A significant number of resistance training injuries occur at the shoulder complex. However, there is a lack of research identifying predictive variables, which may increase the risk of these injuries. Certain exercises, such as those requiring the apprehension position (glenohumeral abduction with external rotation), have been investigated and found to be associated with shoulder pain and injury. However, there are additional exercises or positions that may also be associated with increased injury risk. The position of end-range glenohumeral extension, particularly as it pertains to a dip, is a vulnerable position that may have previously been overlooked.

This article is the eleventh 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 article seeks to provide personal trainers with eight brief modifications that clients can benefit from if they suffer from both acute and chronic lower back pain (LBP).

Learning to lunge correctly can strengthen the lower body musculature, improve core stability and balance, enhance hip flexibility, and increase functionality. There are a plethora of modifications and progressions to consider.

As rotation, power, and rotational power are all common pieces of everyday life, it is important to train for efficiency in the movements. This article addresses the specific approaches rotational training can have in an individual’s strength program to address core integrity, synergistic muscular systems, and overall athletic capabilities as it relates to aging.

Accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) can be combined with lower-body power-based movements to acutely enhance them; however, currently, there are limited recommendations for this training method. AEL can enhance force and power metrics during its utilization with lower-body power based exercises. When using AEL, exercises should consist of jump squats and countermovement jumps with loading methods consisting of weight releasors or dumbbell hand release. Elastic bands can be used; however, more research is needed in this area. External loads ranging from 10–30% of body mass can be used. Future research needs to investigate increased eccentric and concentric loads when using AEL with power based movements.

This article seeks to help simplify the exercise selection process by providing clarity on how different exercises can aid in enhancing performance and potentially reduce injury risk.

By understanding the means by which athletes encounter risk, strength and conditioning professionals can integrate exercise programs that may offset one of the steps toward injuries.

Interest is growing in warm-up procedures that involve dynamic activities and sport-specific movements that maximize active ranges of motion at different movement-specific speeds while preparing the body for the demands of sport training and competition.

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.