AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

How do athletes typically react when hitting the wall during competition?

1. Intensify their efforts

2. Feel excessive fatigue and may want to quit

3. Experience a spike in energy

4. Seek medical assistance immediately

The correct answer is: Feel excessive fatigue and may want to quit

When athletes encounter "hitting the wall" during competition, they usually experience a significant drop in energy levels and overwhelming fatigue. This phenomenon often occurs during endurance events when the body’s glycogen stores are depleted, leading to a state of physical and mental exhaustion. The intense fatigue can be disheartening and can create a strong desire to quit, as the athlete may perceive that they cannot continue or perform at their usual level. This reaction contrasts with the other scenarios where, typically, athletes may not intensify their efforts if they feel depleted; they are less likely to experience a sudden spike in energy or immediately seek medical assistance unless they are in severe distress. Thus, option B accurately captures the typical response athletes have when faced with extreme fatigue during competition.