Main description:

Comprehensive and research based, the second edition of NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training is the resource to rely on for personal training information and guidance. With state-of-the-art knowledge regarding applied aspects of personal training as well as clear explanations of supporting scientific evidence, NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training,Second Edition, is also the authoritative preparation text for those preparing for the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) exam.

This essential reference was developed by the NSCA to present the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for personal trainers. With contributions from leading authorities in the field, the text will assist both current and future personal trainers in applying the most current research to the needs of their clients:

A discussion on nutrition outlines the role of the personal trainer in establishing nutrition guidelines, including the application of nutrition principles for clients with metabolic concerns.
The latest guidelines on client assessment from prominent organizations-such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-keep personal trainers up to speed on the latest assessment protocols.
New information is presented on flexibility training and cardiovascular exercise prescription as well as a discussion of research on the effectiveness of stability ball training.
Revised information on design of resistance training programs incorporates the latest information on the application of periodization of training.
New information addressing injuries and rehabilitation prepares personal trainers to work with clients with special concerns such as orthopedic conditions, low back pain, ankle sprains, and hip arthroscopy.
New guidelines for determining resistance training loads will assist those whose clientele includes athletes.
A variety of fitness testing protocols and norms allows readers to select from several options to evaluate each component of fitness.
A new instructor guide and image bank aid instructors in teaching the material to students.

NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training, Second Edition, focuses on the complex process of designing safe, effective, and goal-specific resistance, aerobic, plyometric, and speed training programs. Featuring over 200 full-color photos with accompanying technique instructions, this resource offers readers a step-by-step approach to designing exercise programs with special attention to the application of principles based on age, fitness level, and health status. Using comprehensive guidelines and sample clients portrayed in the text, readers can learn appropriate ways to adjust exercise programs to work with a variety of clients while accommodating each client's individual needs.

Personal trainers will appreciate the book's presentation of detailed exercise programming guidelines for specific populations. Modifications and contraindications to exercise are given for prepubescent youth, older adults, and athletes as well as for clients who are overweight or obese or have eating disorders, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipedimia, spinall cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsyIn addition, the book provides clear, easy-to-understand guidelines for initial client consultation and health appraisal.

For those preparing for the NSCA-CPT exam, this second edition features new and revised study questions at the end of each chapter. These questions are written in the same style and format as those found on the NSCA-CPT exam to fully prepare candidates for exam day. For efficient self-study, answers to study questions and suggested solutions for the applied knowledge questions are located in the back of the text. Chapter objectives and key points provide a framework for study and review of important information, while sidebars throughout the text present practical explanations and applications of scientific concepts and theory.

The second edition of NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training is the most comprehensive resource available for current and future personal trainers, exercise instructors, fitness facility and wellness center mangers, and other fitness professionals. Unmatched in scope, this text remains the leading source for personal training preparation and professional development.

Contents:

Part I. Exercise Sciences

Chapter 1. Structure and Function of the Muscular, Nervous, and Skeletal Systems

The Muscular System

The Nervous System

The Skeletal System

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 2. Cardiorespiratory System and Gas Exchange

Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology

Respiratory System

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 3. Bioenergetics

Essential Terminology

Energy Systems

Substrate Depletion and Repletion

Oxygen Uptake and the Aerobic and Anaerobic Contributions to Exercise

Practical Application of Energy Systems

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 4. Biomechanics

Mechanical Foundations

Biomechanics of Human Movement

Muscular Control of Movement

Biomechanics of Resistance Exercise

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 5. Resistance Training Adaptations

Basic Adaptations to Resistance Training

Acute Adaptations

Chronic Adaptations

Factors That Influence Adaptations to Resistance Training

Overtraining

Detraining

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 6. Physiological Responses and Adaptations to Aerobic Endurance Training

Acute Responses to Aerobic Exercise

Chronic Adaptations to Aerobic Exercise

Factors That Influence Adaptations to Aerobic Endurance Training

Age

Overtraining

Detraining

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 7. Nutrition in the Personal Training Setting

Role of the Personal Trainer Regarding Nutrition

Who Can Provide Nutrition Counseling and Education?

