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Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning
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 HKPropel Access, 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
Key points, chapter objectives, and learning aids including key terms and self-study questions provide a structure to help students and professionals conceptualize the information and reinforce fundamental facts. Application sidebars provide practical application of scientific concepts that can be used by strength and conditioning specialists in real-world settings, making the information immediately relatable and usable. Online learning tools delivered through HK Propel provide students with 11 downloadable lab activities for practice and retention of information. Further, both students and professionals will benefit from the online videos of 21 foundational exercises that provide visual instruction and reinforce proper technique.
Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fourth Edition, provides the most comprehensive information on organization and administration of facilities, testing and evaluation, exercise techniques, training adaptations, program design, and structure and function of body systems. Its scope, precision, and dependability make it the essential preparation text for the CSCS exam as well as a definitive reference for strength and conditioning professionals to consult in their everyday practice.
A code for accessing HK Propel is included with all new print books.
The scope and content of Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fourth Edition With HKPropel Access, 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
Key points, chapter objectives, and learning aids including key terms and self-study questions provide a structure to help students and professionals conceptualize the information and reinforce fundamental facts. Application sidebars provide practical application of scientific concepts that can be used by strength and conditioning specialists in real-world settings, making the information immediately relatable and usable. Online learning tools delivered through HK Propel provide students with 11 downloadable lab activities for practice and retention of information. Further, both students and professionals will benefit from the online videos of 21 foundational exercises that provide visual instruction and reinforce proper technique.
Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fourth Edition, provides the most comprehensive information on organization and administration of facilities, testing and evaluation, exercise techniques, training adaptations, program design, and structure and function of body systems. Its scope, precision, and dependability make it the essential preparation text for the CSCS exam as well as a definitive reference for strength and conditioning professionals to consult in their everyday practice.
A code for accessing HK Propel is included with all new print books.
752 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1994
About the author
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
56 books42 followersFounded in 1978, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit dedicated to advancing science and education in the field.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 3, 2025
not fun at all. no plot, no characters
February 18, 2009
This is a complete over-view of the basics a personal trainer needs to know to get take the NASM personal trainer certification test.
I like the fact that the National Strength and Conditioning Association has an emphasis on carefully increased levels of training that integrates core training and balance exercises along with aerobic conditioning and strength training.
What I didn't care for was the overuse of compound/ed words and terms to make the text sound more scientific. Having been through graduate level anatomy and physiology courses I find these terms/pseudo-terms neither necessary nor helpful. (And they are not used at the graduate level.)
I like the fact that the National Strength and Conditioning Association has an emphasis on carefully increased levels of training that integrates core training and balance exercises along with aerobic conditioning and strength training.
What I didn't care for was the overuse of compound/ed words and terms to make the text sound more scientific. Having been through graduate level anatomy and physiology courses I find these terms/pseudo-terms neither necessary nor helpful. (And they are not used at the graduate level.)
November 28, 2023
Have to read it to pass the CSCS exam. Gave it 3 stars because it’s all about everything I’m passionate about and what my future career will entail. Fingers crossed yall 🤞🏼
July 3, 2019
It is what the title says : essentials that every scc must know! A very good book!
December 30, 2023
Very insightful book with interesting topics when it comes to S&C. Although it was quite dreadful
December 3, 2024
I wish the data and research in this book was more current.
December 13, 2024
Solid textbook covering both the scientific foundations and practical application. Comes with videos to help with practical application as well. Would be nice if the book came with a practice exam.
May 17, 2026
I have now read this thing front to back plus at least half of it twice. I hope this brings me to the promise land.
September 5, 2026
its a textbook, does a decent job for the lay-person but feels pretty basic for its audience which has to have a bachelors degree (likely one in exercise science)
August 10, 2024
A must for anyone looking to pass the CSCS Exam.
February 1, 2021
A MUST READ FOR THE STRENGTH COACH!—this is the fundamental text to educating the strength coach in designing and delivering a program.
