AFAA PFT study plan

Define each component of a pre-participation health screening and explain why each is performed

List the standard components of a fitness assessment battery and sequence them correctly

Describe the purpose and basic procedure for each of the five health-related fitness components

Identify the anatomical planes, directional terms, and joint actions used to describe human movement

Explain how the cardiorespiratory, muscular, and skeletal systems interact during sustained aerobic activity

Trace the flow of blood through the heart and describe how cardiac output changes with exercise intensity

Compare the three muscle action types and give one exercise example of each

Describe the sliding filament theory at a conceptual level without relying on notes

Calculate target heart rate using both the age-predicted max HR percentage method and the heart rate reserve method

Interpret a completed PAR-Q-style screening form and decide whether clearance is needed

Apply the FITT-VP principle to build a cardiorespiratory prescription for a beginner client

Match resistance training variables (load, volume, rest, tempo) to stated client goals

Demonstrate and cue proper form for 10 foundational exercises covering squat, hinge, push, pull, and carry patterns

Identify the five most common form faults in a squat and describe one corrective cue for each

Explain how to regress and progress each foundational movement pattern

Describe safe spotting technique and setup for free-weight pressing and squatting movements

Sequence a 45-minute session using the warm-up, conditioning, and cool-down structure with time allocations

Select and order exercises within a session to manage fatigue and safety

Adapt exercise selection and cueing for a client with a stated limitation such as low-back sensitivity or knee discomfort

Describe how to teach and monitor intensity using RPE and talk-test methods during a session

List the scope-of-practice boundaries between a fitness professional and licensed medical or dietetic providers

Describe emergency action plan steps for a collapse during exercise, including when to call emergency services and when to use an AED

Identify facility and equipment safety inspection items performed before a session

Explain professional liability concepts including informed consent, documentation, and confidentiality

State general nutrition guidance a fitness professional may give and identify topics that must be referred out

Explain the roles of the three macronutrients and describe hydration guidance for moderate exercise

Evaluate three common fad-diet claims against basic energy-balance principles

Describe how to communicate nutrition information without diagnosing or prescribing

Retrieve key facts from all four domains under timed conditions and log error patterns by domain

Re-teach the two weakest domain topics aloud in plain language without notes

Rebuild one full client program integrating assessment, prescription, instruction, and safety considerations

Review every flagged or uncertain item and resolve each with a verified source