Opinions about the best functional exercises will always differ; however, science, logic, and a systematic approach will reduce confusion and debate. In this session from the 2014 NSCA Personal Trainers Conference, Gray Cook presents an interactive discussion that will provide you with the tools to elevate your skills with exercise choice and program design.

This article seeks to explore weight bias and provide strategies to reduce weight bias behaviors.

The purposes of assessment are to gather baseline data and to provide a basis for developing goals and effective exercise programs. Gathering and evaluating the various pieces of information give the personal trainer a broader perspective of the client. The process and the data collected assist the trainer in identifying potential areas of injury and reasonable starting points for recommended intensities and volumes of exercise based on the goals and fitness outcomes.

Although accelerometers, pedometers, heart rate monitors, and questionnaires are not as accurate as direct and indirect calorimetry in determining metabolic rate, these less expensive tools can be used to create exercise plans, particularly those focused on health promotion and fitness.

Trainer Tips are infographics designed to help you, an NSCA professional, educate clients and promote your services. These member-only resources can be used for client education, motivation, and promotion.

This video demonstrates optimal joint kinematics at the shoulder complex for overhead lifting tasks as well as a screening process to provide coaches with a tool to assess an athlete’s suitability for overhead lifting.

Dr. Bryan Mann, from the University of Missouri, discusses the efficacy of using the 225-lb bench press test for measuring maximal strength.

The third and final article in this series will introduce the practical and technical elements of heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring in greater depth and detail.

In this session from the NSCA's 2016 National Conference, Boo Schexnayder demonstrates how to effectively design long-term and short-term programs for speed development. Schexnayder explains how to effectively periodize strength training in a manner that supports speed development, as well as how to use speed and power training as a neural integration tool to enhance strength development.

In this session from the 2015 NSCA TSAC Annual Training, John Hofman covers many common ailments that are specific to firefighters and how they are brought on by overuse, poor compensation, and improper motor patterns. Hofman shares effective strategies that can help improve a department’s health, wellness, and injury prevention programs, as well as corrective exercises.