On the Flexibility Continuum, NASM identifies three primary types of flexibility: Corrective, Active, and Functional. Corrective flexibility is described as involving “self-myofascial release and static stretching” to improve muscle imbalances and increase joint range of motion. Static stretching involves taking a muscle to the point of tension and holding it for at least 20–30 seconds. This is especially beneficial in the Stabilization Level of the OPT model and for clients needing to address altered length-tension relationships. Dynamic flexibility is part of functional flexibility, while active flexibility uses active-isolated stretching, not static. Therefore, Static is the correct answer for corrective flexibility.

NASM requires certified personal trainers to complete 2.0 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years to maintain certification. This must include at least 1.9 CEUs from continuing education activities and 0.1 CEU from renewing CPR/AED certification. The Study Guide’s professional development section stresses that “continuing education courses are not just necessary for recertification; they can teach fitness professionals how to work with niche populations and enable business growth.” Retaking the exam, attending conferences, or publishing research are optional career development activities but not mandatory for certification renewal. Meeting the CEU requirement ensures trainers stay current with best practices and maintain professional competency.

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.

In a cable lift (a low‑to‑high diagonal pattern), the lower body drives the movement by extending through the ankles, knees, and hips to transmit force upward. At the end of this drive, the knees are in an extended position—makingextensionthe correct end‑range description. This aligns with NASM’s movement‑science framework for sagittal‑plane joint actions at the knee.

From the NASM CPT7 Study Guide’s movement section: “Movement is described in three dimensions that are based on planes, which include the sagi­tal, frontal, and transverse planes.” Within the sagittal plane, “Movements in the sagi­tal plane includeflexion and extensionand plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the foot and ankle.” During a ground‑driven lift pattern, the body uses a closed‑chain strategy: “Closed‑chain movements anchor the body to the ground or immovable object,” which is typical when initiating powerful upward motions from the legs. NASM also describes how efficient force production unfolds: the “integrated performance paradigm” indicates that to move efficiently, “forces must bedampened (eccentrically), stabilized (isometrically), and then accelerated (concentrically).” In the cable lift, the knee flexes slightly to load (eccentric/stabilize) and thenextendsconcentrically toaccelerate the load upward. Because the knee’s sagittal‑plane action that completes the propulsion phase is extension, theend‑range position of the knees—after the drive is completed—isextension. Therefore, among the options provided,B. Extensionprecisely matches NASM’s definitions and movement sequencing.