NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training, 3rd Edition

by National Academy of Sports Medicine, Micheal A. Clark (Editor), Scott C. Lucett (Editor)

Developed by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), this book is designed to help people prepare for the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Certification exam or learn the basic principles of personal training using NASM's Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model. The OPT model presents NASM's protocols for building stabilization, strength, and power. More than 600 full-color illustrations and photographs demonstrate concepts and techniques. Exercise color coding maps each exercise movement to a specific phase on the OPT model. Exercise boxes demonstrate core exercises and detail the necessary preparation and movement. Other features include research notes, memory joggers, safety tips, and review questions.

Genres: Fitness, Health, Nonfiction, Reference, Textbooks, Academic

552 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[Justin Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up as part of the fairly-basic NASM CPT program and I'll have to say, after taking the test, I think it was the most useful bit of information from the whole program. I did all the activities, watched the lectures, the client cueing, took the practice quizzes, tests and midterms. I used several of NASM's official study guides and wore myself out reading it all. Ultimately, I passed my exam, but it wasn't because of anything supplementary. To have a chance of passing the test -- assuming you came into this with little or no similar experience -- you have to get through this book and read about the concepts over and over and over until they make sense. Luckily, the book is filled with helpful bits of advice for how to remember things or just goofball tidbits to help you better understand the concepts. It's a good book, it's going to continue to be a good resource, but I am more thankful than ever that this test is over and I can go back to reading normal stuff again!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my life for the last several weeks. I have my degree in Exercise Science, and have recently decided to begin work at certain certifications. I love the science, and inner workings of the human body. It truly is miraculous, and so important that we take care of what we are given.

[Julia Tricolla · Rating 2 out of 5]

i deeply feel like this book deserves to be on my goodreads read list of 2025 since i spent 6 months in it

[Kristyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this NASM textbook along with the NASM certified personal trainer program. I thought the book was set up extremely well, which made it easier to study. The chapters are separated by the science behind the fitness (biology and anatomy, especially the muscles), the fitness (assessments and workouts), and nutrition. While the book didn't make the information easier, it did make it easier to take notes and learn from. There is a ton of information in the book, and at times is difficult to digest, but could not be laid out in a better manner. In the back of the book, the authors include the opt forms, an exercise library, and a list of all the muscles (under and over active). Without this book, I would not have been able to pass my NASM CPT certification exam.

[Anil · Rating 3 out of 5]

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[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering that basic biomechanics and bioenergetics are still mildly challenging topics, this textbook did a decent job explaining the concepts in a way that those without formal anatomy and physiology training should understand. The fundamentals for training and growing into a career as a fitness professional are laid out in (usually) easy to read chapters and the study guides at the end of each section allow you to focus on the information that matters most. Great factoids and graphics that add depth to your learning are scattered throughout the chapters. I have 2 degrees and I can say that I've never actually enjoyed a textbook until now.

My only complaint with this book is how it defines certain terminology that one should already know post-high school and ignores others that need more explanation.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it- not sure how it compares to older editions of this book- may not be worth it to get the latest copy.

I got a hard copy discounted along with the NASM test and online equivalent.


For someone like me, it was a great intro to get my feet wet . Concepts I learned from this book enabled me to better understand the human body and consume “higher level” sports science content that would’ve just been confusing to me before

I’ve always enjoyed being active and have been a regular gym goer since about 2019. Started out with the machines, moved to free weights as well. I also enjoy running and swimming.

That all being said, I come from a Computer Science background and not a sports scientist or kinesiology background. This book may be boring, common sense or not even totally accurate to someone who has a deeper understanding.

[Jacob Baham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the newest edition of the textbook, but it is extremely detailed and informative. NASM has some great tips on how to construct a workout plan for new clients and does a pretty good job at connecting the concept of body awareness to physicality. I’ll be taking the test soon after taking numerous practice exams. Overall, highly recommended program if you are trying to get into personal training.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most enjoyable read of my life but this is a solid text book. Wish there was a little more on nutrition and diet. The appendices are helpful though some of the glossary definitions are convoluted. All in all it would make a good introductory book for someone interested in personal training or just planning on getting serious about exercise.

[Bryan Zhao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Workout 101, involving a variety of aspects of human movement basics. Let us know what kind of training do we need so badly because of the stage we are in right now. And how do we develop our plan for the future.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, informative, and tolerable as far as textbooks go, though it was a tad repetitive and didn't need to be as long as it was. Intelligently structured and jam-packed with information, though. Will be a great reference down the line.

[Angela Ould Bouya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this text book. Studying for my CPT from NASM has been methodical and well structured. Great information I have already learned, some I've learned and forgotten, but also so many new terms and concepts. This program exalts wellness and lifetime mobility. No fads, gadgets, or bull.

[Mike2233 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, great info. I received my Academic Associate in Advanced Personal Training and Exercise Science. This is a book to always read and reference.

[Samiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good entry level book, nothing too advanced

[Brydolphin13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the record, it was actually 800 pages.

Learned a lot, we'll see how the test goes!

[Ausha Monsler · Rating 5 out of 5]

👌

[Elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot believe I read this cover to cover

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informational, but still the dryness of a textbook.

[Anthony D’Apolito III · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and helpful as I progress on my healthspan and lifespan journey.

[Sara]

This is a textbook, so it would be weird to give it stars. I read the entire thing, however, and found it clear and well laid-out. There were a few places where it was confusing, because terms were used without reference or definition, that then were explained in later chapters. This was probably due to reformatting from previous editions, and I was able to figure it out for the most part. One other criticism is that too many of the exercises require specialized equipment or access to well-stocked gyms, and I feel that prospective personal trainers should be better educated on fitness for everyone, not just people willing to go to a gym every day. But that's a minor quibble. I learned a ton, and it is great to have this resource.

[Michael M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the study material for my first personal training certification.

I actually liked the book, and found it to be ver informative and helpful in my profession.
If your are interested in sports it's a good starter that will teach you the science behind a human movement system.

The book presents a model they call OPT which has stabilization, strength, hypertrophy, maximal strength, and power.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teach yourself how to workout. Get to know your body and train it. Why are we so attracted to the latest quick fitness fix books.. Why not learn from the best. As far as fitness books go, this is still the most straight forward and user friendly. I know, hokey for a personal trainer to recommend the certification textbook. Even after all the texts read in school, or fad books clients bring me... This one is still the best.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I like about NASM's program for personal trainers is that they teach you to work on not just strength but flexibility, balance, nutrition, and the mindset of the client.

It's an integrated and whole body approach that allows all parts of the body to get fit before adding lots of pounds to their resistance training.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Great information, and truly essential for personal trainers. The book lost half a star because its table of contents and index weren't detailed enough, making it hard to find things. There were also several errors in the book. Again, the content was excellent for anyone serious about becoming a personal trainer.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exercise physiology, anatomy, program design, nutrition, even tips on starting out in the fitness industry. More than just a text, it's a great resource for anyone who is interested in fitness or plans on a career in personal training.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but lacking some detail in parts. I would love to see more sample workouts with much more detail of how to structure them, rather than just giving us the acute variables, and leaving us to figure out how to organize it all by ourselves.

[Kaye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only reason I read it was to prepare for my certification testing. Not the most fun read!

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent sports medicne educational material and reference. I believe NASM is a step above ACSM and NSCA. The content and reserach is more up to date and detailed than ACSM.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly dense textbook, but it's all legit. I learned a lot.