Using the sled closely mimics real-time sports performance movements and activities because of the horizontal resistance opposing the vertical movements typically seen in a weight room setting. This article highlights a variety of sled training exercises designed to target the core musculature.

Dietmar Schmidtbleicher, Head and Chair for Sport Sciences at the Institute of Sport Sciences at the Goethe University Frankfurt/Main in Frankfurt, Germany—and one of the world’s leading experts on strength and power training—explains the influencing factors of force production in eccentric muscle actions. Schmidtbleicher made a rare appearance in the United States at the NSCA’s 2015 National Conference.

This infographic discusses how testing for the change of direction deficit may be a more specific measure of change of direction ability in athletes.

Josh Leve, Co-Founder and President of the Association of Fitness Studios, discusses the current trends in the fitness studio industry in this session from the 2016 NSCA Personal Trainers Conference. Also covered is why personalization is the key to success, and insights into what is working and what is not.

One of the most difficult challenges for strength and conditioning professionals is incorporating non-traditional movements to develop explosive power in a team setting. In this session from the 2015 NSCA National Conference, Mark Watts will review several unique exercises in multiple planes of motion to develop explosive power using a variety of equipment.

This article provides guidance on designing strength and conditioning programs for male collegiate trampolinists by combining the available sport science with practical coaching experience.

Tactical professionals are often met with jobs that require long periods of sedentary time. This article provides practical strategies for how to minimize the negative impact of chronic sitting for the tactical professional.

This article takes a closer look at training strength and stiffness in connective tissues.

Justin Roethlingshoefer, Head Strength Coach of the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League and Devan McConnell, Head of Hockey Performance at University of Massachusetts Lowell, talks to the NSCA Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Scott Caulfield, about their the idea and creation of their book, Intent, as well as their path to strength and conditioning for high performance hockey athletes. Topics under discussion include: training for hockey athletes, sports science, and Intent.

This article seeks to help personal trainers understand the physiological effects of stress and helpful ways they can drive positive changes for their clients through exercise.