Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) Practice Exam

What should a personal trainer do if a client can easily recite a passage during a graded exercise treadmill test?

1. Increase the workload by a 1% grade

2. Increase the workload by a 5% grade

3. Decrease the workload by a 1% grade

4. Decrease the workload by a 5% grade

The correct answer is: Increase the workload by a 1% grade

In the context of a graded exercise treadmill test, a client’s ability to easily recite a passage indicates that they are likely at a lower level of exertion, suggesting that their current workload is not adequately challenging. This makes increasing the workload by a small increment, such as a 1% grade, the most appropriate response. Increasing by a 1% grade allows for a manageable adjustment that can elevate the intensity of the exercise without overwhelming the client or risking their form and safety. This incremental approach is essential in exercise testing to ensure that the assessment accurately reflects the client’s fitness level while still keeping them engaged and capable of completing the task. In contrast, larger increases, such as 5%, could potentially push the client beyond their current capacity, leading to premature fatigue or discouragement during the test. This gradual approach supports sustaining the integrity of the test and maintains a focus on the client’s safety and comfort throughout the process.