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The Fitness Mentors

NASM Study Guide

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What is included?

Welcome to the Fitness Mentors Free NASM Study Guide page for the Certified Personal Trainer Test. Our goal is to assist you in passing your CPT. Below is our best premium resource to help you study, and if you need further assistance please don’t hesitate to contact us. Happy Studying!

The NASM Study Guide

Fitness Mentors Study Guide for the NASM CPT Test (Updated for the 7th Edition Textbook) highlights information that is crucial to passing the NASM-CPT Exam.

NASM Audio Lectures

Available for the 4th, 5th and 6th Editions of the NASM Textbook

Every person retains information in different ways and we want to help those who prefer to listen and learn.

NASM Practice Tests

Over 600 practice test questions updated for the newest 2023 version of the NASM CPT Test

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Power Point Presentations​

Slide by slide presentations to highlight the most important information from the chapter

Assignment Explanation

Not sure if you answered the questions correctly? Jump down to the explanation to be sure you got the assignment answer correct and pin point the exact topics that make it on the test. 

Final Exam Preparation

The ultimate review tool that pinpoints all topics that make it onto the NASM CPT Exam.  

What will you cover?

  • SECTION 1: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY
  • Chapter 1: Modern State of Health and Fitness
  • Chapter 2: The Personal Training Profession
  • 2: CLIENT RELATIONS AND BEHAVIORAL COACHING SECTION
  • Chapter 3: Psychology of Exercise Chapter
  • Chapter 4: Behavioral Coaching
  • 3: BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES AND NUTRITIONAL CONCEPTS SECTION
  • Chapter 5: The Nervous, Skeletal, and Muscular Systems
  • Chapter 6: The Cardiorespiratory, Endocrine, and Digestive Systems
  • Chapter 7: Human Movement Science
  • Chapter 8: Exercise Metabolism and Bioenergetics
  • Chapter 9: Nutrition
  • Chapter 10: Supplementation
  • SECTION 4: ASSESSMENT SECTION
  • Chapter 11: Health, Wellness, and Fitness Assessments
  • Chapter 12: Posture, Movement, and Performance Assessments
  • SECTION 5: EXERCISE TECHNIQUE AND TRAINING INSTRUCTION SECTION
  • Chapter 13: Integrated Training and the OPT Model
  • Chapter 14: Flexibility Training Concepts
  • Chapter 15: Cardiorespiratory Training
  • Chapter 16: Core Training Concepts
  • Chapter 17: Balance Training Concepts
  • Chapter 18: Plyometric (Reactive) Training Concepts
  • Chapter 19: Speed, Agility, and Quickness Training Concepts
  • Chapter 20: Resistance Training Concepts
  • SECTION 6: PROGRAM DESIGN
  • Chapter 21: The Optimum Performance Training Model
  • Chapter 22: Introduction to Exercise Modalities
  • Chapter 23: Chronic Health Conditions and Special Populations
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This complete NASM study guide course covers the most important topics to pass the exam as well as the most important information to succeed as a personal trainer from the following textbook: National Academy of Sports Medicine’s Essentials of Personal Fitness Training 7th Edition

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  • Lecture Presentations
  • Audiobook Lectures
  • Study Guide Questions
  • Study Guide Answers
  • Chapter Quizzes
  • Final Exam Preparation Guide
  • Three 120 Question Practice Exams
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Two thumbs up, worth it

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February 19

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Trustworthy material

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February 17

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The perfect NASM test prep!

I took my NASM exam last week and passed on the first try! I came from a completely different industry,...

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November 3

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Fitness Mentors rocks!!

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October 23

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Push yourself to be more than average

The way that the course and quizzes are structured allowed me to reinforce my knowledge and learn from my incorrect...

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July 20

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"I just passed the NASM CPT. Fitness Mentors audio lectures and Study Guide were very pertinent to my success. It was like being in a classroom and totally enhanced and improved the learning experience! "
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FAQ's

Hundreds of NASM Students just like you have paid it forward by utilizing our affiliate link to purchase their NASM Exam and Study Course. If you do the same we can keep it free for the students that follow you. Purchase by clicking here. 

We guarantee you will pass your NASM CPT Exam on the first attempt or we will reimburse your monthly subscription. We’ve had over 5000 test takers and have had only 42 failed attempts. That’s above a 99% Pass Rate!

