ACSM's Foundations of Strength Training and Conditioning

Description

Developed by the American College of Sports Medicine, this text offers a comprehensive introduction to the basics of strength training and conditioning based on the latest research findings. ACSM's Foundations of Strength Training and Conditioning is divided into four parts: Foundations, Physiological Responses and Adaptations, Strength Training and Conditioning Program Design, and Assessment. The text focuses on practical applications, enabling students to develop, implement, and assess the results of training programs that are designed to optimize strength, power, and athletic performance. Moreover, the text’s clear, straightforward writing style makes it easy to grasp new concepts.

Features

• Myths and Misconceptions boxes debunk myths and clarify misconceptions prevalent throughout the strength & conditioning field.
• Sidebars expand on material presented in the text.
• Interpreting Research boxes highlight important research from the literature and explain how the research findings are applied in strength & conditioning practice.
• Case Studies in each chapter present real-world scenarios and require critical thinking to answer the associated questions.
• Exercise Descriptions in selected chapters include step-by-step instructions for the exercises, photos showing the exercises, as well as intensity level, variations, and caution tips.
• Key Terms are bolded red within the text.
• Summary Points are provided in a bulleted list at the end of the chapter to help capture and briefly revisit the main points covered in the chapter materials.
• Review Questions at the end of each chapter include multiple choice and true/false questions.

Table of Contents

• Part I Foundations
• Chapter 1 An overview of strength training and conditioning
• Chapter 2 Resistance training equipment and safety

• Part II Physiological responses and adaptations
• Chapter 3 Responses and adaptations of the nervous system
• Chapter 4 Responses and adaptations of the muscular system
• Chapter 5 Connective tissue adaptations
• Chapter 6 Responses and adaptations of the endocrine system
• Chapter 7 Metabolic responses and adaptations
• Chapter 8 Responses and adaptations of the cardiovascular system
• Chapter 9 Mechanics of force production

• Part III Strength training and conditioning program design
• Chapter 10 Principles of strength training and conditioning
• Chapter 11 Warm-up and stretching
• Chapter 12 Resistance training program design
• Chapter 13 Resistance training exercises
• Chapter 14 Plyometric training
• Chapter 15 Sprint and agility training
• Chapter 16 Aerobic training
• Chapter 17 Training periodization

• Part IV Assessment
• Chapter 18 Assessment and evaluation

Author

Nicholas Ratamess PhD, CSCS*D, FNSCA Department of Health and Exercise Science, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