NSCF Certified Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What is the main goal of hypertrophy training?

1. Improve cardiovascular fitness

2. Increase muscle size

3. Enhance endurance

4. Develop agility

The correct answer is: Increase muscle size

The main goal of hypertrophy training is to increase muscle size. This form of training focuses on causing muscle fibers to grow in cross-sectional area, which is typically achieved through resistance training with specific parameters such as moderate to heavy weights, moderate repetitions, and structured volume. Hypertrophy training stimulates the muscle's physiological adaptations, promoting an increase in the amount of myofibrillar protein as well as other components of muscle, which ultimately leads to larger muscle mass. While improving cardiovascular fitness, enhancing endurance, and developing agility are important components of overall fitness, they fall under different training methodologies and focus areas. Hypertrophy training is strictly concerned with developing muscle mass, making it essential for anyone looking to increase their strength and aesthetics through increased muscle size.