Testing Anxiety is very common and can definitely be tough, but if you go in knowing you studied the right information and are confident in what you studied, it can really lessen the impact.

 

Lead by the most successful NASM Professor with over 7 years teaching in the college system, this guide was created by analyzing the study input in comparison to the testing success, of over 3000 NASM CPT Test-takers. Critique is then given by each student to create an ever adapting product that nearly guarantees your success.

Yes. The Study Guide has been updated to reflect the changes of the new textbook and exam. The current version of the textbook is NASM EPFT 7th Edition. 

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"I just passed my NASM CPT exam and owe it all to Fitness Mentors. With so much information to cover and study, overwhelmed would be a major understatement to what I was experiencing at the beginning of my journey. Thanks to the audio lectures, practice quizzes and tests, I was able to focus on the most relevant information. I am beyond thankful to Eddie and the Fitness Mentors team in providing this service to aspiring fitness professional. I cannot recommend enough!"
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How to Become a Personal Trainer in 4 Simple Steps

How to Become a Personal Trainer

You’re halfway there. But, as with most things in life, wanting is only the first step of the journey.


In order to become a trainer and succeed as one, you need to have the right game plan in place and follow it up with consistent action — just like your workouts. As you’ll see in this guide, there are four simple steps you’ll need to take to become a personal trainer. And we’ll be covering the best ways to tackle each one.

GET STARTED

How to Become a Personal Trainer
Play Video
How to Become a Personal Trainer

Click play button above to see video

Step 1: Get Your Prerequisites Completed First

Before you begin with a personal trainer course, you’ll likely need to have a few items checked off before you can get certified. These are:

18-Year-Old
18 Years
or Older
GED-Diploma
HIGHSCHOOL GED
or Diploma
CPR-Certified
CPR/AED
Certification

Most personal training certification bodies require these items before you sit down for the final exam. Additionally, many companies are requiring the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification along with the Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR), but these certifications can usually be packaged together by the same provider.

The American Red Cross is a popular choice for the CPR/AED certification, and you can check out their website to find classes near you.

Step 2: Research the Best Certified Personal Trainer Course For You

How to Become a Personal Trainer
Have you already started a certification?
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Are you researching certifications?

Fitness Mentors Vs. Other Certifications

Fitness Mentors
NASM
ACE
ISSA
NCCA accreditation option
Best industry value CPT
Highest pass rate
20 CEU requirement
Lifetime expert guidance included
Business coaching included
After-hours and weekend support
Virtual coaching education included

Easy-to-follow curriculum

100% Online Coursework

  • Student Focused Curriculum For The Best Learning Experience
  • Access To The Instructor To Guide And Support You As Well As Allow You To Ask Questions
  • Multiple Study Tools For All Learning Styles And Preferences​

100% Online Certification Exam

  • 100% Online, In-Home Certification
  • 100 Test Questions, Passing Score: 70%
  • CPT Lasts Two Years Before Renewal Period
  • Discounted CEUs For Future Continuing Education

Options Include Two CPT Certifications

  • Earn An NCCA Accredited Personal Training Certification
  • NBFE Affiliate For National Recognition
  • NCCA Programs Are Recognized For Employment By Most Gyms
Eddie

Instructor

Eddie Lester

CEO of fitnessmentors.com – Teaching 30,000+ students how to become CPT’s

  • 4.8 Star Rating
  • 300+ Reviews
  • 30,000+ Students
  • 16 Courses


Eddie Lester is the founder and CEO of Fitness Mentors. With more that 17 years experience in the health, fitness and athletics field, he has helped tens of thousands of personal trainers transform their careers and reach their business goals. With a background in Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology Eddie has assisted in research that is spearheading the exercise science field.

His in-depth knowledge of the Health, Wellness and Fitness industry has earned him a place as a regular contributor on high profile sites such as the Personal Trainer Development Center, (Dan to list top sites) online where he writes about nutrition and personal training.

His contributions to help personal trainers include a weekly blog, podcast, youtube channel and multiple books including: Business and Sales: the Guide to Success as a Personal Trainer.

Eddie’s Philosophy often times includes focusing on the bigger picture in which daily positive contributions lead to a major impact on himself, his family, his community and the world.

