Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which component is not part of a standard exercise prescription?

1. Commencement (when to start the activity)

2. Intensity (how difficult the activity should be)

3. Frequency (how often to perform the activity)

4. Duration (how long the activity lasts)

The correct answer is: Commencement (when to start the activity)

A standard exercise prescription typically includes key components that guide individuals on how to engage in physical activity effectively and safely. These components are intensity, frequency, and duration of the exercise, which collectively help in shaping an individualized exercise program. Commencement, while relevant to starting an exercise regimen, is not traditionally detailed in standard exercise prescriptions. The prescription focuses on specific measurable aspects of the exercise plan rather than when to begin. This does not undermine the importance of knowing when to start an exercise program, but it highlights that standard prescriptions are more concerned with ongoing participation through intensity, frequency, and duration, which are necessary for achieving health and fitness goals. By emphasizing intensity, frequency, and duration, exercise prescriptions ensure that the activities are appropriately challenging and sustainable, ultimately leading to beneficial health outcomes.