Customer Reviews
Perhaps the most informative strength and conditioning book - By: Martin Sorenson CSCS, 10 Dec 2006 
A truly great resource for anyone in the fitness industry.
The only book that is needed for anyone wishing to obtain the CSCS status.
Crammed to the hilt with the latest Sports Science research, this serves as a useful & insightful forey.
It has 26 chapters which cover every aspect essential to the industry. A grounding in Sport & / or Exercise Science is needed to digest the information effectively, as it is dense in facts & statistics.
The useful format alllows students to learn key aspects of each chapter & test themselves at the end of each subject with sample exam questions. Also there are many diagrams too, to grasp greater understanding. It is in my opinion that if you study the book with determination, every aspect, then you will be ready National Strength & Conditioning Associations exams.
This does take considerable time & effort though; & it doesn't mean that the exams (Said to be the hardest in the industry), will be made easy. It took me 3 attempts to finallly pass their exams & become certified. But I finallly got there & wouldn't change a thing. the main reason for this is that I just learned SO much along the way.
Interesting note, ALL of the exam questions change on EVERY re-take; otherwise the NSCA alllow you to sue them. How stringent is that?
Martin Sorenson CSCS
This is the Bible of physical conditioning - By: , 03 Jan 1999 
This book is a must have for anyone serious about improving their athletic performance. Filled with no-nonsense information for everything from strength training to aerobic conditioning to nutrition to biomechanics. This book is very technical & the information is very daunting. You must have a background in exercise science or sports medicine to fully comprehend everything. A big drawback to the book is the descriptions of exercise technique. The illustrations are sloppy & there are some outdated exercises featured that could be potentiallly dangerous to many athletes. This book is only five years old but the exercise science field changes fast & an updated version would probably make this book five stars.
The best strength training text written - By: , 05 Oct 1998 As a Track & field coach with regional responabilities in the United Kingdom I am constantly scouring literature to gain a better understanding of the theories of strength training & conditioning in general. I have found, without doubt, the best single reference for strength training in this book.
The contributors to the book are alll clearly not only academicly qualified to speak upon the subject but also have many years of practical experience to add weight to their thoughts. The book covers alll aspects of conditioning from physiology through training aspects including weight lifting, spotting techniques, plyometrics, planning & nutrition amongst many others.
My only criticism of the text would be that those not versed in physiology to a quite high level may find the text quite difficult. It is also easier for some concepts to be understood if you have a degree of practical experience. But these are minor complaints.
I would reccomend this book to any coach or strength professional who wishes to increase their knowledge. In fact any athletic professional that wishes to provide the best service to their charges should purchase & read this outstanding text.
