Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA) Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

Increasing muscle mass through strength training leads to a rise in the resting metabolic rate, which corresponds with option C, "Increased calorie burn even at rest." Muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain than fat tissue, meaning that as muscle mass increases, the body burns more calories throughout the day, even when at rest. This results in enhanced energy expenditure, which can contribute to weight management and improved body composition over time.

In contrast, the other options present outcomes that do not hold true in the context of strength training. Increased muscle mass does not typically lead to decreased flexibility; in fact, a well-designed strength training program can enhance range of motion. Similarly, a lower resting metabolic rate is contrary to the benefits associated with muscle gain, as a higher metabolic rate is advantageous for maintaining weight and promoting fat loss. Additionally, while strength training primarily focuses on muscle development, it does not inherently reduce cardiovascular endurance; instead, combined training approaches can improve both strength and cardiovascular fitness.