National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam

A new participant is feeling sore after the first few classes. What type of influence is she experiencing?

1. Normalization

2. Adaptation

3. Sensation

4. Motivation

The correct answer is: Sensation

The participant is experiencing a sensation of soreness, which is a common physical response to beginning a new exercise program. This soreness, often referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), occurs as the body adjusts to new movements and levels of intensity it has not previously encountered. Sensation refers specifically to the feelings and physical experiences that arise from the body's response to exercise, which can include soreness, fatigue, or other physical sensations. This is particularly true when someone is just starting out, as their muscles are not yet conditioned to the demands being placed on them. The other options, while relevant to the overall experience of exercise, do not accurately describe the immediate physical feeling of soreness. Normalization refers to the process of becoming accustomed to a routine or behavior over time. Adaptation describes the physiological changes that occur as the body responds to a consistent exercise program, leading to improvements in performance and reduced discomfort after continued training. Motivation pertains to the internal or external factors that drive someone to engage in physical activity or stick to their exercise routine, which does not directly address the physical sensation of soreness.