Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA) Practice Exam

Which exercise mode demands the highest power output from the client?

1. 1RM squat

2. 1RM leg press

3. 3RM bench press

4. 3RM hang clean

The correct answer is: 3RM hang clean

The exercise mode that demands the highest power output from the client is the 3RM hang clean. This movement is a dynamic, Olympic weightlifting exercise that requires both strength and speed, leveraging a combination of muscle groups to generate significant power. Power output in this context refers to the ability to apply force quickly, which is essential in the hang clean as it involves explosive movements. The lift requires the athlete to quickly transition from a hang position to an upright position while lifting the weight, which is fundamentally different from the other options listed. Exercises like the 1RM squat and leg press, while they do involve lifting heavy weights, focus more on maximizing strength and less on the speed and explosiveness that characterize the hang clean. Similarly, the 3RM bench press, although it involves lifting a substantial weight, does not require the same level of explosiveness and full-body coordination as the hang clean does. Therefore, the 3RM hang clean stands out as the mode that demands the highest power output due to its specific characteristics involving rapid force production and dynamic movement.