Wins: complete theory and practice, pictures, and examples. The program design chapter reviews and refreshes how to build the program all the way from beginning with a needs analysis to considering the individual status; then to making the periodization schedule and finally adding loading schemes. It is a must in the coach's early education but its value is most tremendously imparted in the middle (and throughout) a coach’s career. As we gain experience and meet athletes with contingent needs, our coaching becomes automatic. We trust our gut feeling.
But at the same time, experience here becomes a threatening dogma that makes us forget the basics. The careful planning—a result of us being generally unsure—doesn't happen as much anymore. Open this book when you are here and use this clear roadmap. The impressive editing and great chapter contributions from the authors will always inject the basics, the non-negotiable of strength design.
Why I am reluctant to give this book 5 stars is because of its dryness (duh, it’s a textbook). It could have included case studies to demonstrate the principles further. In future studying, I will review the principles here in conjunction with my Routledge handbooks and texts: they add great detail on the practitioner side of things. in how to be more particular in the needs analysis). For example, those texts illustrate how to be more particular in the needs analysis. They look at weak and strong athletes and suggest using the DIS test to identify what comes later, a strength block or an explosive strength block. These true examples would only have helped the practitioner as it represents actual decision-making in accordance with fundamental principles. But one thing at a time—this is already a great achievement that comprehensively marks all the must-knows—the know-hows can grow from acknowledging all that is written in this book.
Wins: complete theory and practice, pictures, and examples. The program design chapter reviews and refreshes how to build the program all the way from beginning with a needs analysis to considering the individual status; then to making the periodization schedule and finally adding loading schemes. It is a must in the coach's early education but its value is most tremendously imparted in the middle (and throughout) a coach’s career. As we gain experience and meet athletes with contingent needs, our coaching becomes automatic. We trust our gut feeling.
But at the same time, experience here becomes a threatening dogma that makes us forget the basics. The careful planning—a result of us being generally unsure—doesn't happen as much anymore. Open this book when you are here and use this clear roadmap. The impressive editing and great chapter contributions from the authors will always inject the basics, the non-negotiable of strength design.
Why I am reluctant to give this book 5 stars is because of its dryness (duh, it’s a textbook). It could have included case studies to demonstrate the principles further. In future studying, I will review the principles here in conjunction with my Routledge handbooks and texts: they add great detail on the practitioner side of things. in how to be more particular in the needs analysis). For example, those texts illustrate how to be more particular in the needs analysis. They look at weak and strong athletes and suggest using the DIS test to identify what comes later, a strength block or an explosive strength block. These true examples would only have helped the practitioner as it represents actual decision-making in accordance with fundamental principles. But one thing at a time—this is already a great achievement that comprehensively marks all the must-knows—the know-hows can grow from acknowledging all that is written in this book.
December 28, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. This is the primary text required by NSCA to get certified. I thought that the book overviews many exercise related concepts that will be applicable to being a strength and conditioning instructor. Some concepts are very broad, and lack a deep analysis, which is fine considering the level of understanding needed for this certification. It is definitely isnt a book that help you pass the MCAT, but it does preview and overview physiological processes that pertain to working out. The book specifically stresses two training modalities: Anaerobic and aerobic. The book's chapters are written by various authors who are experts in kinesiology, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise. However, I thought that this approach led to a rather sporadic read. Jumping between different authors' writing contributions and prose makes staying focused, at least in my opinion, made for a difficult focus. Nevertheless, some of the text is bland but manageable. I do not have a academic background in kinesiology or biomechanics, which may have made this read a tad difficult, but it is still fascinating to read, and attempt to understand. Finally, just read it if you have to... I personally am not a fan of the nutrition chapter because I don't agree with the research and how it is based on the food pyramid. However, other than that, the text is vast and all-encompassing.
