The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is the world's leading organization in the field of sport conditioning. Drawing on the resources and expertise of the most recognized professionals in strength training and conditioning, sport science, performance research, education, and sports medicine, the NSCA is the world's trusted source of knowledge and training guidelines for coaches and athletes. The NSCA provides the crucial link between the lab and the field. G. Gregory Haff, PhD, CSCS,*D, FNSCA, is a professor of strength and conditioning based in Australia. He has published more than 280 articles, centering his research on performance effects in the areas of strength-training methodologies, performance testing, training theory, and nutritional supplementation. Haff is a past president of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a senior associate editor for the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. In 2021 he received the NSCA Impact Award for his significant contributions to the strength and conditioning profession. Additionally, in 2014 he was the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year for Education and Research and the 2011 NSCA William J. Kraemer Outstanding Sport Scientist Award winner. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with distinction (CSCS,*D), a UKSCA-accredited strength and conditioning coach (ASCC), and an accredited Australian Strength and Conditioning Association level 2 strength and conditioning coach. Additionally, Haff is a national-level weightlifting coach in the United States and Australia. He serves as a consultant for numerous sporting bodies, including teams in the Australian Football League, Australian Rugby Union, Australian Basketball Association, and National Football League. N. Travis Triplett, PhD, CSCS,*D, FNSCA, is a professor and program director in the department of kinesiology at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. She is a past president of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and is the current vice chair of the board of directors for the NSCA's Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE). She was the 2025 winner of the Boyd Epley Award for NSCA Lifetime Contributions as well as the 2010 NSCA William J. Kraemer Outstanding Sport Scientist Award winner. She has served on two panels for NASA, one of which was for developing resistance exercise countermeasures to microgravity environments for the International Space Station. She was a sports physiology research assistant at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Dr. Triplett is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with distinction (CSCS,*D) as well as a USA Weightlifting club coach.
Description
One of the most comprehensive strength and conditioning resources available. Developed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and now in its fifth edition, Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning is the single best resource for strength and conditioning professionals and students. This comprehensive text explains the key theories, concepts, and scientific principles of strength training and conditioning as well as their direct application to athletic competition and performance. The content of Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fifth Edition With HKPropel Access, has been updated to reflect the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a strength and conditioning professional in today's world. Addressing the core proficiencies tested on the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam, the evidence-based approach and unbeatable accuracy of this text make it an ideal resource to rely on for CSCS exam preparation. The fifth edition contains the most current research and applications, including the following: A new chapter on functional and nonfunctional overreaching, overtraining, and the overtraining syndrome Updated stand-alone chapters to expand on age- and sex-related differences New research on mental health and the psychological impact of injury in sport New information on vaping and smoking and the implications for aerobic training New content about the importance of activating the central nervous system before training Written by contributors who are leading experts around the world, the text is organized to lead readers from theory to program design and practical strategies for administration and management of strength and conditioning facilities. Key points, chapter objectives, and self-study questions provide a structure to help students and professionals conceptualize the information and to reinforce fundamental facts. Application sidebars provide practical application of scientific concepts that can be used by strength and conditioning professionals in real-world settings, making the information immediately relatable and usable. The online learning tools delivered through HKPropel provide students with 20 downloadable lab activities for practice and retention of information. Furthermore, both students and professionals will benefit from the online videos of 21 foundational exercises that provide visual instruction and reinforce proper technique. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fifth Edition, provides the most comprehensive information on organization and administration of facilities, testing and evaluation, exercise techniques, training adaptations, program design, and structure and function of body systems. Its scope, precision, and dependability make it one of the most widely used preparation texts for the CSCS exam as well as a definitive reference for strength and conditioning professionals to consult in their everyday practice. Note: A code for accessing HKPropel is included with all new print books.
