This article analyzes heavy barbell lifting, load management, injury risk, and practical evidence-based programming recommendations. Visit NSCA online to read more about weightlifting and injury prevention

This article discusses how strength and conditioning coaches can create an effective training philosophy by combining core values, coaching beliefs, and evidence-based programming principles. Visit NSCA online to read more about professional development and coaching strategies.

Elite sport often gets more attention, but youth training gives strength and conditioning coaches an earlier chance to build athletes’ competence and confidence. Kelli Brightwell specializes in youth development and brings more than a decade of sports training experience, including four years at Michael Johnson Performance. Brightwell defines peak height velocity as the period during which height increases fastest. She then explains why its timing can differ among teammates of the same age. So what should strength coaches test, and what do the results mean? The answer changes with each athlete’s maturity and training experience. Brightwell addresses the growth-spurt “awkward phase,” when familiar movement patterns can break down as an athlete adjusts to a changing body. She also considers how sport sampling can expand children’s range of physical skills and help them discover what they enjoy. Learn how maturation can affect movement, testing, and programming — and why young athletes need foundations before specialization.

This article explores how personal trainers can enhance client experiences through effective coaching, professional etiquette, and adaptable programming strategies that foster trust and long-term success. Visit NSCA online to learn more about personal training and exercise programming.

This article discusses training strategies for law enforcement officers, including strength training, fitness scaling, and readiness programs that improve performance and career-long operational effectiveness. Visit NSCA online to read more on strength training and law enforcement officer fitness

This article explores biomechanics through the lens of a fulcrum and lever system, providing personal trainers with strategies to reduce injury risk and improve performance. Visit NSCA online to learn more about personal training and program strategies for fitness.

NSCA Member Spotlight: Vincent Martins shares how the CSCS helped open his path to lead high school strength and conditioning aligned with LTAD. Read his story.

This article explores strength training and conditioning programs designed to improve Physical Fitness Test (PFT) scores, strength, endurance, power, and combat readiness. Visit NSCA online to learn more about tactical athletes and strength.

This article provides a practical framework for implementing velocity-based training (VBT) in the college football setting, including strategies for autoregulation, load monitoring, training specificity, and the development of strength and power. Visit NSCA online to read more on sport performance and strength development.

This PTQ article reviews scientific literature on concurrent training and examines whether combining aerobic and resistance exercise has meaningful impacts on performance. Visit the NSCA online to read more about personal training.

This TSAC Report column explores how probiotics support gut health, immune function, recovery, and occupational readiness in tactical athletes and first responders.

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.

Puberty is a critical period for young athletes, characterized by significant physical, psychological, and social changes. During puberty, young athletes experience the adolescent growth spurt at the same time as intensified training regimens, which can affect performance, injury risk, and overall health. Systematic training can improve physiological and performance outcomes, but the increased training volume and changes to the body during adolescence can also heighten the risk of injuries. This article discusses the injury risks associated with adolescent growth and provides comprehensive recommendations to mitigate these risks. Key recommendations include limiting training hours to the athlete’s age, monitoring growth and maturation to adjust training loads and content, and incorporating and modifying consistent strength and conditioning prescriptions. In addition, optimal nutrition, sleep, and interdisciplinary planning among coaches, parents, and stakeholders should be emphasized to support young athletes’ holistic development and well-being during the adolescent growth spurt.

This continuing education opportunity explores a variety of topics as they pertain to exercise technique. To earn your CEUs, it will be necessary to review several articles and pass a 50-question quiz. Please note: this quiz awards 1.0 CEU (10 contact hours). Articles include: 1) Exercise Technique: The Push Press 2) Exercise Technique: Snatch Balance 3) Technique of the Unilateral Dumbbell Wide Row 4) The Viking Press 5) Exercise Technique: Handstand Push-up 6) Exercise Technique: The Landmine Row

NSCA certifications can help differentiate you from the competition while joining the ranks of some of the top experts in the industry. Learn about the strength and conditioning certifications offered by the NSCA.

Listen to award-winning coach Matthew C. Krause apply lessons from 22 years in Major League Baseball to training law enforcement officers on the NSCA Coaching Podcast.