ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

A pregnant client is in her second trimester and has a physician's release to exercise. What is the most appropriate modification to her program?

1. Advise her to eat a small snack before exercise sessions

2. Educate on the need to increase caloric intake

3. Maintain current nutrition and discontinue supine exercises

4. Change her exercise program to aquatic exercise only

The correct answer is: Educate on the need to increase caloric intake

The most appropriate modification to a pregnant client's exercise program during the second trimester, particularly when she has a physician's release to exercise, focuses on the importance of nutrition in relation to her increased energy needs. As a client progresses through pregnancy, her body undergoes various physiological changes, including increased metabolism and energy requirements. It is essential for her to ensure she meets these elevated nutritional needs to support both her and the developing fetus's health. Therefore, educating her on the need to increase caloric intake is a critical modification. This increased caloric intake helps provide adequate energy for exercising safely and maintaining overall health during pregnancy. Maintaining a well-balanced diet with increased caloric intake can help manage energy levels, support fetal development, and reduce the risk of complications associated with inadequate nutrition during pregnancy. Focusing on nutrition aspects is crucial for a pregnant client who is exercising, as it allows her to properly fuel her body and promotes both her well-being and the health of her baby. Other modifications, such as advising a small snack before exercising, maintaining current nutrition while discontinuing supine exercises, or switching exclusively to aquatic exercise, may not address the core need for increased caloric intake adequately during this important stage of pregnancy. While those options may have their merits