Eddie is commonly found at the beaches of Southern California with his wife Courtney and five kids.

Before you spend countless hours applying for jobs you may not enjoy, you should take the time to figure out what you really want and think about what gets you excited first.

You’ll save time by only applying to positions that check these boxes. Or, you may decide you don’t want to work for anybody and take a more independent route.

Play Video

Click play button above to see video

So consider these questions:

  • Do you prefer to work primarily in-person or online?
  • Do you prefer large group training classes or one-on-one sessions?
  • Would you prefer to work for yourself or somebody else?
  • If you prefer to be employed, would you prefer to work in a big box gym, boutique gym, or some other setting?

If you’re looking to gain experience, it can also help to approach the staff where you currently work out to see if there are any openings.

Step 3: Choose a Course & Prepare

Play Video

This course includes:

  • Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Certification Exam
  • Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) Certification Exam
  • Digital Textbook
  • Lecture Video Presentations & Bonus Videos
  • Audio Book Lectures
  • Two Realistic Practice Exams
  • Facebook Support Group with Expert and Peer Guidance
  • Exercise Library
  • Flashcards
  • Interactive Learning Activities
  • Study Guide Answers
  • Final Exam Preparation Guide

$729

BUY NOW
BUY NOW

Extra 25% OFF

With “Mar25” at checkout!

Other Fitness Mentors Bundles

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Pro Bundle – $999

Includes THREE Certifications and 1-Year Mentorship!
Fitness Mentors CPT Certification, Certified Nutrition Specialist Certification, and Online Personal Trainer Certification

Extra 25% OFF

With “Mar25” at checkout!

Upgrade
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Ultimate Bundle – $1599

Includes SIX Certifications and 1-Year Mentorship!
Fitness Mentors CPT Certification, Certified Nutrition Specialist Certification, Virtual Group Fitness Instructor Certification, Virtual Health Coach Certification, Pain Management, and Online Personal Trainer Certification

Extra 25% OFF

With “Mar25” at checkout!

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Nutrition Specialist Certification:

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...

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November 16

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...

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Thank you for donating the certified nutrition course to Habilitat. I appreciate the opportunity to learn about nutrition and its...

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October 15

Step 4: Specialize

Specializing for personal trainers is relevant on so many levels. Continuing education provides personal trainers a method in which to enhance their knowledge, improve their businesses, learn more about health, fitness and safety, and ultimately to enhance the lives of the clients that they serve. Our Continuing Education Courses provide our students the best opportunity to expand their mindset and become better Personal Trainers.

Check out the FM specialist certifications we offer below: 

General FAQs on How to Become a Personal Trainer

Read More About Becoming A Personal Trainer

Top 5 Exercise Science Careers and The Best Education Paths

Exercise Science Careers
Fitness Mentors NASM
Play Video about Fitness Mentors NASM
Watch Our Video: Best Exercise Science Careers – Are you considering an Exercise Science degree?

Are you considering an Exercise Science degree or asking yourself “what can you do with an exercise science degree?” to help plan for your future?

Whatever your stage in life — consideration, current Exercise Science student, or recent grad — this post is for you. 

Be sure to take our quiz too!

As a previous Exercise Science graduate, I can give you a little taste of the college route (as well as other education paths) and provide insight into the options for Exercise Science careers.

But first, let’s define what Exercise Science is.

What is Exercise Science?

Exercise Science describes the study of the body under the stress of exercise including acute and chronic adaptations like the effects on overall health parameters, pathologies, and its potential to reduce, or reverse, disease progression.

Some other areas of study within Exercise Science vertical that you might see at various educational institutes are:

  • Kinesiology
  • Fitness & Health
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Nutrition

You can also expect a strong educational emphasis in the areas of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biology, and oftentimes, physics.

What can You Do with an Exercise Science Degree?

If there is one thing I want to emphasize about studying Exercise Science is that the majority of careers in the field require additional graduate school coursework. Yes, that is worth repeating.

Exercise Science is a common prerequisite for graduate level programs in careers such as:

  • Doctor (MD)
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Registered Dietician
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Physician Assistant

The important takeaway here is that for most, the bachelor’s degree in and of itself does not get them to the career that they want. Additionally, and as I will get into more below, the career you want might not require a four year college degree in Exercise Science.

