Ever wonder if there’s a more efficient approach to program design? In this session from the 2019 NSCA’s Coaches Conference, Mike Robertson, President of Robertson Training Systems and the co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST), discusses his simple seven-step approach to program design.

Michol Dalcourt spoke at the NSCA’s 2016 Personal Trainers Conference on recovery-based strategies in program design, and how this approach can benefit clients.

NSCA's Guide to Program Design offers the most current information, guidance, and protocols from respected scientists and practitioners with expertise in strength and conditioning program design. Developed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), this text offers strength and conditioning professionals a scientific basis for developing training programs for specific athletes at specific times of year.

Learn how strength and power training can help your clients boost production of the hormones that many consider to be the “fountain of youth.”

From the 2019 Tactical Annual Training, Matt Thompson, explains the principles that have helped guide his program design process and how coaches can utilize similar principles to help filter systems and methods to create a more effective training program.

Learn about cluster sets, and how they can be used in program design for optimal athletic development. Greg Haff, President of the NSCA, shares examples of various set structures in this session from the NSCA 2016 National Conference.

Learn practical drills, exercises, and how to properly implement conditioning protocols into a team setting. Ron McKeefery explains the scientific rational behind anaerobic and aerobic conditioning methods and how to use a systematic approach to build a successful conditioning program. In this session from the NSCA’s 2018 Coaches Conference, McKeefery also provides examples of fun, safe, and effective routines.

Specificity of training involves an analysis of physiological, anatomical, and psychological needs for an activity. This article explains how to create a well-designed program that takes exercise specificity into account.

This system is designed to make it easier for you to develop effective and periodized exercise programs for your athletes and clients. From pre-formatted Excel spreadsheets with drop down options, to Quick Tip exercise videos with coaching cues, Program Design Essentials is your partner for professional-level training and coaching. Be sure to watch the video tutorial below and consult NSCA’s Foundations of Fitness Programming before beginning the process.

This article serves as a guide for current and future strength and conditioning professionals who oversee program design for fire academy recruits. This includes a summarized needs analysis and a sample training program that considers the unique challenges of the fire academy.