Practice

  • Foot and Ankle Issues:

    • Ankle Sprains: Occur when a person rolls, twists, or turns an ankle, leading to the stretching or tearing of ligaments.

    • Plantar Fasciitis: Causes pain in the plantar fascia tissue located on the underside of the foot.

  • The LPHC (Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex): Commonly referred to as the ‘core.’ It is made up of the lumbar spine (low-back area), pelvis, abdomen, and hip musculoskeletal structures. It is a critical anatomical structure because it connects the upper and lower halves of the body.

  • Shoulder Dysfunction: This is very common in the general population, particularly among those who frequently lift objects overhead.

  • Impact of Physical Activity: Research frequently shows that regular exercise and increased physical activity improve numerous types of musculoskeletal dysfunction and chronic diseases.

  • Scope of Practice and Ethics:

    • CPTs must understand the scopes of practice for all adjacent allied health professionals.

    • CPTs must comply with all relevant local laws and regulations to ensure they are working within their scope.

    • Networking with other allied health and fitness professionals can lead to higher levels of success.

    • An NASM-CPT must always adhere to the NASM Code of Professional Conduct.

Clinical Health Metrics and Classifications

  • Body Mass Index (BMI) Classifications:

    • Underweight: <18.5

    • Healthy weight: 18.5−24.918.5 - 24.9

    • Overweight: 25−29.925 - 29.9

    • Obese: 30−34.930 - 34.9

    • Obese II: 35−39.935 - 39.9

    • Obese III: >40

  • Blood Pressure Thresholds (measured in mmHgmmHg):

    • Normal (healthy): Less than 120/80 mmHg120/80\,mmHg

    • Elevated: Systolic between 120120 and 129129 AND diastolic less than 80 mmHg80\,mmHg

    • Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic between 130130 and 139139 OR diastolic between 8080 and 89 mmHg89\,mmHg

    • Stage 2 hypertension: Systolic 140140 or higher OR diastolic 90 mmHg90\,mmHg or higher

    • Hypertensive crisis: Systolic greater than 180 mmHg180\,mmHg and/or diastolic greater than 120 mmHg120\,mmHg

  • LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein):

    • Referred to as ‘bad cholesterol.’

    • Increases risk of cardiovascular disease.

    • Specifically makes up the plaque that clogs arteries.

    • Ideal levels should be less than 100 mg/dL100\,mg/dL.

  • HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein):

    • Referred to as ‘good cholesterol.’

    • Helps remove some LDL cholesterol from the body and does not clog arteries.

    • To reduce heart disease risk, levels should typically be kept around 60 mg/dL60\,mg/dL.

  • Diabetes Types:

    • Type 1: The pancreas makes little to no insulin. It is typically genetic and not preventable. Exercise helps improve blood glucose management and quality of life.

    • Type 2: The body produces insulin, but cells do not use it properly, a state known as insulin resistance. This is often caused by chronic consumption of excess carbohydrates (specifically sugar), leading to high insulin levels that the cells eventually stop responding to.

The Personal Training Profession and Business Models

  • Employment and Workplace Options:

    • Large health clubs.

    • Training clients in their own homes.

    • Online training services.

    • Independent contractor roles.

    • Starting a fitness business, such as outdoor group workouts or opening a studio.

  • Independent Contracting Considerations: This allows the professional to set their own pay rates and keep the entire amount, but requires them to account for operational expenses, insurance costs, and taxes.

  • Customer Service and Sales:

    • Success begins with uncompromising customer service.

    • Selling is an activity of uncovering client needs and presenting solutions.

    • Building rapport with prospective clients makes sales feel natural and automatic.

  • Business Planning: Professionals should use forecasting techniques to predict how many clients they need to service to reach specific annual financial goals.

Marketing and Career Analysis (SWOT and the 4 Ps)

  • Marketing Definition: The process of communicating how a specific product or service will meet the wants and needs of a potential client.

  • The Four Ps of Marketing:

    • Product: Communicating the benefits of using a specific product.

    • Price: Identifying a competitive price for the service.

    • Promotion: Determining how the service will be promoted.

    • Place: Selecting the place or method of distribution.

  • SWOT Analysis Components:

    • Strengths: Identifying competitive advantages like education, certifications (NASM), skills, abilities, or experience with a specific population.

    • Weaknesses: Honest assessment of growth areas, such as being uncomfortable with sales or lack of experience with elite athletes.

    • Opportunities: Identifying ways to develop new skills or expand, such as coaching group workouts. Weaknesses can often be turned into opportunities through education.

    • Threats: External factors that might impact business, such as the economic climate (e.g., recession), health club competition, or market expanders.

Continuing Education and Recertification

  • Recertification Requirements: An NASM-CPT credential must be renewed every 22 years.

  • Required CEUs: A total of 2.02.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are required.

    • 1.9 CEUs1.9\,CEUs must come from continuing education efforts.

    • 0.1 CEU0.1\,CEU must come from renewing a CPR/AED certification.

  • Methods for Earning CEUs:

    • Attending workshops or conferences.

    • Completing online education programs.

    • Participating in livestream webinars.

    • Reading fitness articles and passing a quiz.

    • Creating content for fitness education programs.

    • Speaking at conferences or presenting webinars.