This article discusses the background, statistics, mechanisms, timing, dosing, influences, and practical applications for the use of caffeine as an ergogenic aid.
Consumption of dietary protein by athletes is a common intervention to maximize gains in muscle and strength, and to improve body composition. The purpose of this article is to analyze the current research on the optimal amount of dietary protein for resistance training athletes.
In this session from the 2015 Personal Trainers Conference, dietitian Dawn Weatherwax explains how the health of the digestive system affects overall health. Learn how gastrointestinal health impacts fat loss and muscle gain, the signs and symptoms of poor gut health, and foods and supplements that have been shown to have a positive impact on gut integrity.
It has been said that power lies within the transverse plane, but actually the frontal plane foot motion is what drives the transverse plane. In this session from the NSCA’s 2016 Personal Trainers Conference, Emily Splichal reviews frontal plane foot movements and how they are coupled with transverse plane rotations of the lower extremity.
Personal trainersExercise ScienceExercise Technique
Why are some behaviors so easy to change while others are so excruciatingly difficult? In this session from the 2015 NSCA Personal Trainers Conference, Annette Lang explains how to identify specific components that have contributed to success—or lack thereof—in changing behaviors and ultimately, habits.
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.
This study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research compared the muscle activation level of the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and erector spinae in the hip thrust, barbell deadlift, and hex bar deadlift; each of which are compound resisted hip-extension exercises.
Personal trainersCoachesExercise ScienceProgram design
This infographic introduces velocity-based training (VBT), and is the first of a three part series explaining the theory behind and application of VBT.
Ground-based free weight lifts, especially the explosive Olympic-style lifts, are highly recommended for athletic conditioning for the core muscles. They can provide a moderately unstable stimulus to augment activation of the core and limb muscles, while still providing maximal or near maximal strength, velocity, and power output.