ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which exercise strategy alternates high-intensity periods with rest?

1. Resistance training

2. Steady-state cardio

3. Interval training

4. Plyometric training

The correct answer is: Interval training

The strategy that alternates high-intensity periods with rest is interval training. This form of exercise involves alternating segments of high-intensity work with lower-intensity recovery or rest periods. The key feature of interval training is its ability to enhance cardiovascular fitness and improve performance by allowing the body to work harder during the high-intensity periods while still providing adequate recovery time. In contrast, resistance training focuses primarily on muscular strength and does not typically incorporate the same pattern of alternating intensities. Steady-state cardio involves maintaining a consistent intensity throughout the exercise session, which does not allow for the kind of intense bursts followed by rest that characterizes interval training. Plyometric training, while it does include explosive movements and high-intensity work, is more focused on developing power and does not strictly utilize the structured alternating of high-intensity and rest periods as seen in interval training.