Pump Up Your Career: Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA) 2025 Practice Exam Challenge!

Not varying an exercise routine can lead to an increased risk of injury from overuse. When the same movements and stresses are repeatedly imposed on the same muscle groups and joints without variation, it can result in overtraining those areas. This can lead to repetitive strain injuries, joint pain, and chronic conditions due to the body not having adequate recovery time and exposure to different types of stresses. Incorporating variety into a workout routine helps to distribute stress across different muscles and joints, enhances recovery, and reduces the potential for injury.

The other options present benefits that can occur with variation or are unrelated consequences. For instance, varying workouts can prevent plateaus in muscle growth and performance, whereas sticking to the same routine may hinder progress rather than promote increased muscle mass. Additionally, a varied approach can influence heart rates positively, as different types of exercises can stimulate varying levels of cardiovascular demand, ultimately improving heart health. Finally, skill acquisition is often enhanced through varied practice, as it encourages the adaptation of motor skills across different contexts rather than the stagnation that may come from a repetitive routine.