The CPT Academy Podcast

The CPT Academy
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The CPT Academy Podcast is your resource for passing the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam and building a successful career in fitness. Hosted by Ashley from The CPT Academy, the show covers NASM CPT exam prep, study strategies, program design, coaching skills, and recertification topics. It also features the “Day in the Life” series, where Ashley interviews real personal trainers working in the field to share their experiences, sales techniques, and practical advice for new trainers.

  1. 1d ago

    Autogenic vs Reciprocal Inhibition (Part 2): Muscle Knots Explained

    This is Part 2 of a 4-part series on autogenic vs reciprocal inhibition.In this video, we break down what people call muscle "knots”—and what they actually are in NASM terms: adhesions.We cover:What muscle knots (adhesions) actually areThe science behind themDavis’s Law and how tissue adaptsHow adhesions contribute to overactive (tight) musclesHow to correct imbalances (inhibit, lengthen, activate, integrate)👉 If you’ve been told to “just stretch” tight muscles, this explains why that often doesn’t work—and what to do instead.📘 What You’ll Learn:The science behind tight/overactive musclesHow adhesions form and affect movementWhy tight muscles STAY tightThe correct NASM approach to fixing imbalances🔜 Series Breakdown:Part 1: Terminology (Muscle Imbalance, Synergistic Dominance, etc.)Part 2: Muscle Knots / Adhesions (this video)Part 3: Length vs Tension (Muscle Spindles vs GTOs)Part 4: Autogenic Inhibition Applied🧪 Free NASM Practice Test👉 https://www.thecptacademy.com/practicetest🎯 Full NASM CPT Prep Program👉https://www.thecptacademy.com/🔔 Subscribe for the Full SeriesDon’t miss the next parts where everything connects.#personaltrainer #certifiedpersonaltrainer #gym #nasm #fitnesscertification #nasmcpt

    7 min

  2. Jun 23

    Autogenic vs Reciprocal Inhibition Series (Part 1): Terminology Breakdown

    This is Part 1 of a 4-part series on autogenic and reciprocal inhibition—one of the most confusing (and most tested) concepts in the NASM CPT.In this video, we start with the foundational terminology you need to understand before anything else will make sense.We break down:- Muscle imbalances- Altered reciprocal inhibition- Synergistic dominance- Arthrokinetic dysfunction👉 You’ll learn what each term means, see examples, and understand how they all connect.If you’ve been trying to memorize these terms and still feel confused, this will simplify it.📘 What You’ll Learn:Clear definitions of key NASM termsReal examples of each conceptHow these terms relate to each otherThe foundation for understanding inhibition🔜 Coming Next in the Series:Part 2: Understanding muscle "knots" (adhesions)Part 3: Muscle spindles vs. Golgi tendon organs (GTOs)Part 4: Autogenic inhibition and applying it to NASM Exam Questions🧪 Free NASM Practice Test👉 https://www.thecptacademy.com/practicetest🎯 Full NASM CPT Prep Program:If you want step-by-step breakdowns, practice exams, and a system that simplifies ALL NASM concepts, check it out here:👉 https://www.thecptacademy.com/🔔 Subscribe for the Full SeriesMake sure you don’t miss Parts 2–4!#personaltrainer #certifiedpersonaltrainer #gym #nasm #fitnesscertification #nasmcpt

    11 min

  3. Jun 16

    NASM Program Design Linear and Undulating Periodization

    If you’re confused by NASM’s science-based program design, especially periodization, you’re not alone!This is one of the commonly tested—and most misunderstood—topics on the NASM CPT exam.In this video, we break down:- Linear vs undulating periodization- How each applies to body fat reduction, muscle gain, and performance- How NASM actually expects you to think about program design (if you're testing)👉 Instead of memorizing charts, you’ll learn the simple rules and patterns that make this section much easier.📘 What You’ll Learn:- What linear periodization actually means- What undulating periodization is (and when it’s used)- How NASM applies periodization to: Body fat reduction Hypertrophy (muscle gain) Performance- How to simplify program design concepts for the exam🧪 Ready to Test Your Knowledge with our Free NASM Practice Test👉 https://www.thecptacademy.com/practicetest🎯 Full NASM CPT Prep ProgramIf you want a structured system with walkthroughs and a 95%+ pass rate, check it out here:👉 https://www.thecptacademy.com/ 📚 More Program Design Resources:Designing Strength Programs (blog): https://www.thecptacademy.com/blog/How to Design a Strength Training Program for ClientsProgram Design CEU Course (1.9 CEUs with NASM!): https://www.thecptacademy.com/store🔔 Subscribe for More NASM Tips!- Weekly breakdowns, test strategies, and concept explanations.#personaltrainer #certifiedpersonaltrainer #gym #nasm #fitnesscertification #nasmcpt

    12 min

  4. Jun 9

    Overactive Underactive Muscle Practice Questions for NASM CPT Exam

    If you’re struggling to remember overactive and underactive muscles for the NASM CPT, you’re not alone.This is one of the most confusing (and most tested) topics on the exam — especially when you’re trying to apply it to movement compensations.In this video, we break it down using practice test questions, so you can:- Identify overactive vs underactive muscles- Recognize patterns in movement compensations- Apply the information the way NASM actually tests it👉 Instead of memorizing random lists, you’ll start to see the rules that make this section predictable!📘 What You’ll Learn:- Overactive vs underactive muscle patterns- How to answer exam-style questions- Simple ways to remember muscle relationships🧪 Test our Your Knowledge with Our Free NASM Practice Test - 👉 https://www.thecptacademy.com/practicetest 🎯 Full NASM CPT Prep Program: If you want step-by-step guidance, practice exams, and a system that’s helped students achieve a 95%+ pass rate, check it out here:👉 https://www.thecptacademy.com/🔔 Subscribe for More NASM HelpWeekly breakdowns, practice questions, and test strategies.#personaltrainer #certifiedpersonaltrainer #gym #nasm #fitnesscertification #nasmcpt