January 31, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. This is the primary text required by NSCA to get certified. I thought that the book overviews many exercise related concepts that will be applicable to being a strength and conditioning instructor. Some concepts are very broad, and lack a deep analysis, which is fine considering the level of understanding needed for this certification. It is definitely isnt a book that help you pass the MCAT, but it does preview and overview physiological processes that pertain to working out. The book specifically stresses two training modalities: Anaerobic and aerobic. The book's chapters are written by various authors who are experts in kinesiology, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise. However, I thought that this approach led to a rather sporadic read. Jumping between different authors' writing contributions and prose makes staying focused, at least in my opinion, made for a difficult focus. Nevertheless, some of the text is bland but manageable. I do not have a academic background in kinesiology or biomechanics, which may have made this read a tad difficult, but it is still fascinating to read, and attempt to understand. Finally, just read it if you have to... I personally am not a fan of the nutrition chapter because I don't agree with the research and how it is based on the food pyramid. However, other than that, the text is vast and all-encompassing.
May 29, 2015
Bought the book with the intent of getting the CSCS cert. Read it about a year ago front-to-back and took notes along the way. Didn't take the test. It contains 600+ pages of underwhelming information. The first 2-3 chapters cover the more "scientific" topics like physio and endo. Don't know how the specific enzymes in the Krebs cycle is applicable to S&C, but hey, I'm not a S&C coach. Nobody can effectively explain how hormones work in one chapter, and the endo chapter in this text is no exception. The general takeaway from the remaining chapters include lots of intuitive stuff, like "do exercises that mimic in form and intensity the kinds of movements an athlete sees in his/her particular sport" and "focus on S&C primarily during the off-season." Instruction on how to perform exercises and when to use them is "essentially" devoid. The agility chapter contains a few drills but the writing is difficult to follow.
Overall? Dissatisfied. The CSCS credential, as advertised, may be a good starting point for people who want to enter the field. But if all you need to know to earn the coveted title is summarized in this text, then the CSCS is just like any other PT cert: worth a stack of printer paper as a standalone credential. If you need a reference, I recommend Thieme or Brooks.
Overall? Dissatisfied. The CSCS credential, as advertised, may be a good starting point for people who want to enter the field. But if all you need to know to earn the coveted title is summarized in this text, then the CSCS is just like any other PT cert: worth a stack of printer paper as a standalone credential. If you need a reference, I recommend Thieme or Brooks.
September 2, 2021
I was interested in this book primarily for the nutrition and condition training, and also wanted to expand my knowledge on other topics related to strength training. I am not a strength training coach or nutritionist, but a strength training and nutrition enthusiast.
So far the nutrition chapters are excellent. Well detailed and goes through the role of each macronutrients (carbs, protein, fat) and micronutrient (vitamins and minerals). There is a chapter regarding the role of macronutrients in the diet of an athelete of any kind of sport (such as endurance training and strength) and it might affect their performance. There is also a chapter about performance enhancing substances and methods.
It is worth mentioning that I am having a hard time understanding chapters that are outside of those topics. The first chapter is about human anatomy and even though it is incredible interesting to read, the terms used are the scientific one (as it should be, given the purpose of this textbook). As soon as I am done reading the parts on nutrition and strength training I will attempt to read those chapters again.
Overall it seems like a great, dense resouce for those interested in such topics and would like to know more other than the high level information you can normally find online.
So far the nutrition chapters are excellent. Well detailed and goes through the role of each macronutrients (carbs, protein, fat) and micronutrient (vitamins and minerals). There is a chapter regarding the role of macronutrients in the diet of an athelete of any kind of sport (such as endurance training and strength) and it might affect their performance. There is also a chapter about performance enhancing substances and methods.
It is worth mentioning that I am having a hard time understanding chapters that are outside of those topics. The first chapter is about human anatomy and even though it is incredible interesting to read, the terms used are the scientific one (as it should be, given the purpose of this textbook). As soon as I am done reading the parts on nutrition and strength training I will attempt to read those chapters again.
