National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam 2025 - Free Group Fitness Instructor Practice Questions and Study Guide

Including slow controlled arm circles and lunges during the movement prep phase of a class primarily serves to enhance dynamic flexibility. This phase is designed to prepare the body for more intense activity by promoting an active range of motion in the joints and muscles. Dynamic flexibility involves moving parts of your body through their full range of motion in a controlled manner, which allows for improved muscle performance and function during the subsequent exercises.

Dynamic stretches, like arm circles and lunges, increase blood flow, elevate the heart rate, and activate the muscles that will be needed in the workout. This practice also helps in reducing injury risk by ensuring that the body is adequately warmed up and capable of executing movements with better efficiency and effectiveness. It’s important to note that static stretching, which involves holding a stretch for a period of time, focuses more on increasing flexibility rather than preparing the body for dynamic movement, making it less suitable for this specific phase of a class.