Chapter 1. Structure and Function of Body Systems Michael D. Roberts, PhD Musculoskeletal System Neuromuscular System Cardiovascular System Respiratory System Acute Responses to Aerobic Exercise Cardiovascular and Respiratory Responses to Anaerobic Exercise Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 2. Biomechanics of Resistance Exercise William R. Johnson, PhD, and Jason Lake, PhD Skeletal Musculature Anatomical Planes and Major Body Movements Human Strength and Power Sources of Resistance to Muscle Contraction Joint Biomechanics: Concerns in Resistance Training Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 3. Bioenergetics of Exercise and Training Dale W. Chapman, PhD Essential Terminology Biological Energy Systems Substrate Depletion and Repletion Bioenergetic Limiting Factors in Exercise Performance Oxygen Uptake and the Aerobic and Anaerobic Contributions to Exercise Metabolic Specificity of Training Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 4. Endocrine Responses to Resistance Exercise and Training William J. Kraemer, PhD, Jakob L. Vingren, PhD, and Disa L. Hatfield, PhD Historical Perspective on Interest in the Endocrine System Endocrine Terminology, Functions, and Mechanisms Understanding Signaling Concepts Functions of the Endocrine System in Resistance Exercise and Training Importance of Recruitment of Muscle Tissue Muscle as the Target for Hormone Interactions Role of Receptors in Mediating Hormonal Changes Categories of Hormones Amine Hormone Interactions Training-Mediated Hormonal Responses and Mechanisms Interpreting Hormonal Changes in Peripheral Blood Adaptations in the Endocrine System From Resistance Training Primary Anabolic Hormones in Muscle Development Growth Hormone Insulin-Like Growth Factors and Binding Proteins IGF Responses to Exercise Training Adaptations and IGF and Binding Proteins Adrenal Gland, Cortisol, and Its Role in Resistance Exercise Catecholamines and Their Role in Resistance Exercise and Training Other Hormonal Considerations in Resistance Training Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 5. Adaptations to Anaerobic Training Brandon Roberts, PhD, and Sean Collins, PhD Neural Adaptations Muscular Adaptations Connective Tissue Adaptations Endocrine Responses and Adaptations to Anaerobic Training Cardiovascular and Respiratory Responses to Anaerobic Exercise Compatibility of Aerobic and Anaerobic Modes of Training Detraining Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 6. Adaptations to Aerobic Training Kate Baldwin, PhD, and Glen B. Deakin, PhD Acute Responses to Aerobic Exercise Chronic Adaptations to Aerobic Exercise Adaptations to Aerobic Endurance Training External and Individual Factors Influencing Adaptations to Aerobic Endurance Training Detraining Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 7. Age-Related Differences and Their Implications for Resistance Training Rhodri S. Lloyd, PhD, Sylvia Moeskops, PhD, and Avery D. Faigenbaum, EdD Youth Populations Older Adults Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 8. Sex-Related Differences and Their Implications for Resistance Training N. Travis Triplett, PhD, and Nicole Dabbs, PhD Implications of Resistance Training for Females Training Responses and Adaptations Resistance Training Considerations Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 9. Psychological Foundations of Performance Daniel B. Hollander, EdD, and Adam Feit, PhD Role of Sport Psychology Ideal Performance State Energy Management: Arousal, Anxiety, and Stress Theoretical Tenants of Arousal, Anxiety, and Motivation on Performance Motivation Attention and Focus Psychological Techniques for Improved Performance Mental Health and Strength and Conditioning Psychological Impact of Injury in Sport Enhancing Motor Skill Acquisition and Learning Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 10. Basic Nutritional Factors Affecting Health Cassandra Forsythe, PhD, RD Role of Sports Nutrition Professionals Standard Nutrition Guidelines Macronutrients Vitamins Minerals Fluid and Electrolytes Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 11. Nutrition Strategies for Maximizing Performance Shawn M. Arent, PhD, and Abbie E. Smith-Ryan, PhD Precompetition, During-Event, and Postcompetition Nutrition Nutrition Strategies for Altering Body Composition Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) Feeding and Eating Disorders Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 12. Performance-Enhancing Substances and Methods Bill I. Campbell, PhD, and Nathaniel D.M. Jenkins, PhD Types of Performance-Enhancing Substances Hormones Dietary Supplements Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 13. Principles of Test Selection and Administration Claire Brady, PhD, and John McMahon, PhD Reasons for Testing Testing Terminology Evaluation of Test Quality Test