Overall it seems like a great, dense resouce for those interested in such topics and would like to know more other than the high level information you can normally find online.
June 2, 2014
It's funny to review a textbook but I find myself referring back to this time and again more for testing and assessments, rather than exercises. I will always be critical of how much the NSCA hides behind science and research rather than asserting actual recommendations on anything beyond the basics.
I would recommend a NSCA CSCS certification to anyone who aspires to be a future Strength and Conditioning Coach in athletics. Trainers of any other specialty should seek out NASM certification and pursuing FMS and other functional-focused competencies as affordable.
I would recommend a NSCA CSCS certification to anyone who aspires to be a future Strength and Conditioning Coach in athletics. Trainers of any other specialty should seek out NASM certification and pursuing FMS and other functional-focused competencies as affordable.
July 24, 2010
A very good read overall. Quite comprehensive and up to date. The periodization chapter was weak. If that is your primary interest, I would not choose this book. The text goes over muscular, neuro and endocrine physiology related to fitness training, training adaptations, testing and evaluation, periodization, program design etc. For anyone who wants to make more research-based decisions on how to put together an anaerobic or aerobic training program, this is the book.
January 5, 2013
This book is a text book of awesomeness. I am constantly opening this book and reading, and re-reading tons of info to apply to my programs, and clients programs. This book should be in everyones library. You train strength first!!!! THEN everything else.
And yes I did read this front to back, like a psycho!
And yes I did read this front to back, like a psycho!
December 8, 2014
The first exercise physiology book I read almost a decade ago. It really was an essential for those in the exercise sciences field, teachers, coaches and athletes around that time. Very useful and makes the seemingly complex concepts of exercise physiology easy to understand. Of course, get the updated version.
February 20, 2016
This is an impressive collection of research and experience. I skimmed the entire book, but paid close attention to parts of the chapters on Testing and Evaluation, Exercise Techniques, and Program Design.
This information would be of value to coaches, trainers, athletes, and those interested in personal training theory, design, and practice.
This information would be of value to coaches, trainers, athletes, and those interested in personal training theory, design, and practice.
April 8, 2018
Very few books do a good job of explaining weight training and the hormonal impacts it has. This is well-cited and you can tell most of it was written by and for practitioners rather than Ph.D's who list the 11 exercises you should NEVER do or write some quirky program all about training your right brain and your left brain. This is a good reference to have on the shelf.
September 27, 2019
After finishing 654 pages i’v groundly analyzed the book with 39 pages wich i wrote that was interested either important. Perhaps the book gives a insight of physiologie anatomy wich really interested me some basic training principles and exercise examples and a lack of revalidation course or how to handle it. Overal worth reading but not again in my opinion.
June 11, 2022
The 2-columns layout is sucks.
The authors tried hard to sound way more scientific than they are.
It's a boring textbook. If you are not after the certificate, skip it.
You can find much better resources on this subject, online and in print
The authors tried hard to sound way more scientific than they are.
It's a boring textbook. If you are not after the certificate, skip it.
You can find much better resources on this subject, online and in print
July 13, 2008
Boring, but useful! I can't believe I read the whole thing!
July 11, 2010
Great piece of literature and reference for the fitness professional.
April 29, 2011
The NSCA does a great job of referencing scientific research when giving instructions. This text covers a broad array of subjects and does an excellent job of preparing strength professionals.
Read
October 15, 2012Great book to establish guidelines to follow when training. The key study guide the the NSCA CSCS exam.
February 2, 2014
lots of examples and sample plans to use
March 11, 2014
Fantastic, sometimes a little more depth is required with regards to pathophysiology etc. Fantastic reference book with full reference lifts included to make studying that little easier.
June 30, 2015
It's a textbook, so it was very detailed. Gave me a thorough understanding for physiological and psychological responses to training. Cover to cover, long book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews