
G. Gregory HaffG. Gregory Haff is Professor of Strength and Conditioning at Edith Cowan University in Australia and a past president of the NSCA. An award-winning researcher, he has published more than 280 articles on strength training methodologies, performance testing, training theory, and nutritional supplementation. He also serves as a consultant to elite teams in Australia and the United States.
N. Travis TriplettN. Travis Triplett is Professor and Program Director of Kinesiology at Appalachian State University and a past president of the NSCA. Her career spans NASA advisory work developing resistance-exercise countermeasures for microgravity environments and experience as a sports physiology research assistant at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. She has received multiple professional awards recognizing her leadership and scientific contributions.
Developed by the NSCA, Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fifth Edition, builds on the trusted foundation laid by its first publication in 1994 — the go-to resource for students, educators, and professionals for decades. This latest edition serves as the most comprehensive reference in the field, combining scientific principles, evidence-based methods, and practical applications to optimize athletic performance. It also remains one of the most widely used preparation texts for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) exam.
Building on its depth in biomechanics, physiology, and program design, the new edition reflects the most current science shaping strength and conditioning. Created in collaboration with global performance leaders, it features new and expanded content that explores the relationships between overreaching, overtraining, and recovery. It also addresses age- and sex-related performance differences as well as mental health and the psychological impact of injury in sport. Additional updates examine the effects of vaping and smoking on aerobic training and highlight the importance of activating the central nervous system before training. Every enhancement ensures the text advances with new research, best practices, and modern performance demands.
Structured to connect scientific theory with everyday coaching realities, this industry-leading text empowers readers to turn evidence into action. Each chapter features clear objectives, key points, and application sidebars that demonstrate scientific principles in relatable real-world scenarios. Online resources — including lab activities and video demonstrations — further reinforce understanding through applied examples. From students preparing for CSCS certification to strength and conditioning coaches and professionals in related disciplines, this latest edition continues to champion evidence-based performance throughout a career in the profession.
Michael D. Roberts, PhD
Musculoskeletal System
Neuromuscular System
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Acute Responses to Aerobic Exercise
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Responses to Anaerobic Exercise
Conclusion
Learning Aids
William R. Johnson, PhD and Jason Lake, PhD
Skeletal Musculature
Anatomical Planes and Major Body Movements
Human Strength and Power
Sources of Resistance to Muscle Contraction
Joint Biomechanics: Concerns in Resistance Training
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Dale W. Chapman, PhD
Essential Terminology
Biological Energy Systems
Substrate Depletion and Repletion
Bioenergetic Limiting Factors in Exercise Performance
Oxygen Uptake and the Aerobic and Anaerobic Contributions to Exercise
Metabolic Specificity of Training
Conclusion
Learning Aids
William J. Kraemer, PhD, Jakob L. Vingren, PhD, and Disa L. Hatfield, PhD
Historical Perspective on Interest in the Endocrine System
Endocrine Terminology, Functions, and Mechanisms
Understanding Signaling Concepts
Functions of the Endocrine System in Resistance Exercise and Training
Importance of Recruitment of Muscle Tissue
Muscle as the Target for Hormone Interactions
Role of Receptors in Mediating Hormonal Changes
Categories of Hormones
Amine Hormone Interactions
Training-Mediated Hormonal Responses and Mechanisms
Interpreting Hormonal Changes in Peripheral Blood
Adaptations in the Endocrine System From Resistance Training
Primary Anabolic Hormones in Muscle Development
Growth Hormone
Insulin-Like Growth Factors and Binding Proteins
IGF Responses to Exercise
Training Adaptations and IGF and Binding Proteins
Adrenal Gland, Cortisol, and Its Role in Resistance Exercise
Catecholamines and Their Role in Resistance Exercise and Training
Other Hormonal Considerations in Resistance Training
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Brandon Roberts, PhD and Sean Collins, PhD
Neural Adaptations
Muscular Adaptations
Connective Tissue Adaptations
Endocrine Responses and Adaptations to Anaerobic Training
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Responses to Anaerobic Exercise
Compatibility of Aerobic and Anaerobic Modes of Training
Detraining
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Kate Baldwin, PhD and Glen B. Deakin, PhD
Acute Responses to Aerobic Exercise
Chronic Adaptations to Aerobic Exercise
Adaptations to Aerobic Endurance Training
External and Individual Factors Influencing Adaptations to Aerobic Endurance Training
Detraining
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Rhodri S. Lloyd, PhD, Sylvia Moeskops, PhD, and Avery D. Faigenbaum, EdD
Youth Populations
Older Adults
Conclusion
Learning Aids
