NSCA’S ESSENTIALS OF PERSONAL TRAINING, 3RD EDITION

Editors

Brad J. Schoenfeld 

Ronald L. Snarr 

Ronald L. Snarr is an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and served on the editorial review panel for Personal Training Quarterly (PTQ). His research focuses on high-intensity interval training, tactical and adapted athlete performance, and electromyography, informed by more than 15 years of experience working with tactical professionals and athletes at the Olympic, professional, and collegiate levels. 

Textbook Description

The Trusted Resource for Personal Trainers

Since its first publication in 2003, NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training has guided thousands of fitness professionals and students in building the science, skill, and confidence to work effectively with clients. Drawing on decades of research and professional expertise, this comprehensive third edition bridges exercise science and real-world application — helping readers design programs that are safe, effective, and aligned with client goals. It also remains one of the most widely used preparation resources for the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) exam.

Built for Today’s Personal Training Standards

Grounded in current research and practical application, this third edition aligns with the latest NSCA-CPT exam domains and tasks that define the field. New sections on suspension training, manual resistance training, and common resistance training equipment — plus 10 new fitness tests — reflect the full range of methods to support client performance. Spanning foundational sciences like anatomy, biomechanics, and nutrition, as well as client communication, ethics, and the business of personal training, the text presents a comprehensive view of the competencies expected of modern fitness professionals.

Empowering Career Growth and Client Results

Developed to help trainers put science into motion, NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, Third Edition, provides practical guidance for training clients of all ages and ability levels. Hundreds of full-color photos and 27 online videos demonstrate proper exercise technique in action, while chapter objectives, key points, and study questions reinforce comprehension. Integrating technical knowledge with coaching skill, professionalism, and long-term growth, the text equips personal trainers to apply evidence-based methods and elevate client outcomes for years to come.