Dietary Assessment

Energy

Nutrients

Weight Gain

Weight Loss

Evaluating Weight Loss Diets

Dietary Supplements

The Art of Making Dietary Recommendations

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 8. Exercise Psychology for the Personal Trainer

Mental Health Aspects of Exercise

Goal Setting

Motivation

Methods to Motivate a Client

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Part II. Initial Consultation and Evaluation

Chapter 9. Client Consultation and Health Appraisal

Purpose of Consultation and Health Appraisal

Delivery Process

Client Consultation

Preparticipation Health Appraisal Screening

Evaluation of Coronary Risk Factors, Disease, and Lifestyle

Interpretation of Results

Referral Process

Medical Clearance

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 10. Fitness Assessment Selection and Administration

Purposes of Assessment

Choosing Appropriate Assessments

Assessment Case Studies

Administration and Organization of Fitness Assessments

Interpretation and Review of Results

Reassessment

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 11. Fitness Testing Protocols and Norms

Vital Signs

Body Composition

Cardiovascular Endurance

Muscular Strength

Muscular Endurance

Flexibility

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Part III. Exercise Technique

Chapter 12. Flexibility, Body Weight, and Stability Ball Exercises

Defining Flexibility

Flexibility Training as Part of the Total Exercise Program

Benefits of Flexibility Training

Factors Affecting Flexibility

Elasticity and Plasticity

Types of Flexibility Training

Recommended Flexibility Routine and Guidelines

Warm-Up

Body Weight and Stability Ball Exercises

Conclusion

Flexibility, Body Weight, and Stability Ball Exercises

Learning Aids

Chapter 13. Resistance Training Exercise Techniques

Fundamental Exercise Technique Guidelines

Spotting Resistance Training Exercises

Conclusion

Resistance Training Exercises

Learning Aids

Chapter 14. Cardiovascular Training Methods

Safe Participation

Training on Cardiovascular Machines

Nonmachine Cardiovascular Exercise Techniques

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Part IV. Program Design

Chapter 15. Resistance Training Program Design

General Training Principles

Initial Fitness Consultation and Evaluation

Determination of Training Frequency

Exercise Selection

Exercise Order

Training Load: Resistance and Repetitions

Training Volume: Repetitions and Sets

Rest Intervals

Variation

Sequencing Training

Progression

Sample Programs for Targeted Training Outcomes

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 16. Aerobic Endurance Training Program Design

Specificity of Aerobic Endurance Training

Components of an Aerobic Endurance Training Program

Types of Aerobic Endurance Training Programs

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 17. Plyometric and Speed Training

Plyometric Mechanics and Physiology

When to Use Plyometric Exercise

Safety Considerations

Plyometric Program Design

Speed Training Mechanics and Physiology

Speed Training Safety Considerations

Combining Plyometrics and Speed Training With Other Forms of Exercise

Conclusion

Plyometric and Speed Drills

Learning Aids

Part V. Clients With Unique Needs

Chapter 18. Clients Who Are Preadolescent, Older, or Pregnant

Preadolescent Youth

Older Adults

Pregnant Women

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 19. Clients With Nutritional and Metabolic Concerns

Overweight and Obesity

Eating Disorders

Hyperlipidemia

Metabolic Syndrome

Diabetes Mellitus

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 20. Clients With Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions

Health Screening and Risk Stratification

Hypertension

Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Peripheral Vascular Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Asthma

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 21. Clients With Orthopedic, Injury, and Rehabilitation Concerns

Injury Classification

Impact of Injury on Function

Tissue Healing Following Injury

Orthopedic Concerns and the Personal Trainer

Low Back

Shoulder

Ankle

Knee

Hip

Arthritis

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 22. Clients With Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, and Cerebral Palsy

Spinal Cord Injury

Multiple Sclerosis

Epilepsy

Cerebral Palsy

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 23. Resistance Training for Clients Who Are Athletes

Factors in Program Design

Periodization of Resistance Training

Linear and Nonlinear Models of Periodized Resistance Training

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Part VI. Safety and Legal Issues

Chapter 24. Facility and Equipment Layout and Maintenance

Facility Design and Planning

Facility Specification Guidelines

Selecting Exercise Equipment

Floor Plan and Equipment Organization

Special Considerations for a Home Facility

Facility and Equipment Maintenance

Conclusion

Learning Aids

Chapter 25. Legal Aspects of Personal Training

Claims and Litigation

Fitness Industry Response to Claims and Litigation

Claims in Health and Fitness Activities

Records and Documentation

Ethical Codes

Conclusion

Learning Aids