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

If a participant in your class exhibits dyspnea, what is the best recommendation for them?

1. Increase their workout intensity.

2. Encourage them to finish without breaks.

3. Take a prolonged break.

4. Suggest hydration during the workout.

The correct answer is: Take a prolonged break.

When a participant exhibits dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, it indicates that they may be experiencing an increased level of exertion that is affecting their respiratory function. In this situation, advising them to take a prolonged break is the most appropriate recommendation. Taking a break allows the participant to rest and recover, helping to alleviate their breathing difficulty and reduce the risk of overexertion. It’s essential to prioritize their safety and well-being by not pushing them to continue a high-intensity workout when they are experiencing any breathing issues. Such a recommendation also demonstrates a sensitivity to the participant's current physical state and helps create a supportive environment within the class. The other options, while they may be relevant in different circumstances, do not address the immediate concern of the participant's breathing difficulties. Increasing workout intensity would exacerbate the problem, encouraging someone to finish without breaks could lead to further distress, and suggesting hydration might be helpful in general but would not address the urgent need for rest when dyspnea is present. Thus, taking a prolonged break is the safest and most effective course of action for someone experiencing respiratory distress during exercise.