ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) Practice Exam

An individual classified as an irregular exerciser is typically in the preparation stage of emotional readiness. This stage is characterized by individuals who acknowledge the importance of exercise and may have taken some initial steps toward incorporating it into their routines, but they are not consistent in maintaining their exercise habits.

In the preparation stage, people often plan to exercise regularly and may have set specific goals. They might have purchased workout gear or have structured plans but do not engage in physical activity consistently enough to meet the criteria of the action or maintenance stages. The preparation phase is critical as it signifies that a person is contemplating behavior change and is ready to take actionable steps, even if those steps are not yet fully realized.

In contrast, the other stages mentioned involve different levels of commitment and consistency. The maintenance stage refers to individuals who have been exercising regularly for six months or more. The contemplation stage involves individuals who are aware of the benefits of exercise but have not yet committed to making changes. The action stage is where individuals are actively participating in regular exercise consistently for a minimum of six months. Therefore, the classification of someone as an irregular exerciser aligns appropriately with the preparation stage of emotional readiness.