Page 1 of 248
NASM PES EXAM ACCURATE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) LATEST
UPDATED VERSION |ALREADY GRADED A+
(BRAND NEW!) NASM PES ACTUAL EXAM
2026
Question 1
A basketball athlete displays an excessive forward lean
during the overhead squat assessment. Which muscle is likely
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the primary overactive muscle contributing to this
compensation?
A. Gluteus maximus
B. Anterior tibialis
C. Erector spinae
D. Intrinsic foot stabilizers
Correct Answer: C. Erector spinae
Rationale: An excessive forward lean during an overhead
squat is often caused by overactive erector spinae (pulling the
torso forward) or tight latissimus dorsi, combined with
underactive gluteus maximus and anterior core.
Question 2
Which test is most appropriate to assess an athlete's highspeed
eccentric control during a 180-degree turn?
A. 40-Yard Dash
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B. Pro Shuttle (5-10-5)
C. Vertical Jump
D. 300-Yard Shuttle
Correct Answer: B. Pro Shuttle (5-10-5)
Rationale: The Pro Shuttle requires the athlete to sprint, plant,
and change direction. The "plant" phase requires rapid
eccentric deceleration to absorb force and redirect it.
Question 3
An athlete presents with excessive knee valgus during a
singleleg squat. What is the most likely PRIMARY muscle
dysfunction?
A. Overactive Adductor complex
B. Underactive Gluteus medius
C. Overactive Vastus medialis
D. Underactive TFL
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Correct Answer: B. Underactive Gluteus medius
Rationale: Knee valgus (inward collapse) is typically a result of
the hip adductors overpowering a weak or underactive gluteus
medius, which is responsible for hip abduction and stabilization
in the frontal plane.
Question 4
A baseball pitcher reports a history of low back pain. During
the assessment, you note he stands with an excessive anterior
pelvic tilt. Which muscle is likely short/tight?
A. Rectus abdominis
B. Hamstrings
C. Hip flexors (Iliopsoas)
D. Gluteus maximus
Correct Answer: C. Hip flexors (Iliopsoas)
NASM PES EXAM ACCURATE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) LATEST
UPDATED VERSION |ALREADY GRADED A+
(BRAND NEW!) NASM PES ACTUAL EXAM
2026
Question 1
A basketball athlete displays an excessive forward lean
during the overhead squat assessment. Which muscle is likely
,Page 2 of 248
the primary overactive muscle contributing to this
compensation?
A. Gluteus maximus
B. Anterior tibialis
C. Erector spinae
D. Intrinsic foot stabilizers
Correct Answer: C. Erector spinae
Rationale: An excessive forward lean during an overhead
squat is often caused by overactive erector spinae (pulling the
torso forward) or tight latissimus dorsi, combined with
underactive gluteus maximus and anterior core.
Question 2
Which test is most appropriate to assess an athlete's highspeed
eccentric control during a 180-degree turn?
A. 40-Yard Dash
,Page 3 of 248
B. Pro Shuttle (5-10-5)
C. Vertical Jump
D. 300-Yard Shuttle
Correct Answer: B. Pro Shuttle (5-10-5)
Rationale: The Pro Shuttle requires the athlete to sprint, plant,
and change direction. The "plant" phase requires rapid
eccentric deceleration to absorb force and redirect it.
Question 3
An athlete presents with excessive knee valgus during a
singleleg squat. What is the most likely PRIMARY muscle
dysfunction?
A. Overactive Adductor complex
B. Underactive Gluteus medius
C. Overactive Vastus medialis
D. Underactive TFL
, Page 4 of 248
Correct Answer: B. Underactive Gluteus medius
Rationale: Knee valgus (inward collapse) is typically a result of
the hip adductors overpowering a weak or underactive gluteus
medius, which is responsible for hip abduction and stabilization
in the frontal plane.
Question 4
A baseball pitcher reports a history of low back pain. During
the assessment, you note he stands with an excessive anterior
pelvic tilt. Which muscle is likely short/tight?
A. Rectus abdominis
B. Hamstrings
C. Hip flexors (Iliopsoas)
D. Gluteus maximus
Correct Answer: C. Hip flexors (Iliopsoas)