    10 min

  5. Jun 2

    NASM CPT Exercise Library Review | Most Tested Exercises & Assessments

    Preparing for the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam? In this video, we review the NASM exercise library and assessment concepts most commonly tested on the certification exam.This walkthrough highlights the most important exercises, assessments, and movement compensations you need to understand before taking the NASM CPT exam. Instead of reviewing every detail from the textbook, this video focuses on the exercise-related topics that most frequently appear on the test, helping you streamline your study process and identify the key concepts you must know.You'll also learn how NASM evaluates movement assessments, posture, and performance testing, including the overhead squat assessment, single-leg squat assessment, pushing and pulling assessments, and several physiological and performance measurements. Understanding these concepts will help you interpret exam questions more effectively and apply the OPT model and corrective exercise principles with confidence.Whether you're nearing the end of your studies or reviewing the exercise library before test day, this guide will help reinforce the exercise science, biomechanics, and assessment strategies needed to pass the NASM CPT exam.In This Video• How to review the NASM exercise library for the CPT exam• Key physiological assessments (heart rate, blood pressure, body composition)• Understanding BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat assessments• Cardiorespiratory tests including the YMCA 3-minute step test and Rockport Walk Test• Movement assessments including the overhead squat, single-leg squat, pushing, and pulling assessments• Identifying movement compensations and postural distortion patterns• Performance assessments such as 1RM testing, vertical jump, pro shuttle test, and speed testingWho This Video Is For✔ NASM CPT exam candidates✔ Future personal trainers studying exercise science and biomechanics✔ Fitness professionals reviewing movement assessments and corrective exercise✔ Anyone preparing for a personal trainer certification examTopics CoveredNASM CPT exercise library reviewNASM movement assessmentsNASM overhead squat assessmentSingle-leg squat assessment NASMPostural distortion patternsBody composition assessmentsCardiorespiratory fitness testingPerformance assessments for athletesStrength testing and one-rep max protocolsExercise science for personal trainersInterested in learning more about our NASM CPT exam prep and NASM CEU recertification programs?https://www.thecptacademy.comAnd check out Ashley's interview on world champion kickboxer Shannon Hudson' s podcast: https://youtu.be/FRRo608OHfI?si=ykMuZe8hGBWH29oD#personaltrainer #certifiedpersonaltrainer #gym #nasm #fitnesscertification #nasmcpt

    6 min

  6. May 26

    NASM CPT Test Prep - Heart Circulation

    Future personal trainers - this video is a must in setting up a successful NASM prep plan! We walk you through the basic science of the heart, covering anatomy and circulation pathways, while demystifying terminology and sharing tips and tricks to master the content and pass the NASM CPT 7th edition with flying colors!Be sure to check out our other test prep videos in the NASM Study Guide playlist and of course our NASM Test Prep Tip of the Day playlist!Interested in learning more about our NASM CPT exam certification and NASM CEU recertification programs?https://www.thecptacademy.comAnd check out Ashley's interview on world champion kickboxer Shannon Hudson' s podcast: https://youtu.be/FRRo608OHfI?si=ykMuZe8hGBWH29oD#nasm #personaltrainer #fitnesscertification #gym

    5 min

  7. May 19

    NASM CPT Test Prep - Understanding Overactive/Underactive Muscles

    Future personal trainers - this video is a must in setting up a successful NASM prep plan! We walk you through the basic science of overactive/underactive muscles (shortened/lengthened), demystifying terminology and sharing tips and tricks to master the content and pass the NASM CPT 7th edition with flying colors!Be sure to check out our other test prep videos in the NASM Study Guide playlist and of course our NASM Test Prep Tip of the Day playlist!Interested in learning more about our NASM CPT exam certification and NASM CEU recertification programs?https://www.thecptacademy.comAnd check out Ashley's interview on world champion kickboxer Shannon Hudson' s podcast: https://youtu.be/FRRo608OHfI?si=ykMuZe8hGBWH29oD#nasm #personaltrainer #fitnesscertification #gym

    11 min

  8. May 12

    NASM CPT Test Prep - Understanding the Resistance Chapter Exercise Library

    Future personal trainers - this video is a must in setting up a successful NASM prep plan! We walk you through the structure of the Resistance Chapter Exercise Library, sharing tips and tricks to master the content and pass the NASM CPT 7th edition with flying colors!Be sure to check out our other test prep videos in the NASM Study Guide playlist and of course our NASM Test Prep Tip of the Day playlist!Interested in learning more about our NASM CPT exam certification and NASM CEU recertification programs?https://www.thecptacademy.comAnd check out Ashley's interview on world champion kickboxer Shannon Hudson' s podcast: https://youtu.be/FRRo608OHfI?si=ykMuZe8hGBWH29oD#nasm #personaltrainer #fitnesscertification #gym

    6 min
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About

The CPT Academy Podcast is your resource for passing the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam and building a successful career in fitness. Hosted by Ashley from The CPT Academy, the show covers NASM CPT exam prep, study strategies, program design, coaching skills, and recertification topics. It also features the “Day in the Life” series, where Ashley interviews real personal trainers working in the field to share their experiences, sales techniques, and practical advice for new trainers.

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  • Creator
    The CPT Academy
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The CPT Academy
  • Show Website
    The CPT Academy Podcast

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