However, if you are interested in some of the above careers that require education beyond a B.S. degree, by all means continue on the path that makes the most sense for you.

I emphasize this point because I have met many people who studied Exercise Science in college only to find that they either did not realize they needed additional education to get the career they wanted, or realized there were quicker, more affordable ways to get into the career they wanted.

That said, listed below are some careers that you can get without additional education after your Bachelor’s in Exercise Science degree, including:

  • Athletic Director
  • Community Program Director
  • Massage Therapist
  • Recreation and Sports Director
  • Sports Coach
  • Sports Facility Manager
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach

Provided below are the most popular career paths in Exercise Science, which may or may not include a college education, are below.

Top 5 Exercise Science Careers

Personal Trainer

By far, the most common career path chosen by people looking to have an Exercise Science career, as well as who are currently studying Exercise Science, is personal training.

The benefits of a career in personal training are numerous and can even be aligned with that of any of the other careers on this list.

For starters, you don’t need to get a bachelor’s degree to become a personal trainer. In fact, there are five separate ways you can become a personal trainer, ranging from certification from accredited companies, to vocational college, to university programs, to online options, and internal gym programs.

If your heart is set on becoming a personal trainer it certainly would be helpful for you to understand your options for certification beforehand.

Now, I am certainly not knocking university or college-based personal training certification options — I got my B.S. at a university and was a college instructor afterward — but I do understand that it may not be an option for everyone.

But what if you want a career that requires a college degree? Would it still be beneficial to consider a personal training certification?

Let’s say you choose any of the aforementioned education routes for your career in Exercise Science: college degree or not.

Either way, you can benefit from a personal training certification no matter what route you take. If you are wanting to have a career as a personal trainer, you can get certified in as little as two to five months and start making money right away.

If you are in college and are studying Exercise Science, it is still a good idea to get a personal training certification because you can begin gaining experience within your career immediately and can even pay for your education, through your personal training income.

For example, while I was in college I used my personal training certification to my advantage. I was able to train clients around my school schedule given the flexibility of the career. This provided me industry experience, but also allowed me to pay my way through college.

I also became certified as an Online Personal Trainer and trained clients through the internet, which gave me even more freedom to complete my studies and enjoy the college experience. 

Top 5 Reasons Personal Training is a Popular Exercise Science Career

So, no matter what your long-term goals are, getting a personal training certification can help in the following ways:

  1. Puts money in your pocket
  2. Allows you to gain experience in the Exercise Science field
  3. Helps pay for college (if you are shooting for a B.S., or advanced degree)
  4. Provides a strong foundation to further your exercise science studies

Top 3 Personal Training Certifications

Below are the best certification options to choose from:

  1. NASM
  2. Fitness Mentors
  3. ACE
cptquiz1Mesa-de-trabajo-1

What Cert is Best for You?

We designed this test to help you choose the perfect certification based on your learning style and goals.

cptquiz1q

Physical Therapist

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a career in Physical Therapy has some very promising advantages.

For starters, the median pay approaches $90,000 per year, is expected to grow 28% by 2016 (which is much faster than average), and consistently ranks as one of the best jobs in healthcare for work-life balance.

Physical therapy jobs tend to require a doctoral degree (DPT), although some may accept a master’s degree. CostHelper.com says that doctoral physical therapy degrees can cost $35,000 (such as the doctorate in physical therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago), or much more for out-of-state students, such as The University of Delaware’s doctoral program which costs over $75,000. That is on top of the money you spend for your bachelors degree.

Athletic Trainer

Athletic trainers also rank high on this list as the profession is similar in scope to that of personal trainers, yet requires a formal bachelor’s degree in a specialized program and the passing of a state licensure exam. Athletic trainers have a median income of $46,630 per year according to the BLS, and have a rapid rate of employment at 23% when looking out to 2016.

One of the coolest things I find about athletic trainer careers is that they often work alongside athletes within educational settings such as colleges of universities.This often means these professionals are the ones who work hand-in-hand with some of the best up-and-coming athletic talent in the country.

They can also work with younger students, within hospitals, or even for professional sports teams.

Exercise Physiologist

With a median pay of just under $50,000 per year, and a faster than average job outlook, a career in exercise physiology is a popular choice for many looking to put their Exercise Science degree to work.

