ISSA PERSONAL TRAINER EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
2026
94 Billion Dollars - ANS How much the fitness industry brought in 2019
Training Effect - ANS A change in the body that occurs as a result of exercise training
Cartilage - ANS Firm, flexible connective tissue that pads and protects joints and structural
components of the body.
HyperTension - ANS High blood pressure, higher than 140/90
Joint - ANS An articulation between two bones in the body.
Tendons - ANS Strong, fibrous cords made of collagen that attach muscle to bone.
Metabolism - ANS Chemical processes within the body that convert food into energy.
Diabetes - ANS A condition characterized by an elevated level of glucose in the blood.
Ligaments - ANS Short bands of tough but flexible fibrous connective tissue connecting two
bones or cartilages or holding together a joint.
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 1
,Behavior - ANS An action that can be observed, measured, and modified.
Type 2 Diabetes - ANS A long-term metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood
sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin.
TRANSTHEORETICAL MODEL (TTM) - ANS A behavior change model focused on the stages of
change, the process of changing behavior, self-efficacy, and the decision balance.
Pre-Contemplation - ANS In denial, or ignorant, that a change is necessary, possible, or worth
the effort within the next six months.
Contemplation - ANS Contemplate making a change in the next six months but reluctant to
commit.
Preparation - ANS Committed to make a change in the next six months but reluctant to
commit.
Action - ANS Engaged in change behavior for less than six months; new behavior is not fully
stabilized.
Maintenance - ANS Sustaining their new, healthy behavior for more than six months.
Experiential processes - ANS Influence behavior indirectly by focusing on the thoughts,
perceptions, or feelings that an individual might have about the target behavior.
Behavioral processes - ANS Focus on active strategies and influence behavior directly by
manipulating environmental, social, or situational cues to encourage the desired behavior.
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 2
, SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY (SDT) - ANS A general theory of human motivation that
suggests a person is motivated to change by three basic psychological needs of autonomy,
competence, and relatedness.
Autonomy - ANS The need for self-governance and control over one's own behaviors.
Competence - ANS The need to feel effective and capable in one's own actions.
Relatedness - ANS The need to feel a sense of belonging and connection to others.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) - ANS a collaborative, client-focused method of guiding a
client toward a self-identified motivation for change
OARS Model for MI - ANS A communication model for motivational interviewing that includes
open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing.
Rapport - ANS A close, harmonious relationship in which all parties involved understand one
another's feelings and communicate well.
Goal Setting - ANS The process of identifying the client's ideal state, determining their
current state, and defining the actions that must be taken to close the gap.
Process Goal - ANS A goal where the focus is on the process or action that will lead to the
desired end result.
Outcome Goal - ANS A goal where the end result is a specific desired outcome.
SMART Goals - ANS Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 3
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
2026
94 Billion Dollars - ANS How much the fitness industry brought in 2019
Training Effect - ANS A change in the body that occurs as a result of exercise training
Cartilage - ANS Firm, flexible connective tissue that pads and protects joints and structural
components of the body.
HyperTension - ANS High blood pressure, higher than 140/90
Joint - ANS An articulation between two bones in the body.
Tendons - ANS Strong, fibrous cords made of collagen that attach muscle to bone.
Metabolism - ANS Chemical processes within the body that convert food into energy.
Diabetes - ANS A condition characterized by an elevated level of glucose in the blood.
Ligaments - ANS Short bands of tough but flexible fibrous connective tissue connecting two
bones or cartilages or holding together a joint.
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 1
,Behavior - ANS An action that can be observed, measured, and modified.
Type 2 Diabetes - ANS A long-term metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood
sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin.
TRANSTHEORETICAL MODEL (TTM) - ANS A behavior change model focused on the stages of
change, the process of changing behavior, self-efficacy, and the decision balance.
Pre-Contemplation - ANS In denial, or ignorant, that a change is necessary, possible, or worth
the effort within the next six months.
Contemplation - ANS Contemplate making a change in the next six months but reluctant to
commit.
Preparation - ANS Committed to make a change in the next six months but reluctant to
commit.
Action - ANS Engaged in change behavior for less than six months; new behavior is not fully
stabilized.
Maintenance - ANS Sustaining their new, healthy behavior for more than six months.
Experiential processes - ANS Influence behavior indirectly by focusing on the thoughts,
perceptions, or feelings that an individual might have about the target behavior.
Behavioral processes - ANS Focus on active strategies and influence behavior directly by
manipulating environmental, social, or situational cues to encourage the desired behavior.
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 2
, SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY (SDT) - ANS A general theory of human motivation that
suggests a person is motivated to change by three basic psychological needs of autonomy,
competence, and relatedness.
Autonomy - ANS The need for self-governance and control over one's own behaviors.
Competence - ANS The need to feel effective and capable in one's own actions.
Relatedness - ANS The need to feel a sense of belonging and connection to others.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) - ANS a collaborative, client-focused method of guiding a
client toward a self-identified motivation for change
OARS Model for MI - ANS A communication model for motivational interviewing that includes
open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing.
Rapport - ANS A close, harmonious relationship in which all parties involved understand one
another's feelings and communicate well.
Goal Setting - ANS The process of identifying the client's ideal state, determining their
current state, and defining the actions that must be taken to close the gap.
Process Goal - ANS A goal where the focus is on the process or action that will lead to the
desired end result.
Outcome Goal - ANS A goal where the end result is a specific desired outcome.
SMART Goals - ANS Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 3
