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.

Table of 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