Periodization of training is based on the principle that different loads (e.g., light, moderate, or heavy) or power requirements recruit different types and numbers of motor units. Recruitment order is important from a practical standpoint for several reasons.

This article provides essential guidelines for athletes beginning a strength and conditioning program that ensures safety and productivity of the training sessions.

Jeff Connors, who retired after a staggering 31-year collegiate coaching career, talks to the former NSCA Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Scott Caulfield, about being a servant to athletes and contributing to their lives. Topics under discussion include “surviving” head coaching changes, learning from others in the field, and using his coaching experiences to write books.

Training to move heavy weight over a distance presents the participant with a unique set of physical challenges not typically seen in other training programs. However, there is a greater risk for injuries if appropriate training is not engaged in prior to the event.

HRV is thought to provide objective insight into understanding fatigue, “trainability,” and “readiness” to perform in athletic populations. Evolving access to HRV data may enhance the understanding of individualized fitness and training responses in tactical athletes.

In this session from the 2016 NSCA Coaches Conference, the Sports Science and Performance Manager for the Seattle Sounders Major League Soccer (MLS) team, David Tenney, discusses the “high performance model” in the American elite sports environment. Tenney delves into how this model impacts hierarchy and daily decision making, as well as the obstructions that many organizations face, how this model can help to drive decision making and optimize training strategies, and the different strategies that can help make this happen.

All sports nutrition professionals should be able to answer basic nutrition questions. However, athletes with complex nutrition issues should be referred to the appropriate resource as explained in this book excerpt.

This excerpt from the book Developing Endurance, published by Human Kinetics, presents a sample 5K training plan for runners.

This article discusses the effects of instability on force and velocity throughout the body.