Developed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and now in its fourth edition, Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning is the essential text for strength and conditioning professionals and students. This comprehensive resource, created by 30 expert contributors in the field, explains the key theories, concepts, and scientific principles of strength training and conditioning as well as their direct application to athletic competition and performance.
The scope and content of Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fourth Edition With Web Resource, have been updated to convey the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a strength and conditioning professional and to address the latest information found on the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam. The evidence-based approach and unbeatable accuracy of the text make it the primary resource to rely on for CSCS exam preparation.
The text is organized to lead readers from theory to program design and practical strategies for administration and management of strength and conditioning facilities. The fourth edition contains the most current research and applications and several new features:
• Online videos featuring 21 resistance training exercises demonstrate proper exercise form for classroom and practical use.
• Updated research—specifically in the areas of high-intensity interval training, overtraining, agility and speed in changes of direction, nutrition for health and performance, and periodization—helps readers better understand these popular trends in the industry.
• A new chapter with instructions and photos presents techniques for exercises using alternative modes and nontraditional implements.
• Ten additional tests of maximum power and strength, aerobic capacity, along with new flexibility exercises, resistance training exercises, plyometric exercises, and speed and agility drills help professionals design programs that reflect current guidelines.
Ottabme (verified owner) –
I really like the way this book shows you exactly which muscles you are targeting with each exercise ( who knew push ups hit so many!). I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting more knowledge of which exercises they want to use to work on their own body. Can’t wait to show it to a trainer friend for even more targeted work.
anne (verified owner) –
The ends and outs of using your own body weight for strength training are well explained. Each exercise is also accompanied by a chart which shows you which muscles are being used. Another excellent thing about this book is that all the exercises are rated from easy to more advanced. The author then covers high intensity strength training as well as high intensity aerobic training which is now the current rage. Diet and weight loss are explained too. And something commonly over looked that this author points out is, that if you are exercising a lot you are going to be more hungry, but if you want to loose weight you are still however going to have to limit your calories! The book ends with charts and valuable information on how to design your own exercise routine.
The Evil Fluff (verified owner) –
This is a surprisingly well written guide to body weight fitness. Easy to comprehend fitness terms and clear visuals of muscle activation of the most basic exercises all beginners should be focusing on, makes this book a golden nugget in a saturated market of fitness books.
At the time of purchase, this book was really the only one that was worth the money. Bret Contreras is an exceptional fitness instructor and really knows his stuff!!! Would recommend to novices starting out in fitness or someone looking for a refresher on what proper technique should look like and what muscles should be activated.
Thomas M. (verified owner) –
I picked this book up because I was getting fed up with the inconsideration of people today in the gym hogging equipment while talking on the phone or watching videos all the while sitting on the machine asking them kindly if I could work in and being told to f-off! Love this book! If anyone says you cant build muscles using your bodyweight turn on a gymnastic contest and tell them that!
Tara Johns (verified owner) –
Is one of the best books about fitness that I had read, Bret did an amazing job with this book. I recommend it you going to like it.
pzexperience (verified owner) –
Excellent book. Great images and text. Great content. Page 116 is very interesting as well.
David E Vergara (verified owner) –
Great book for basics
Mr. Ian (verified owner) –
This was a good book to have around during lockdown. Body weight exercises are a good foundation for a successful training program.