This article gives a firsthand account of working in a few of the United States Army’s earlier human performance and injury reduction programs as a strength coach and active-duty physical therapist.

Before implementing an agility training program, baseline measures of change of direction ability should be assessed. This article presents norms for three tests that can be used to assess change of direction ability.

Tactical operators face many challenges in relation to their job and need to be able to move optimally in order to avoid injuries. The tools provided in this article may assist in helping to develop the ability to improve thoracic mobility in tactical operators.

This article describes how introduction of evidence-based practices requires today’s fitness professional to raise the bar of his or her education and analytical experience by actively and consistently using techniques of research in order to perform their job as a fitness professional.

Understanding how the body adapts to the overload of aerobic exercise is critical to designing effective exercise training programs, monitoring exercise responses and progress, and assessing training outcomes.

Ryan Metzger, Senior Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Clemson University, talks to the NSCA Coaching Program Manager, Eric McMahon, about their internship program going virtual amidst the pandemic to provide young strength coaches the education they need to grow despite the lack of in-person training. Topics of discussion also include early sport specialization and burnout, as well as being a role model for female athletes. Find Ryan on Instagram: @clemsonolystrength or @coach_metz | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs or Twitter: @ericmcmahoncscs

Discover how hospitality-focused ownership and management can create a gym that attracts and retains members for long-term success. Visit NSCA online to read more on professional development, the fitness industry, and health.

Learn how to cultivate a client-centered coaching mindset. In this session from the NSCA 2017 Personal Trainers Conference, Matt Berenc, Director of Education for Equinox Fitness Training Institute, explains how to create an optimal learning environment for the client in the training session and develop an authentic coaching presence and style that meets the needs of both the client and personal trainer.

This article is part of a continuing series that examines pertinent and recent tactical strength and conditioning research reviews.