NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam 2026 - Free Personal Trainer Practice Questions and Study Guide

The distinction between the action stage and the preparation stage in the Transtheoretical Model is crucial for understanding behavior change. The preparation stage encompasses the phase where an individual is getting ready to adopt a new behavior. This may involve planning, gathering resources, or setting specific goals, indicating that they are ready to move forward. In contrast, the action stage represents the actual implementation of the behavior change. During this stage, individuals actively engage in the behaviors they prepared for, thus demonstrating commitment and making substantial efforts.

By identifying that "preparation means ready to act" and "action means executing," this choice accurately captures the essence of each stage within the model. Preparation signifies a period of readiness and planning, while action denotes the active performance of the new behavior, resulting in observable changes. This understanding is fundamental for personal trainers who need to guide clients through each stage of change effectively.