The NSCA-CPT Techniques of Exercise Online Practice Question Bundle helps candidates get familiar with the type, scope, and difficulty of the questions on the NSCA-CPT Certification exam.

Exercise is increasingly recognized as an effective, nonpharmacological approach for managing both acute and chronic pain. However, accurate pain assessment methods tailored to different exercise settings and populations are essential. This review evaluates existing pain assessment techniques, highlighting self-report measures such as the Visual Analog Scale and Numerical Rating Scale, as well as quantitative measures, such as Pressure Pain Threshold and Conditioned Pain Modulation. These techniques provide valuable insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms behind pain reduction. Although exercise commonly produces a temporary reduction in pain sensitivity known as exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH), the effectiveness of this response depends on various factors, such as exercise intensity, psychological state, and pre-existing pain conditions. In addition, exercise itself can sometimes lead to short-term discomfort due to muscle fatigue or delayed-onset muscle soreness. This review offers strength and conditioning providers, as well as researchers, a clear framework for (a) selecting appropriate pain assessment tools, (b) designing research protocols, and (c) customizing exercise interventions for specific populations and pain conditions. By examining self-report and quantitative assessment techniques, along with considerations for data analysis and practical application, this review helps strength and conditioning professionals interpret the literature surrounding EIH and apply practical pain monitoring strategies to guide training and recovery in various populations.

Learn to perform and demonstrate proper shoulder complex exercise techniques for varied populations. In this session from the NSCA’s 2017 Personal Trainers Conference, Jeremy Snyder, DPT, CSCS, examines basic shoulder anatomy and kinesiology including pathomechanics of the shoulder complex and exercise principles associated with a stable shoulder complex.

From the 2020 NSCA Alabama Virtual State Clinic, Christina Myers discusses the benefits, training considerations, and exercise selection factors for maximal strength training, as well as how these techniques improve sport performance.

The expression of mechanical “muscle power” and the advanced training methodologies used to optimize it are explained by Duncan French in this session from the 2015 NSCA National Conference. By overviewing training strategies utilized with world-class athletes, this session links science with advanced training techniques designed to augment muscle power.

This article provides a brief overview of literature where regional hypertrophy was reported. It also discusses the basic science and application of regional hypertrophy training.

“Five basic training techniques have been producing great results for our clients,” says Mike Bracko in this session from the 2015 NSCA Personal Trainers Conference. Learn how you can help your clients add these five easy performance enhancers to their lives.

To become an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer®, candidates must sit for an exam that will test their knowledge of Client Consultation/Fitness Assessment, Program Planning, Exercise Techniques, and Safety/Emergency Issues. Exams are hosted in testing centers around the world. Read on to learn more about how the NSCA-CPT® exam is structured.

This video demonstrates techniques used for the four primary components of deceleration: dynamic balance, eccentric strength, power, and reactive strength.