Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA) Practice Exam

Which symptom is NOT associated with overtraining from resistance exercise?

1. Increased hunger and thirst

2. Inconsistent or interrupted sleep

3. Non-purposeful decreases in lean body mass

4. Plateau in improvements or losses in muscular strength

The correct answer is: Increased hunger and thirst

Increased hunger and thirst are not typically symptoms associated with overtraining from resistance exercise. In fact, during overtraining, individuals often experience a range of physiological and psychological symptoms, including fatigue, decreased performance, changes in sleep patterns, and sometimes alterations in appetite. Overtraining syndrome can lead to a decrease in overall energy levels and performance, which may disrupt normal hunger cues rather than increasing them. This can manifest as inconsistent or interrupted sleep due to elevated stress levels or hormonal imbalances. Similarly, significant decreases in lean body mass and plateaus in strength gains can occur as the body struggles to recover from excessive training loads without adequate nutrition, rest, and recovery. The other options reflect common manifestations of overtraining, such as disrupted sleep patterns and stability in muscular performance, which highlight the consequences of a well-intended training regimen that has become excessive.