Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning - 3rd Edition 3rd Edition

This book is used to prepare those interested in getting the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification after college.After four years as an undergraduate for Exercise Science, I can say this book provides a very good but brief overview of Exercise Science and Sport Science, only scratching the surface to a very big area of study, with a great deal more to learn.Many topics are covered, but i've seen them covered better in other textbooks and lectures. If you're in an Exercise Science or Health promotion major, this will mostly be a review. For those not in the major, this book may appear to be a different language and you will most likely end up googling and finding definitions and more in depth explanations on wikipedia to fully understand certain concepts and terms, which should be encourage as it makes understanding and applying what you learn easier.Don't rent this book. I highly recommend buying if you're interested in strength and conditioning, coaching, or receiving the CSCS cert. If you're in the major listed above, you've seen this book on your professor's shelf for a reason. It's a damn good reference.EDIT: I've passed the most recent CSCS exam (july update edition) with only this book. However, I did see the exam prep after taking the exam, and the questions are VERY similar to the exam questions you will see when taking the CSCS.

I bought this book as my primary study tool for the NSCA CSCS exam. After reading through the book and doing the NSCA CSCS practice exams, I passed the certification test on the first try. I have a degree in Exercise Science, and reading through the textbook was basically a review of the important points from my Exercise Science classes. I was very impressed with the content of the book and felt there was little of the disinformation that is so common in exercise and fitness circles. I planned on selling the book back after I passed my test, but I'll be keeping it as a resource to refer back to throughout my career. I highly recommend this book for those studying for the CSCS exam, and for those with a fairly advanced understanding of fitness/conditioning looking for a good resource.

This is the textbook for the Strength Training class I am taking at Northern Kentucky University. I haven't looked at any other texts on this subject, so I don't know how it compares to others. I am a third of the way through it, and so far, it is excellent - well written, key points identified, tables summarizing points, etc. Very in depth, informative, and to the point (no wordiness).A basic course in Anatomy and Physiology would be a useful pereq., as it gets into muscle physiology, hormones, energy systems, etc.

This book is jam packed with information; it is a textbook, after all. I love to read about exercise--I am one of those people who is always redesigning my own fitness program trying to find the "best" plan (as though one best routine truly exists). I purchased this book to augment my collection of fitness books because I was looking for a more scientific, thorough manual written by experts.While the book does provide in-depth scientific detail, it lacks specific advice. I know this sounds strange, but the well-presented theory is not translated into specific workout routines or recommendations. The book does follow three case-study athletes, but the recommendations are mostly examples to clarify a point rather than provide specific recommendations.I have read that the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA, the publisher of this book), as well as other credentialing organizations (American College of Sports Medicine) leave out the specific routine recommendations so that there professional staff can apply a wide range of creativity as a personal trainer/coach while still being within the accepted guidelines. After reading this book, I believe this is true. On an unrelated note, I am disappointed that, after years of free monthly newsletters from NSCA (the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Bulletin and their other free monthly email journals) have become paid options from NSCA.If you looking for a manual with specific routines with specific goals, this book is not it. If you are interested in all of the scientific detail and love to read about exercise or your are trying to earn your CSCS cert, this book is for you. The book is full of "why" and not much "how." I still gave it 4 stars because it does achieve its primary goal--prepare you for a CSCS exam and educate you about the fundamentals of exercise science. Other options exist if you are simply looking for a great exercise routine; consider Starting Strength Starting Strength, 3rd edition. I hope to write the review for this excellent book in the coming weeks; it's long overdue.

If you are taking the CSCS read this book front to back and take the quizzes at the end of each section. If you do so you will pass in one shot... at least I did (my major was exercise physiology though). Really this book has good information, but won't teach you real world skills you need as a coach. It does it's job to teach you the info.

This book is amazing! It goes over everything in depth and it is a vital resource to have if you are planing on being a Strength and conditioning specialist, personal trainer, or athletic trainer. I have a few friends that have read this book and they said that it was PERFECT preparation for the CSCS exam. I am half-way through and I already feel that I know enough to start training someone. Definitely a must-have.

Great advancement book, for anybody's that works in the health and fitness industry. Would suggest this book (and certification course) to anyone whom has actually worked in the industry first to get a more hands on grasp of how anatomy and exercise work in cohesion. Great study material will be used constantly when you start as a trainer/strength coach in this industry.