(306 found)
The French Contrast Method – Theory and Application
July 27, 2023by Michael Long, MS, Christopher Fee, CSCS, and Christopher Taber, PhD, CSCS
The purpose of this article is to discuss the theory behind the French Contrast Method (FCM), current evidence demonstrating its effectiveness, as well as proper implementation and execution for athletic populations.
Coaches Program design
A Mindful Lift – Benefits of Mindful Meditation in Strength and Conditioning – Part 2
March 6, 2021by Meagan Wilson, Elizabeth Hope, and Brian Gearity, PhD, ATC, CSCS,*D, FNSCA
Part 2 of this article series explores the possible benefits of mindful meditation for coach development as well as how it can improve reflective practice and the coach-athlete relationship.
Coaches Professional Development
The Effects of Altitude on Training and Racing Performance in Endurance Athletes
November 14, 2020by Ryan Eckert, CSCS, NSCA-CPT
The goal of this article is to define some of the basic physiological responses to acute and chronic altitude exposure and to provide some evidence-based, practical guidelines when approaching training and racing at higher altitudes.
Personal trainers Exercise Science Program design
Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) for the Personal Trainer – Part 2: Action – How Can Personal Trainers Integrate LTAD into Clients’ Programs?
August 16, 2024by Rick Howard, DSc, CSCS,*D, RSCC*E
This three-part series shows how personal trainers can create a physically literate cradle-to-grave culture for all, with LTAD as the framework.
Personal trainers Program design Professional Development
Using Intensity Based on Sets and Repetitions – Over 50 Years of Experience: A Brief Overview of Load Setting and Programming Strategy
December 15, 2025by Michael Stone, PhD, CSCS,*D, FUKSCA, FNSCA, William Hornsby, PhD, CSCS,*D, RSCC*D, FNSCA, Jacob Reed, PhD, CSCS, Meg Stone, MA, CSCS,*D, RSCC*E, FNSCA*E, Marco Duca, PhD, CSCS, Satoshi Mizuguchi, PhD, CSCS, and Kyle Pierce, PhD, CSCS
This NSCA Coach article offers a brief description on the various methods for setting resistance training loads. Visit NSCA online to read more on strength training and program development.
Coaches Exercise Science Exercise Technique Program design Organization and Administration Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment Safety Professional Development
Incorporating Developmental Psychology to Enhance High School Strength Training
September 19, 2025by James D. Davis, Ed.M, MA, CSCS, RSCC*E
This article in NSCA Coach explores how developmental psychology enhances coaching in high school strength settings. Visit us online to learn more on high school strength training and exercise science.
Coaches Exercise Science Program design Organization and Administration Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment Safety Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or Disease Professional Development
Exercise Progressions for Resuming Strength Training Following Posterior-Chain Muscle Injury
June 11, 2025by Emidio E. Pistilli, PhD
NSCA Coach 11.4 shares how strength training of the posterior chain in athletes can reduce injury risk and aid rehabilitation. Visit us online to read more about exercise research.
Coaches Exercise Science Exercise Technique Program design Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment
Training the Arm Swing for High Performance
May 17, 2024by Nicholas Mortensen, PhD, CSCS, USAW
This article explains the connections between the upper and lower body and their influence on performance and recovery strategies in sprinting.
Coaches Exercise Science Exercise Technique Program design
Incorporating Training Load Monitoring into Fitness Programming: A Review of Practical Tools for Fitness Providers
October 8, 2018by Grayson Elmore, MAEd, ATC, LAT
In recent years, performance and prevention strategies have grown to include monitoring training load (TL) to understand fatigue and the potential effects of fatigue on training adaptation and performance.
Personal trainers Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment
Special Episode | The Godfather of Strength and Conditioning Boyd Epley
You can’t talk about strength and conditioning without Coach Boyd Epley. Regarded as the “Godfather of Strength and Conditioning,” Epley laid the groundwork for the profession and later founded the NSCA in 1978. His 10 Husker Power Principles, developed at the University of Nebraska, remain a cornerstone in programming and formed the basis of sport-specific training. Emphasizing strength and power, Epley implemented testing and debunked the prevailing belief that weightlifting hindered speed. He recounts his journey with co-hosts Eric McMahon and Jon Jost, chronicling how a pole vault injury and exposure to bodybuilding led him to become the first collegiate strength and conditioning coach. What began with cement bars and paint cans evolved into a fully equipped weight room and impressive lifelong career. Additionally, Epley’s open-door policy — even with his fiercest competitors — helped drive the profession forward. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in strength and conditioning history.
Explore the University of Nebraska’s Husker Power Principles discussed in this episode.
Reach out to Coach Epley by email at boydepley@mac.com. Get in touch with Jon Jost at jonathan.jost@pepsico.com. Find Eric on Instagram @ericmcmahoncscs or LinkedIn @ericmcmahoncscs.
This special episode is brought to you in part by Gatorade Performance Partner. Learn more and join their community at GatoradePerformancePartner.com.
Want to get involved as an NSCA Volunteer? Discover opportunities to lead and share your expertise at NSCA.com/Volunteer. Applications for many positions open in September and October!
Coaches Professional Development
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