National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam

Using an appropriate work-to-rest ratio in interval training to match a sport requirement is an example of which type of training?

1. Endurance training

2. Metabolic specificity

3. Strength training

4. Hypertrophy training

The correct answer is: Metabolic specificity

The concept of using an appropriate work-to-rest ratio in interval training that aligns with the specific demands of a sport illustrates metabolic specificity. This approach focuses on tailoring the training regimen to enhance the specific energy systems utilized in a given sport. By adjusting the duration and intensity of work intervals compared to rest periods, the training mimics the metabolic demands athletes experience during competition. For instance, a sport that primarily relies on high-intensity bursts and short recovery, such as sprinting or basketball, would employ a different work-to-rest ratio compared to a sport requiring prolonged endurance, like marathon running. This specificity optimizes performance by conditioning the body’s energy systems—such as the aerobic and anaerobic systems—according to the unique requirements of the sport. This is why metabolic specificity is the correct answer, as it directly relates to customizing training strategies based on the metabolic demands of performance in various sports.