NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What characterizes the maintenance stage of physical activity?

1. Commitment to future physical activity

2. Sustaining regular activity above minimum levels for six months

3. Initiating a new exercise program

4. Reducing physical activity levels

The correct answer is: Sustaining regular activity above minimum levels for six months

The maintenance stage of physical activity is characterized by sustaining regular activity above minimum levels for at least six months. This stage reflects a point where an individual has successfully integrated physical activity into their daily routine and is now focused on maintaining that behavior over time. During this phase, consistency and adherence to exercise patterns are key, as individuals work to avoid relapse and continue reaping the benefits of their physical activity. Commitment to future physical activity does play a role in the overall journey of adopting a healthy lifestyle but does not specifically define the maintenance stage, which is more about ongoing engagement with physical activity. Initiating a new exercise program pertains to earlier stages of behavior change, such as the preparation or action stages, where the focus is primarily on starting and establishing new routines. Lastly, reducing physical activity levels would indicate a move away from healthy habits and is contrary to the goals of the maintenance stage, which aims to uphold and enhance the levels of physical activity undertaken.