Why get certified? CSPS-certified individuals represent the highest level of expertise in working with clients with special health concerns. As a CSPS, you are qualified to design programs to help clients meet their specific needs. Becoming CSPS-certified gets you a step ahead of your peers and prepares you to confidently work with clients who have specialized needs.

Register for the exam and receive details on how to save $50 on your 2012 NSCA National Conference registration!

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Early bird registration ends this Friday, May 18! CLICK HERE to register today!

CLICK HERE to register today!

Presenter: Bill Kraemer, PhD, CSCS,*D, FNSCA, FACSM
Length: 60 minutes
Rate: $10.99 USD (NSCA Members) | $29.99 USD (Non-members)
CEUs: 0.1 (Webinar) + 0.2 (Quiz) = 0.3

CLICK HERE to download now!

Webinar Overview:  In this webinar we will explore the concept of non-linear periodization as a model. More specifically, the importance and role of using a “flexible” non-linear model will be discussed. With the many demands on student athletes in today’s world, evaluating the context for optimal training is vital to allowing progress and adaptations. This webinar will help strength and conditioning professionals optimize their athletes’ workouts with the use of a more flexible model of periodization.

You can download all previously recorded webinars by CLICKING HERE.

Hamstring muscle strains are among the most common injuries in sport today.  These injuries can occur without warning and can sometimes repeat in the same location several times (if not rehabilitated properly).  It has been said that hamstring injury occurrence has not improved over the last three decades, thus, suggesting that the current approach to preventing hamstring injuries are largely ineffective.  It is the goal of the present paper to discuss the utilization of Eccentrics in the prevention and treatment of hamstring injuries.  The present article will also allow for a more accurate implementation of this type of training during different phases of the training cycle.

CLICK HERE to read the full Hot Topic!

PURPOSE
You are invited to complete a Job Analysis Survey that is part of a national study to validate a job description that will be used to develop the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Trainer (TSCT) examination.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR ME?
If you complete the survey on time, you can enter a drawing to win a FREE TSCT EXAM registration.  To enter, you will need to complete the ENTIRE survey and then provide your name and valid e-mail address (so we can notify you if you win!).  Your individual survey responses will remain anonymous.

WHO IS A TSCT AND WHAT CAN THEY DO?
TSCTs are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to physically train tactical personnel (e.g., military, fire, law enforcement, and other emergency personnel) to improve mission performance. They conduct job-specific physical testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. Recognizing that their area of expertise is separate and distinct, TSCSs consult with and refer trainees to other professionals when appropriate.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
By completing this survey, your insights will define the job-related tasks of tactical strength and conditioning professionals and the content that should be addressed on the TSCT examination.

Your participation is essential to guarantee a representative sample from a qualified group of professionals. A Job Analysis Survey is an extensive project for the NSCA to undertake, but it is necessary to validate the TSCT examination content and the credential of those who pass the examination.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Completion of the survey will take about 20 minutes.  Please submit your survey responses by April 13, 2012.

You may begin by clicking on the link below (or copying it into your browser).

http://www.surveymk.com/s/TSCTJobAnalysis

Thank you again for your time, effort, and insight.

Respectfully, NSCA

If you have questions…about the survey process, contact:

Jennifer Benavente, Research Assistant Applied Measurement Professionals jbenavente@goamp.com

about the examcontent, contact:
Francis Neric, Exam Development Coordinator

When building a HITT program, Massimo emphasized the importance of including a dynamic warm-up, along with the principle of quality movement over the quantity of movement. Each HITT program should also focus on four separate stations…conditioning ropes, agility, medicine balls and simple Olympic lifts. Stations should be completed with a level of high-intensity, without losing sight of good form and progresssions. Incorporating core stability into your rest periods can also add another level of intensity.

Key takeaways include:

1. Peak physical condition should be obtained prior to combat
2. Facilitators should assure the athletes are maintaining proper mechanics throughout
3. Proper execution of exercises prevents injury
4. Watch an athletes mechanics on acceleration each training session in order to “coach up” next session
5. Maintain high-intensity and low volume

Carroll explained the traditional history of large tactical group training and its role in improving performance and injury prevention. Over time issues have presented themselves as obstacles to this specific type of training, which have to be overcome, such as: training facility space, equipment, time constraints, etc. According to Carroll key focuses should be: power, strength, adaptation, endurance and recovery.

Carroll’s biggest takeaway of the day was that the only way we can enhance the tactical training culture is from the top down. Leadership is key and those leaders should be prepared to hire subject matter experts, be invested in both attaining the large numbers and retaining them, as well as understanding what the soldiers need. Starting from the top down, while understanding the culture from the bottom up is the first step to successful large group training. “Leaders must demonstrate passion and loyalty to the overall goal,” said Carroll.

The hands-on group stayed moving the entire session with a variety of drills and skills that can be taken home and implemented immediately. What types of exercises do you recommend prescribing for large groups?

Smith has trained thousands of students for the Navy SEAL, Special Forces, SWAT, FBI, ERT and many other military, law enforcement and firefighter professions. According to Stew, the lack of physical fitness is a leading problem in this industry. An individual’s physical fitness could be the difference between life and death for them the person next to them and the people they are serving. All three areas of tactical professionals have the same issues to address and the biggest overall goal is foundational fitness.

A key fact to consider is that there are two types of training…screening and performance. The more resilient a person is the better they are able to handle the stressors of the job, which is why resilence training is becoming more of a presence in tactical training. When looking at tactical groups there are typically four different problems: 1) the under trained, 2) the over trained, 3) the over stressed, and 4) testing.

Do you have proactive steps you are taking to address these areas of concern?