This article examines how plant-based diets can effectively support athletic performance. Visit NSCA online to learn more about exercise science and nutrition research.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceNutritionTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentLeucineProteinSupplementsArmy Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)RecoveryOccupational PerformanceMuscle Protein Synthesis (MPS)Essential Ammino Acids (EAA)
This TSAC column reviews oxidative damage in tactical populations and examines the role of dietary antioxidants in health and readiness. Visit NSCA online to learn more on nutrition research and tactical performance.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceNutritionProgram designTesting and EvaluationSafetyEmergency ProceduresBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentErgogenic HealthEnvironmental StressRecoveryAstaxanthinTactical PerformanceOccupational ReadinessCarotenoidsCurcuminAntioxidants
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.
This PTQ article shares a real-world story to give inspiration and practical advice on creating your own sport performance business. Visit NSCA online to read more on athletic performance and professional development.
Personal trainersProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyEmergency ProceduresLegal IssuesProfessional DevelopmentDevelopment ProgramsCoaching CareersBusiness ManagementFitness CenterSport Performance GymFitness ProgramsEntrepreneurial
The path to the top is not always linear. For Jill Costanza, it included returning to school and stops in collegiate and military performance before becoming Director of Sport Science and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach with the National Football League (NFL) Detroit Lions. Costanza describes today’s sport science landscape as a “Wild West,” where definitions differ by perspective. Her focus centers on assessing the athlete and program effectiveness against the demands of the game to identify holistic interventions. She outlines how intentional systems, a clear communication funnel, and data visualizations help athletes and stakeholders understand the “why,” build buy-in, and tap into competitiveness. Addressing common misconceptions, Costanza clarifies that elite athletes can still have foundational qualities that need rewiring. She emphasizes movement quality, proprioception, and breathing while adapting for individual needs and neurological fatigue. Learn how to build sport science systems, turn insights into action, and keep progressing on your professional path.
Reach out to Jill by email at: jill.costanza@lions.nfl.net | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
Join the NSCA Football Special Interest Group (SIG) and explore 24 other specialized communities designed to support your development on the Special Interest Groups page.
This article provides some practical applications to minimize the negative effects associated with a long intensive ice hockey season on ice hockey athletes.
This article will demonstrate why personal trainers should consider the use of blood flow restriction (BFR) and BFR technology for appropriate medically-screened clients that provides an objective way to apply pressure, whether that is through manual or automated cuffs.
Personal trainersExercise ScienceProgram designTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentBFRcapillarizationhypertrophymuscle fatigueaerobic exerciseresistance trainingblood flow restrictionMulti-joint exercise
This article provides high school strength and conditioning coaches with a comprehensive guide for implementing plyometric training for high school athletes effectively.
CoachesExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentTriple extensionNeuromuscular coordinationExplosive powerSpeed-strength Stretch-shortening cycle (SSC)High school athletesPlyometric training
This article reviews the day-to-day operations of a strength and conditioning coach in the collegiate setting and identifies key factors that affect common coaching practices and athletic performance. Development of a dominant coaching style in controlling time, space, flow, and efficiency is examined to avoid problems and unintended negative consequences.
CoachesOrganization and AdministrationProfessional DevelopmentCoaching PhilosophyCoaching StyleStrength and Conditioning CoachCollegiate Setting