From the 2021 NSCA National Conference, Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan discusses updated information, nutritional components, sex-specific considerations, and practical applications of high-intensity interval training.

This study aimed to analyze the time under tension (TUT) behavior in the bench press exercise performance in recreationally trained individuals. A systematic review was performed based on the PRISMA recommendations and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022301830). MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Lilacs (BVS) databases were consulted with the terms (resistance training [Title/Abstract]) OR (strength training [Title/Abstract]) AND (time under tension [Title/Abstract]). Cohort studies that analyzed the TUT in the bench press exercise in individuals with experience in resistance training were included. We used the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool to analyze the methodological quality of the included studies. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The total number of participants was 215 individuals (179 men and 36 women). TUT was analyzed from the manipulation of each study variable. The behavior of the TUT in the bench press exercise varies according to the training protocol and method used. The TUT and the number of repetitions can vary to quantify the training volume.

Dietary supplement use is quite prevalent among bodybuilders to enhance their physiques for competition. Many of the dietary supplements used by these athletes are neither safe nor effective. Several reviews have been published detailing the efficacy of dietary supplements for athletes; however, none have been written specifically for bodybuilders and physique athletes. Therefore, the aim of this article is to provide an evidence-based review of the top 5 dietary supplements for bodybuilding competitors: creatine, caffeine, protein powders, free-form essential amino acids, and beta-alanine. This review will provide bodybuilders, coaches, and practitioners with information on each supplement’s mechanism of action, seasonal benefits, protocol for use, and special considerations to optimize supplement strategies for performance, physique, and overall competitive success.

Velocity-based training (VBT) is an increasingly popular programming strategy used by strength and conditioning professionals to develop their athlete’s ability to express force rapidly. To implement the varying forms of VBT effectively within their training regimes, strength and conditioning professionals need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of strategies, such as predicting 1 repetition maximum using the load-velocity profile, modulating training loads using the load-velocity profile, and controlling training volume using the magnitude of velocity-loss. The aim of this review was to highlight these strengths and weaknesses and then provide practical examples of when each programming strategy may be most effectively implemented.

In this video from the 2022 NSCA National Conference, Allison Randall discusses effective instructional strategies for coaches to utilize to promote psychomotor skill acquisition and performance in student-athletes.

Anemia is a condition characterized by too few red blood cells, leading to diminished oxygen delivery, which can significantly impact exercise participation and athletic performance. The etiology of anemia is multifactorial. Some forms of anemia develop as a result of deficiencies in specific vitamins and minerals and may be modifiable, whereas other types are inherited disorders. Although nonmodifiable, the latter may be managed with the assistance of trained medical professionals. This article will provide an overview of the pathophysiology associated with common forms of anemia and provide an introduction to diagnostic testing procedures and treatment options. Additionally, the signs and symptoms will be discussed to help strength and conditioning professionals recognize this potentially impactful condition. This article concludes with a discussion of the influence iron deficiency has on sports participation.

The demanding and hazardous nature of firefighting necessitates a fitness testing framework that directly addresses the unique physiological challenges of the profession. This paper sought to identify gaps in the current fitness testing and training environment that are focused on cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular endurance, and muscular strength components of fitness and to advocate for a targeted, occupation specific fitness testing approach that aligns with the physiological challenges firefighters face. Ultimately, implementation of these plans should reduce the risk of injury and death and improve operational efficiency.

The TSAC-F Online Practice Questions help candidates become familiar with the type, scope, and difficulty of the questions on the TSAC-F Certification exam. The questions assist in developing a better understanding of the content and help to assess relative strengths and weaknesses.

From the 2022 NSCA’s Coaches Conference, Paul Comfort discusses micro-dosing strength training in athletes and provides some preliminary research comparing it to a more traditional training approach.

From the 2022 NSCA Tactical Annual Training, discuss trauma and the nervous system of tactical personnel and how coaches can be trauma-informed in the weight room