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Whitney Tramel | Breaking into Tactical Strength and Conditioning
Want to break into tactical strength and conditioning? Start by understanding the physical and stress demands of tactical work. Whitney Tramel explains what coaches need to know before stepping into this space. Drawing on her experience across military, police, and fire settings, she outlines the training qualities tactical professionals need to stay ready. She also discusses the growing focus on “holistic health.” In her view, that means looking at the whole individual and supporting longevity across a demanding career. As Tactical Program Manager at the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a PhD candidate studying stress physiology, Tramel connects research with the realities of tactical coaching. She also addresses a side many coaches are not ready for: tactical athletes often trust their strength coach with conversations that reach far beyond training. Learn what the role requires, what coaches often miss, and how to enter the tactical field with clarity.
Reach out to Whitney by email: whitney.tramel@nsca.com | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
Looking to enter the tactical space or keep growing in it?
Explore the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®) certification and join us at 2026 NSCA Tactical Annual Training in Orlando this August 17 – 20.
Coaches Professional Development
Shoulder Taps – A Novel Time-Efficient Screening Tool for Tactical Operators
October 21, 2019by Katherine Balfany, CSCS, Caitlyn Heredia, and Robert Lockie, PhD, TSAC-F
This article presents the shoulder taps, which could serve as a more time-efficient screening tool for tactical operators. Although this article will present the shoulder taps as an assessment modality, it may be expanded upon and prescribed as an exercise for the purpose of improving trunk, hip, and shoulder stability.
TSAC Facilitators Exercise Technique Program design Testing and Evaluation
Military Column – July 2025
October 16, 2025by Whitney Tramel, MS, CSCS, TSAC-F, and Mark Stephenson, MS, ATC, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D
This TSAC Report article highlights the need for recovery strategies to support both physical readiness and psychological resilience in military training. Visit NSCA online to learn more about tactical athletes.
TSAC Facilitators Exercise Science Testing and Evaluation Safety Professional Development
TSAC Research Column – April 2023
December 22, 2023by Dustin Dunnick, PhD, CSCS
This article is part of a continuing series of tactical strength and conditioning (TSAC) research reviews. It is designed to bring awareness to new research findings of relevance to tactical strength and conditioning communities.
TSAC Facilitators Exercise Science Testing and Evaluation
First Responder Research Column – Understanding the Stress Response Following Occupational Exposures among First Responders
February 17, 2026by Sarah Hines, Mark Abel, PhD, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D, and Emily Langford, PhD, CSCS,*D
This TSAC Report article discusses incorporating stress inoculation to help first responders reduce stress response and expedite recovery. Visit NSCA online to learn more about exercise research.
TSAC Facilitators Exercise Science Exercise Technique Program design Organization and Administration Testing and Evaluation Safety Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or Disease Professional Development
TSAC Report 49 Research Review
October 1, 2018by Rod Pope, PhD
This article is the 12th in a continuing series of tactical strength and conditioning (TSAC) research reviews. It is designed to bring awareness to new research findings of relevance to tactical strength and conditioning communities.
TSAC Facilitators Exercise Science
First Responder Research Column – The Importance of Adequate Sleep for First Responders’ Mental Health
October 2, 2025by Sarah Lanham, MS, CSCS,*D, and Mark Abel, PhD, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D
This TSAC Report article discusses the training load of GPS technology and blood lactate monitoring for first responders. Visit NSCA online to learn more about tactical fitness.
TSAC Facilitators 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
TSAC Research Review, Issue 38.3
April 25, 2018by Rod Pope, PhD
This research review covers topics such as the effects of police officer equipment loads, military occupational specialties, and the effects of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighters.
TSAC Facilitators Exercise Technique Program design
Applied Periodization in Shoulder Injury for the Tactical Athlete—Part 1
April 24, 2018by Joseph Morelli, CSCS and Keith Chittenden, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D
An organized, science-based, and evidence-based periodized program that is guided by capable and competent professionals is the most efficient and effective way to accomplish the task of returning from a shoulder injury to full active duty. The concepts of periodization paired with evidence-based strength and conditioning interventions provides the framework needed for tactical facilitators to accomplish this task.
TSAC Facilitators Program design Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or Disease
Performance Under Stress – Implications for Tactical Personnel
June 19, 2023by Mark Stephenson, MS, ATC, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D, Whitney Tramel, CSCS, TSAC-F, and Robin Orr, PhD, TSAC-F,*D
This article discusses performance under stress, as well as factors influencing this performance in tactical personnel.
TSAC Facilitators Exercise Science
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