NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training
Chapter 1 Lab Activity
Task Outline
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, and heart disease, are widespread and rising
dramatically in the United States. Largely preventable factors such as poor lifestyle
choices have led to dramatic increases in chronic disease rates within the past three
decades. Physical activity has been proven to reduce the risk of chronic diseases
and disorders that are related to lifestyle, such as increased triglycerides and
cholesterol levels, obesity, glucose tolerance, high blood pressure, coronary heart
disease, and strokes. Meanwhile, daily activity levels continue to decline. In
addition, research suggests that musculoskeletal pain (knee pain, low-back pain,
neck pain etc.) is more common now than it was 40 years ago. One of the primary
causes of muscular dysfunction is attributable to physical inactivity.
Consequently, todays client is not ready to begin physical activity at the same level
that a typical client could 20 or 30 years ago. Therefore, todays training programs
cannot stay the same as programs of the past. The new mindset in fitness should
cater to creating programs that address functional capacity, as part of a safe
program designed especially for each individual person. In other words, training
programs must consider an individuals goals, needs, and abilities in a safe and
systematic fashion. This is best achieved by introducing an integrated approach to
program design. It is on this premise that NASM presents the rationale for
integrated training and the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model.
In Chapter 1, you will learn the rationale for implementing an integrated exercise
program. This first task will give you an opportunity to discuss your experiences
with exercise and compare your exercise routines with NASMs OPT model.
Task
Compose a paper (your instructor will assign the length and format of your paper)
that answers the following two questions:
Copyright 2014 by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, an Ascend Learning Company
NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training
Chapter 1 Lab Activity
1. Why do you feel physical activity continues to decline despite overwhelming
evidence exercise has been proven to reduce the risk of chronic diseases
and musculoskeletal pain.
2. How does your exercise routine compare to the OPT model; what are the
similarities and differences.
Copyright 2014 by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, an Ascend Learning Company