This type of career typically requires a Masters in Exercise Physiology, which on average takes 6 years of total college time as well as requires board certification through the American Society of Exercise Physiologists.

Another interesting aspect of this career is that about half of all exercise physiologists are self-employed. So if you have an entrepreneurial spirit and enjoy the freedom of owning your own business, you may be able to do well in this career.

PE Teacher

According to ZipRecruiter, PE teachers make about $42,500 per year. While this is the lowest salary on this list, you have to remember that these teachers tend to have summers off and benefit from all school holidays as well as teacher pensions.

Typical education requirements for this career include a bachelor’s degree in exercise science as well as a teaching credential or a masters in education. Often times a personal training certification will enhance the likelihood of employment as well.

We also can’t forget that PE teachers get to hang out in gym clothes all day, coach fun sports like kickball and dodgeball, and even be physical fitness role models for many of their students.

Granted there is some give and take for each of the professions on this list in terms of knocking off all the boxes of the most ideal career, but the daily life of the PE coach can be very rewarding.

Exercise Science Degrees and Educational Considerations

As we have learned above, not all careers within Exercise Science require a full-fledged bachelor’s degree. Similarly, we’ve learned that many sought after degrees within Exercise Science require advanced degrees such as master’s or doctoral degrees.

With that in mind below is a comprehensive list of the many careers and their educational obligations. Note that some of these careers may overlap in multiple categories.

Exercise Science Careers that don’t require Degrees

  • Personal Training
  • Aerobics Instructor
  • Fitness Coach
  • Gym Manager
  • Massage Therapist
  • Physical Therapy Assistant

Exercise Science Careers that require Bachelor’s Degrees

  • Athletic Director
  • Community Program Director
  • Kinesiologist
  • Massage Therapist
  • Athletic Trainer (ATC)
  • Physical Education Teacher
  • Recreation and Sports Director
  • Registered Nurse
  • Sports Coach
  • Sports Facility Manager
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach

Exercise Science Careers that require Master’s or Doctoral Degrees

  • Doctor (MD)
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Chiropractor (DC)
  • Registered Dietician
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist (DPT)
  • Physician Assistant
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Physical Rehabilitation

FAQs for Exercise Science Careers and The Best Education Paths

The most common way to make money with an Exercise Science career path is personal training. While personal training doesn’t require a degree, those who get certified are able to put money into their pockets quickly and build a strong foundation for further career advancement.

Exercise Science generally offers courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, and Nutrition. Jobs can range from personal trainers and strength and conditioning coaches to physical therapists and physician assistants – so Exercise Science can be lucrative.

Not quite. Kinesiology is a more broad study that focuses on human movement and its effects on an individual’s health. Exercise Science is a sub-field more fine-tuned into learning and influencing human responses to exercise.

Bachelor’s degrees will open you up to mid-level jobs in the fitness industry. Examples of these degrees include Bachelor’s in Sports Management, Health Sciences, Nutrition Science, or Health and Wellness. Graduate degrees, like master’s and doctorate, qualify for higher-level positions. These programs might include a master’s in Exercise Science and Wellness or Human Performance, an MBA in Health Care Management, a Ph.D. in Education for Sports Management, or a medical degree in Sports & Athletic Management. While personal training only requires a certification, you can also get an associate’s degree in Exercise Science, giving you a solid foundation to start personal training.

 

Closing Thoughts on Exercise Science Careers

You should now have a better idea of what you can do in the exciting field that is Exercise Science. For many, a bachelor’s degree at a college or university is the path that they will take to become educated in the many areas of movement and exercise. For others, the bachelor’s is just a stepping stone for a more advanced degree as in the case of physical therapy, physician’s assistant, or doctoral paths. Others may be surprised to learn there are many rewarding careers in Exercise Science that do not require a college degree, and the most popular career in this field, a certified personal trainer, demonstrates that.

When considering your education and career path, keep in mind the following:

  • The education required
  • The financial commitment
  • The time investment
  • The typical salary
  • Your passion for the career

With these considerations in mind, you should be able to paint a great picture of where you want your career to take you.

What is your experience with jobs and education in the Exercise Science niche? Is there any tip you wish you knew before you started your studies or career? Let us know in the comments.