ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

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Prepare for the ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Exam with interactive quizzes and comprehensive study aids. This quiz experience enhances your understanding of fitness concepts, exam structure, and key information you need to succeed.

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What does hypertrophy refer to?

Decrease in muscle size
Increase in number of cells
Increase in muscle size
Increased muscle endurance

The correct answer is: Increase in muscle size

Hypertrophy specifically refers to the increase in muscle size due to an increase in the size of individual muscle fibers. This process typically occurs in response to resistance training and strength training exercises. When muscles are subjected to stress, such as lifting weights, they undergo microscopic damage and repair, leading to an increase in muscle fiber cross-sectional area and overall muscle mass. This physiological adaptation allows for improved strength and performance, making it a key goal in many fitness regimes aimed at building muscle. In contrast, a decrease in muscle size would be termed atrophy, and the increase in the number of cells is known as hyperplasia, which is a different process. Increased muscle endurance involves improvements in the muscle's capacity to sustain prolonged exercise but does not necessarily relate to changes in size. Therefore, the definition of hypertrophy aligns with the increase in muscle size, making it the correct choice.