Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning

by G. Gregory Haff (Editor), N. Travis Triplett, National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) (Editor)

Developed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and now in its fourth edition, Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning is the essential text for strength and conditioning professionals and students. This comprehensive resource, created by 30 expert contributors in the field, 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 scope and content of Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fourth Edition With Web Resource, have been updated to convey the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a strength and conditioning professional and to address the latest information found on the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam. The evidence-based approach and unbeatable accuracy of the text make it the primary resource to rely on for CSCS exam preparation.

The text is organized to lead readers from theory to program design and practical strategies for administration and management of strength and conditioning facilities. The fourth edition contains the most current research and applications and several new features:

- Online videos featuring 21 resistance training exercises demonstrate proper exercise form for classroom and practical use.

- Updated research--specifically in the areas of high-intensity interval training, overtraining, agility and speed in changes of direction, nutrition for health and performance, and periodization--helps readers better understand these popular trends in the industry.

- A new chapter with instructions and photos presents techniques for exercises using alternative modes and nontraditional implements.

- Ten additional tests of maximum power and strength, aerobic capacity, along with new flexibility exercises, resistance training exercises, plyometric exercises, and speed and agility drills help professionals design programs that reflect current guidelines.

Key points, chapter objectives, and learning aids including key terms and self-study questions provide a structure to help students and professionals conceptualize the information and reinforce fundamental facts. Application sidebars provide practical application of scientific concepts that can be used by strength and conditioning specialists in real-world settings, making the information immediately relatable and usable. The web resource provides students with lab activities in fillable form for practice and information retention. Further, 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, Fourth Edition, offers an expanded ancillary package for instructors. Instructors receive access to a 61-video collection, including the 21 videos available in the web resource, plus an additional 40 videos demonstrating resistance training exercises, plyometric exercises, and exercises using alternative modes and nontraditional implements, bringing practical content to the classroom. Working along with the instructor guide and presentation package, a test package has been added to assist instructors in evaluating students' understanding of key concepts.

Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fourth 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 the essential preparation text for the CSCS exam as well as a definitive reference for strength and conditioning professionals to consult in their everyday practice.

Genres: Fitness, Sports, Health, Nonfiction, Reference

752 pages, Hardcover

Published November 16, 2015

Reviews

[Austin Kobza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book

[Natalia Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just know Cassian has his CSCS

[Grace]

don’t care that I’m putting this on my good reads I read the whole thing to study for my exam

[J.L. Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a general resource for strength training professionals to have in a resource library? 5 stars. It's jargony in places, but everything in here is evidence-based and no one in the field should have trouble parsing it. It's great to have in your reference library in case you're iffy on a specific data point or stretch.

As the textbook for the CSCS (i.e., its advertised purpose), only four. It's still a great text for all the same reasons, but I don't feel it prepares you for the test quite as much as advertised. It's not an exhaustive look at all the things you'll need to know for the test, but it does cover most of them in great detail.

(Bear in mind that I did use this text as part of my study plan for the CSCS and passed, so your mileage with this review may vary)

[Abby Steiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone wish me luck on my exam!

[Nathan Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you 🙏

[Abdullah Farrag · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the book delves into multitudes of subjects on strength training ,it fails to provide depth into any of the subjects discussed . This should be viewed as a introductory book not as a learning guide .

[Jesse Bradstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

9.5/10

Obviously it's dry, but the material is very interesting and (for most of the chapters) well-presented, and thorough. This is a great introduction to the practical application of exercise physiology. (Also using it as a study tool for the CSCS exam, which I take next week...might update this later with how much it helped me for the exam.) Highly recommended for EP undergrads or anyone interested in strength & conditioning, personal training, rehab, etc.,

[James Pinola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped me earn my CSCS after completing my MS.

[Katrina Padgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential Text

This is a very thorough text for CSCS test preparation. Includes review questions for each chapter. Highly recommended for aspiring CSCS professionals.

[Alexander Luyando · Rating 4 out of 5]

So long, I can only wish they put a better effort into making it readable, there would be more trainers in the world

[Levi Britting · Rating 4 out of 5]

It helped me pass, so it did its job.

[Lauren Ayers]

operation cram - hopefully pays off lol kmn

[Jackson McCalmont · Rating 5 out of 5]

So just to confirm? I shouldn’t take anabolic steroids?

[Rachel Barrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

great resource for CSCS. helped me pass the exam cert. also just a great resource to have on hand if you are in the strength & conditioning field.

[David Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just got into Strength & Conditioning within the past year and this book was loaded with a ton of great information. Covering a wide variety of topics, I was recalling a lot of information from kinesiology and ex. phys. while going through every chapter. Really prepared me for my CSCS, even though I would recompensed accessing some additional online sources. Will probably add this book to my personal library down the road, but took well over 100 pages of notes and gained a tone of new knowledge from this book.

[Mike Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great text and resource. I had a copy of the 2nd and 3rd editions of this text and decided to purchase this 4th edition earlier this year. Highly recommended for anyone who intends to prepare for the CSCS exam or any CSCS who wants to add to their professional development library!