In NASM terminology, the agonist is the prime mover — the muscle most responsible for generating the main force in a movement. For example, in a squat, the gluteus maximus is an agonist for hip extension. The CPT7 Study Guide explains that while synergists assist and stabilizers hold posture, the agonist drives the movement. Antagonists oppose the prime mover to control motion and allow coordinated action. Correct identification of agonists is critical for program design and targeting specific adaptations .

The NASM CPT7 Study Guide specifies that training for muscular hypertrophy—the increase in the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers—requires moderate to heavy loads with a training intensity between 75% and 85% of the 1-repetition maximum (1RM). This loading range typically corresponds to about 6–12 repetitions per set, which has been shown in research and practice to optimize mechanical tension, metabolic stress, and muscle damage—three key factors in hypertrophic adaptations.

Lower intensities (50%–70% of 1RM) are generally used for muscular endurance, while very light loads (30%–45% of 1RM) are employed in certain power or speed-strength training contexts for specific populations. Extremely high intensities (90%–100% of 1RM) are targeted toward maximal strength development, not hypertrophy.

Hypertrophy training within the OPT model often takes place in Phase 3: Muscular Development Training and uses moderate tempo, relatively short rest periods (0–60 seconds), and multiple sets to increase total training volume—critical for stimulating muscle growth. Therefore, for the specific goal of increasing muscle fiber size, 75%–85% of 1RM is the most appropriate choice.

A scaption is a shoulder exercise where the arms are raised in the scapular plane, which is approximately 45 degrees between the frontal and sagittal planes. The NASM CPT7 Study Guide explains that this position aligns the glenohumeral joint and reduces impingement risk.

Lifting directly in front of the shoulders (Option B) is a front raise, and lifting directly out to the sides (Option D) is a lateral raise. A 25-degree angle (Option C) is too narrow to be in the optimal scapular plane. Therefore, the proper cue for a single-leg scaption is to lift at a 45-degree angle.

Lipids—commonly referred to as fats—include triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols. The NASM Study Guide specifies: “Lipids are commonly referred to as fats and include triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols.” Triglycerides are the primary form of fat stored in the body and a major energy reserve, especially for prolonged, lower-intensity activity. Each triglyceride molecule consists of glycerol bound to three fatty acids. In contrast, glycine and amino acids are protein components, and polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates (e.g., starches). Lipids are energy dense (9 kcal/gram) and serve not only as a long-term energy source but also play roles in cell membrane integrity, hormone production, and nutrient absorption. Including triglycerides in the definition of lipids aligns directly with NASM’s nutritional science section.

When working with overweight or obese clients, exercise positions should optimize comfort, breathing, and movement efficiency while minimizing orthopedic stress. NASM’s program design recommendations favor upright or incline positions for resistance training when possible, especially for those who may experience discomfort or breathing restriction in prone (face down) or supine (lying flat) positions. For a row, starting in a standing position—such as with cables, resistance bands, or a machine—allows the client to maintain spinal alignment, engage the core, and breathe freely, while accommodating a larger body mass. Side-lying and prone positions may be physically uncomfortable and limit range of motion for overweight individuals.