Selection Test Administration Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 14. Administration, Scoring, and Interpretation of Selected Tests David J. Heikkinen, PhD, Jo Clubb, MS, and John McMahon, PhD Measuring Parameters of Athletic Performance Monitoring Protocols, Procedures, and Equipment Statistical Evaluation of Test Data Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 15. Performance Preparation, Mobility, and Flexibility Ian Jeffreys, PhD Performance Preparation-The Warm-Up Flexibility Types of Stretching Programming Considerations for Stretching Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 16. Exercise Technique for Free Weight and Machine Training Scott Caulfield, MA, Guy Hornsby, PhD, and G. Gregory Haff, PhD Fundamentals of Exercise Technique Spotting Free Weight Exercises Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 17. Exercise Technique for Alternative Modes and Nontraditional Implement Training Justin Keogh, PhD, and G. Gregory Haff, PhD General Guidelines Bodyweight Training Methods Core Stability and Balance Training Methods Variable-Resistance Training Methods Nontraditional Implement Training Methods Unilateral Training Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 18. Program Design for Resistance Training Timothy J. Suchomel, PhD, and Paul Comfort, PhD Principles of Anaerobic Exercise Prescription Step 1: Needs Analysis Step 2: Exercise Selection Step 3: Training Frequency Step 4: Exercise Order Step 5: Training Load and Repetitions Step 6: Volume Step 7: Rest Periods Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 19. Program Design and Technique for Plyometric Training Chris A. Bailey, PhD, and Clive Brewer, MSc Plyometric Mechanics and Physiology Program Design Program Length Warm-Up Age Considerations Plyometrics and Other Forms of Exercise Safety Considerations Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 20. Program Design and Technique for Speed and Agility Training Thomas Dos'Santos, PhD, and Paul A Jones, PhD Speed and Agility Mechanics Neurophysiological Basis for Speed Running Speed Methods of Developing Speed Agility Performance and Change-of-Direction Ability Methods of Developing Agility Program Design Speed Development Strategies Agility Development Strategies Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 21. Program Design and Technique for Aerobic Endurance and Metabolic Training Glen B. Deakin, PhD, and Carwyn P.M. Sharp, PhD Factors Related to Aerobic Endurance Performance Designing an Aerobic Endurance Program Types of Aerobic Endurance Training Programs Application of Program Design to Training Seasons Special Issues Related to Aerobic Endurance Training Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 22. Periodization G. Gregory Haff, PhD Central Concepts Related to Periodization Periodization and Planning the Training Process Models of Periodization Periodization Hierarchy Periodization Periods Applying Sport Seasons to the Periodization Periods Undulating Versus Linear Periodization Models Example of an Annual Training Plan Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 23. Rehabilitation, Reconditioning, and Medical Issues Morey J. Kolber, PT, PhD, and William J. Hanney, DPT, PhD Allied Health Team Types of Injury Tissue Healing Goals of Rehabilitation and Reconditioning Program Design Reducing Risk of Injury and Reinjury Medical Conditions Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 24. Overreaching, Overtraining, and Recovery Andrew C. Fry, PhD, and Bradley C. Nindl, PhD Periodization and the General Adaptation Syndrome Overtraining and Overreaching Overtraining Continuum Factors Contributing to Overreaching and Overtraining Underperformance and Its Relation to Overtraining and Overreaching Performance-Related Variables Affected by Overtraining and Overreaching Physiological Mechanisms Associated With Overreaching and Overtraining Assessment of Overreaching and Overtraining Recovery Methods and Strategies Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 25. Facility Design, Layout, and Organization Ryan Metzger, MS, Ryan Fowler, MS, and Eric L. McMahon, MEd General Aspects of New Facility Design Existing Strength and Conditioning Facilities Satellite Training Facilities Outdoor Training Spaces Assessing Athletic Program Needs Designing the Strength and Conditioning Facility Arranging Equipment in the Strength and Conditioning Facility Maintaining and Cleaning Surfaces and Equipment Conclusion Learning Aids Chapter 26. Facility Policies, Procedures, and Legal Issues Brijesh Patel, MA, and Reed Wainwright, JD Mission Statement and Program Goals Program Objectives Strength and Conditioning Performance Team Legal and Ethical Issues Staff Policies and Activities Facility Administration Emergency Planning and Response Conclusion Learning Aids Answers to Study Questions