NASM GPTS case studies

NASM GPTS · Put your knowledge to work in context.

The NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) is a personal training credential offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a provider that has been certifying fitness professionals for more than 35 years. The self-study CPT program is described by NASM as NCCA-accredited, and NASM states the program can be completed 100% online, in as few as 4 to 6 weeks depending on your schedule and pace. The NASM GPTS case studies are 5 cases and about 4,173 words.

Concurrent Training on Empty: A Half-Marathoner Losing Ground

Marcus, 34, is eight weeks out from his first half marathon. He runs five days a week (45–60 minutes, one tempo session, one long run) and lifts full-body three days a week: back squat, deadlift, walking lunge, 3×10 at RPE 8 on 90 seconds' rest.

876 words, about 4 min 2

Overhead Squat Screen: Ankle, Thorax, or Just a New Skill?

Nadia, 29, works nine-hour days at a desk and has never lifted. She reports no pain, just 'tight hips' and a wish to learn to squat 'properly.' During an overhead squat screen with a dowel: her heels lift about 2 cm off the floor at roughly 30° of knee flexion, her torso leans forward close to 45°, and as she passes parallel the dowel drifts forward until her arms are almost horizontal.

836 words, about 4 min 3

A 12-Year Sedentary Client, a Wedding Date, and Three Quit Gyms

Priya, 41, has been sedentary for 12 years. Her physician cleared her for exercise with no restrictions; blood pressure is 128/82, resting heart rate 78, and she takes no medication.

847 words, about 4 min 4

Bar Drifts Forward and the Low Back Rounds Under Load

Dev, 26, has been lifting for three months and is learning the barbell deadlift. At 60 kg his setup looks reasonable, but as the bar leaves the floor his hips shoot up first, the bar drifts about 10 cm forward of midfoot, and at knee height his lower back rounds under load.

802 words, about 4 min 5

Four Missed Sessions, a Yo-Yo History, and 'I'll Be Back in a Month'

Tom, 38, started training eight weeks ago with the goal to 'get in shape.' He attended every session for the first month, then missed four of the last eight, usually cancelling the evening before with work excuses. His original goal was 6 kg of weight loss; he lost 6 kg in the first five weeks and then regained 3.

812 words, about 4 min