The National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 Research and Coaching Advancement Grants. This cycle, the Foundation will distribute more than $162,000 in grants and resources to 11 deserving NSCA Members within the strength and conditioning community. These grants fulfill the Foundation’s mission of supporting the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) by funding educational and research endeavors that enhance the practical application of strength and conditioning.

The National Strength and Conditioning Association is governed by a Board of Directors that is elected by the NSCA membership. The board is comprised of eight members of the NSCA and one elected public member.

Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitators® are professionals in tactical fields (e.g., military, fire and rescue, law enforcement and other professions) who apply scientific knowledge to improve performance, promote wellness and decrease injury risk. These Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitators help their peers improve on-the-job physical performance and reduce time off due to injury. Learn more about expanding your professional expertise with NSCA’s TSAC-F® certification!

The CSCS examination reflects the most current and accepted KSA standards within the health and fitness industries. Further, the examinations may be developed from references that may be in addition to resources listed below. NSCA materials survey important content area, but are not a comprehensive study of the Exercise Science.

Contribute to the advancement of the strength and conditioning profession while earning CEUs when you share your knowledge and skills as a presenter.

This article provides the first academic history of the barbell back squat and its evolution from a bodyweight exercise in the 19th century to a loaded exercise used for a variety of purposes in the present age. In doing so, the article highlights three key drivers in the evolution of the back squat—changes in equipment, the diversification of strength sports, and scientific communication concerning the safety and efficacy of the movement. The goal of this article was not to provide a dry and irrelevant history but rather to stress the complexity of the squat’s prominence within fitness programs and the need to hold a nuanced view toward the “optimal” way to approach this movement. It examines how the movement evolved from being primarily done on the tips of one’s toes, to a loaded movement on tippy toes, to a flat-footed movement. By contextualizing the back squat’s history, this article challenges rigid notions of “correct” squatting technique and encourages a more nuanced understanding of exercise selection in strength and conditioning practice. It concludes by highlighting the importance of critically examining the social construction of knowledge in fitness and sport, and the value of historical perspective in informing contemporary training practices

Colorado Springs, CO – The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) announces the results of the 2017 Board of Directors elections, as voted on by NSCA members, which includes a new President-Elect. N. Travis Triplett, PhD, CSCS,*D, FNSCA, becomes the first female to be elected President of the NSCA’s Board of Directors.

The Tactical Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year Award is awarded to the coach, researcher, tactical professional, educator, or administrator whose influential contributions to the field measurably result in its advancement in a way that exceeds the outcomes achieved by others.

Prepare for your TSAC-F® exam with confidence. Explore study timelines, optional NSCA Exam Prep resources, and community support with our Prep Group and course.

Personal Training Quarterly is digitally published four times a year. Look for articles and information on how you can expand your personal training career through integrating training methods and accessing tools for building your business. You must be a member of the NSCA to access the PTQ.