N. Travis Triplett, PhD and Nicole Dabbs, PhD
Implications of Resistance Training for Females
Training Responses and Adaptations
Resistance Training Considerations
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Daniel B. Hollander, EdD and Adam Feit, PhD
Role of Sport Psychology
Ideal Performance State
Energy Management: Arousal, Anxiety, and Stress
Theoretical Tenants of Arousal, Anxiety, and Motivation on Performance
Motivation
Attention and Focus
Psychological Techniques for Improved Performance
Mental Health and Strength and Conditioning
Psychological Impact of Injury in Sport
Enhancing Motor Skill Acquisition and Learning
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Cassandra Forsythe, PhD, RD
Role of Sports Nutrition Professionals
Standard Nutrition Guidelines
Macronutrients
Vitamins
Minerals
Fluid and Electrolytes
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Shawn M. Arent, PhD and Abbie E. Smith-Ryan, PhD
Precompetition, During-Event, and Postcompetition Nutrition
Nutrition Strategies for Altering Body Composition
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)
Feeding and Eating Disorders
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Bill I. Campbell, PhD and Nathaniel D.M. Jenkins, PhD
Types of Performance-Enhancing Substances
Hormones
Dietary Supplements
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Claire Brady, PhD, and John McMahon, PhD
Reasons for Testing
Testing Terminology
Evaluation of Test Quality
Test Selection
Test Administration
Conclusion
Learning Aids
David J. Heikkinen, PhD, Jo Clubb, MS, and John McMahon, PhD
Measuring Parameters of Athletic Performance
Monitoring Protocols, Procedures, and Equipment
Statistical Evaluation of Test Data
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Ian Jeffreys, PhD
Performance Preparation — The Warm-Up
Flexibility
Types of Stretching
Programming Considerations for Stretching
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Scott Caulfield, MA, Guy Hornsby, PhD, and G. Gregory Haff, PhD
Fundamentals of Exercise Technique
Spotting Free Weight Exercises
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Justin Keogh, PhD and G. Gregory Haff, PhD
General Guidelines
Bodyweight Training Methods
Core Stability and Balance Training Methods
Variable-Resistance Training Methods
Nontraditional Implement Training Methods
Unilateral Training
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Timothy J. Suchomel, PhD, and Paul Comfort, PhD
Principles of Anaerobic Exercise Prescription
Step 1: Needs Analysis
Step 2: Exercise Selection
Step 3: Training Frequency
Step 4: Exercise Order
Step 5: Training Load and Repetitions
Step 6: Volume
Step 7: Rest Periods
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Chris A. Bailey, PhD and Clive Brewer, MSc
Plyometric Mechanics and Physiology
Program Design
Program Length
Warm-Up
Age Considerations
Plyometrics and Other Forms of Exercise
Safety Considerations
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Thomas Dos’Santos, PhD and Paul A Jones, PhD
Speed and Agility Mechanics
Neurophysiological Basis for Speed
Running Speed
Methods of Developing Speed
Agility Performance and Change-of-Direction Ability
Methods of Developing Agility
Program Design
Speed Development Strategies
Agility Development Strategies
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Glen B. Deakin, PhD, and Carwyn P.M. Sharp, PhD
Factors Related to Aerobic Endurance Performance
Designing an Aerobic Endurance Program
Types of Aerobic Endurance Training Programs
Application of Program Design to Training Seasons
Special Issues Related to Aerobic Endurance Training
Conclusion
Learning Aids
G. Gregory Haff, PhD
Central Concepts Related to Periodization
Periodization and Planning the Training Process
Models of Periodization
Periodization Hierarchy
Periodization Periods
Applying Sport Seasons to the Periodization Periods
Undulating Versus Linear Periodization Models
Example of an Annual Training Plan
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Morey J. Kolber, PT, PhD and William J. Hanney, DPT, PhD
Allied Health Team
Types of Injury
Tissue Healing
Goals of Rehabilitation and Reconditioning
Program Design
Reducing Risk of Injury and Reinjury
Medical Conditions
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Andrew C. Fry, PhD and Bradley C. Nindl, PhD
Periodization and the General Adaptation Syndrome
Overtraining and Overreaching
Overtraining Continuum
Factors Contributing to Overreaching and Overtraining
Underperformance and Its Relation to Overtraining and Overreaching
Performance-Related Variables Affected by Overtraining and Overreaching
Physiological Mechanisms Associated With Overreaching and Overtraining
Assessment of Overreaching and Overtraining
Recovery Methods and Strategies
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Ryan Metzger, MS, Ryan Fowler, MS, and Eric L. McMahon, MEd
General Aspects of New Facility Design
Existing Strength and Conditioning Facilities
Satellite Training Facilities
Outdoor Training Spaces
Assessing Athletic Program Needs
Designing the Strength and Conditioning Facility
Arranging Equipment in the Strength and Conditioning Facility
Maintaining and Cleaning Surfaces and Equipment
Conclusion
Learning Aids
Brijesh Patel, MA and Reed Wainwright, JD
Mission Statement and Program Goals
Program Objectives
Strength and Conditioning Performance Team
Legal and Ethical Issues
Staff Policies and Activities
Facility Administration
Emergency Planning and Response
Conclusion
Learning Aids