(1,948 found)
Mike and Jade Esmeralda | Defying Gravity through Strength and Conditioning in the Performing Arts
Night after night, Cirque du Soleil’s performing arts athletes defy gravity and expectations — executing elite-level feats across 480 shows annually. Maintaining peak performance requires more than talent; it demands strategic preparation, adaptability, and trust. Channeling backgrounds in dance and martial arts, married coaching duo Mike and Jade Esmeralda bring a philosophy of continuous improvement to Cirque’s collectivistic infrastructure. Preparing performers with diverse training experiences, they connect on an artistic level to balance readiness with creative expression. From applying RAMP (Raise, Activate, Mobilize, Potentiate) warm-ups for mitigating injury risk to tactical load carriage insights for LED costumes, the Esmeraldas leverage parallels across high-performance environments. Strategies for Cirque’s “valuable human artistic assets” must enhance durability, manage load, and support longevity in an unpredictable, physically — and psychologically — demanding profession. Jade’s evidence-based journalism also combats social media misinformation. Discover how they adapt daily, build buy-in across cultures, and redefine training for a one-of-a-kind population.
Connect with Mike Instagram: @m.b.esmeralda, and LinkedIn: @michaelesmeralda, and Jade on Instagram: @jadesmeralda_ | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
Discover more stage-specific strategies in the NSCA Performing Arts Special Interest Group on LinkedIn.
See some of these impressive feats mentioned in this episode performed by Cirque du Soleil athletes on Instagram at @cirquedusoleil and @cirquedusoleilcasting.
Coaches Professional Development
Does Cryotherapy Work? A Look at the Evidence
September 24, 2018by Anthony Mortara, EdD, CSCS, Mike T. Lane, PhD, CSCS,*D, and Amanda Peach MS
Whole body cryotherapy through cold air exposure has been used to accelerate recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Questions remain, such as: does cryotherapy work, is there a minimum effective dose, and if so, what is it?
Personal trainers TSAC Facilitators Coaches Exercise Science
Sat1400Galpin
May 15, 2018 - May 13, 2025by Andrew Galpin, PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D
Exercise Choice: A New Approach to Speed Up and Optimize Exercises Selection
Personal trainers
fri1030bailey
September 19, 2019by Chris Bailey, PhD, CSCS,*D, RSCC
NATCON 22
Personal trainers TSAC Facilitators Coaches
thur1500panel
September 19, 2019by Rob Orr, Ryan Carroll, Tyler Christiansen, EJ O’Malley, Annette Zapp
TAT22
Personal trainers TSAC Facilitators Coaches
fri 0845pata
September 19, 2019by Carmen Pata, MS, CSCS,*D, RSCC*D
CC 2022
Personal trainers TSAC Facilitators Coaches
thur1500zapp
September 19, 2019by Annette Zapp, MS, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D
NATCON22
Personal trainers TSAC Facilitators Coaches
What is Metabolic Resistance Training?
May 14, 2018by Brad Schoenfeld, PhD, CSCS,*D, CSPS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D, FNSC
Brad Schoenfeld, MS, CSCS, CSPS, NSCA-CPT provides a brief overview of Metabolic Resistance Training (MRT).
Personal trainers Coaches Exercise Science
Fri1400Nelson
October 4, 2018by Michael Nelson, PhD, CSCS
5 Myths About Dietary Protein for Body Composition and Performance
Personal trainers
- Privacy Policy
- Your Privacy Choices
- Terms of Use
- Retraction and Correction Policy
- © 2026 National Strength and Conditioning Association