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NSCAS Essentials of Personal Training - 2nd Edition

A comprehensive, science-based guide for personal trainers on client assessment, exercise technique, and program design for general and special populations, serving as the official text for the NSCA-CPT certification.

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What it’s about

NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training, Second Edition, is the definitive resource for aspiring and practicing personal trainers. Published by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), it provides a state-of-the-art overview of the theory and practice of personal training, from the foundational exercise sciences like anatomy, biomechanics, and nutrition to the practical application of client consultation, fitness assessment, and exercise technique. Readers will learn how to design safe, effective, and goal-specific resistance, aerobic, and plyometric programs for a wide range of clients, including those with unique needs such as adolescents, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with various medical conditions. Grounded in scientific principles and authored by leading experts, this book is not only the primary resource for the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) exam but also an indispensable reference for any fitness professional dedicated to helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals.

The through-line

Who it’s for
An aspiring or current personal trainer who wants to build a successful career by helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals safely and effectively. They desire the knowledge, skills, and credibility to be a respected professional in the fitness industry.
The problem
The trainer lacks a single, comprehensive, and authoritative resource to guide them through the complexities of client assessment, program design, exercise technique, and working with diverse populations, making it difficult to prepare for certification and build a professional practice. They feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or even unqualified when faced with the vast amount of conflicting fitness information. They worry about causing injury to clients, failing to deliver results, and not being able to handle clients with special needs.
The plan
  1. Master the Exercise Sciences: Build a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition.
  2. Learn the Consultation and Assessment Process: Follow systematic steps for client screening, health appraisal, and fitness testing.
  3. Master Exercise Technique and Program Design: Learn how to correctly perform and instruct hundreds of exercises and design individualized programs based on scientific principles.
  4. Specialize Your Knowledge: Understand how to adapt training for clients with unique needs, from young athletes to older adults with chronic conditions.
  5. Uphold Professional and Legal Standards: Learn the safety and legal aspects of personal training to protect your clients and your practice.
The payoff
Becoming a certified, confident, and highly competent personal trainer. · Designing safe and effective programs for any client, leading to tangible results and high client satisfaction. · Building a successful and respected personal training business or career.

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