When William Kraemer first entered the field, strength and conditioning was, as he puts it, “primordial.” There were few standards, limited research, and little shared understanding. As one of the most influential figures in strength and conditioning, Kraemer recounts how the profession grew from humble beginnings into a science-driven discipline. That history still holds weight for coaches today. He explains why coaches are often drawn to new ideas, but progress comes from building on proven principles. Workout logs are central to his approach, and he notes how analyzing training over time can improve decision-making. He also emphasizes alignment across the performance ladder to support innovation and athlete development. As the Senior Advisor for Sports Performance and Sports Science at The Ohio State University, he shares his perspective on where the field is headed next. Apply his wisdom to stay grounded in solid principles, evaluate training with greater precision, and better serve your athletes.
Reach out to Dr. Kraemer by email: Kraemer.44@osu.edu | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
This article dives into the extensive benefits of strength training for aging exercisers, emphasizing its positive effects on muscle mass, bone density, balance, and metabolic health.
Personal trainersExercise ScienceProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentWorkout RecoveryFunctional FitnessBalance ExercisesInjury PreventionVitalitySarcopeniaAging Exercisers
This Personal Training Quarterly article shares hospitalitydriven approaches to help personal trainers build connections with clients. Visit NSCA online to read more on fitness, hospitality, and health news.
Personal trainersProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyProfessional DevelopmentEncouragementEmpathyPositive MindsetBody LanguageClient SuccessMotivationGroup Fitness TrainingHospitality
NSCA Coach 11.4 shares how strength training of the posterior chain in athletes can reduce injury risk and aid rehabilitation. Visit us online to read more about exercise research.
CoachesExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentFitness progressionConcentric ContractionEccentric MovementPre-Injury Strength TrainingRange of MotionMuscle RecoveryRDLTraining Program
This Personal Training Quarterly article shares hospitalitydriven approaches to help personal trainers build connections with clients. Visit NSCA online to read more on fitness, hospitality and health news.
Personal trainersProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentProfessional DevelopmentEncouragementEmpathyPositive MindsetContextual AssociationsClient SuccessMotivationGroup Fitness TrainingHospitality
This article is a personal perspective of creating and providing a fitness assessment and resistance training program from scratch to a large law enforcement organization.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designTesting and EvaluationLaw EnforcementSWOTAcademyTSAC-FFitness and Wellness
The purpose of this article is to justify the importance and advantage to properly incorporate upper body power (UBP) training in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes.
CoachesProgram designTesting and EvaluationMixed Martial ArtsUpper Body PowerVelocityPotentiation
This NSCA Coach article discusses training modalities in bench press training and incorporating accessories to improve rate of force development (RFD) among athletes. Visit NSCA online to read more on strength training and exercise science.
CoachesExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and EvaluationSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentOne-Rep Maximum (1RM)Performance TrainingBench PressResistance TrainingCompensatory Acceleration Training (CAT)Dynamic Effort (DE) MethodBarbell Exercises
Dr. Lorena Torres Ronda, co-editor of the new NSCA’s Essentials of Sport Science textbook, talks to the NSCA Coaching and Sport Science Program Manager, Eric McMahon, about creating the textbook and how the Certified Performance and Sport Scientist® (CPSS®) certification will benefit the field. Topics under discussion include the use of technology in sport and the specific role that strength coaches play in supporting better performance and recovery decisions.
Find Dr. Lorena Torres Ronda on Twitter: @lorenatorres07 | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs or Twitter: @ericmcmahoncscs
This PTQ article provides a review of the practical and the physiological benefits that resistance bands can provide. Visit NSCA online to read more on fitness news, exercise science and athletic performance.
Personal trainersExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and EvaluationProfessional DevelopmentBand ExercisesTherapyRecoveryResistance TrainingLow-ImpactExercise EquipmentStrength Training