Course curriculum

Be sure to have a copy of the Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning 4th edition textbook before starting

  • 1

    12-Week Study Plan

    • CSCS Study Course 12-Week Study Plan Download
  • 2

    Chapter 1: Structure and Function of Body Systems

    • Chapter 1 Study Guide

    • Musculoskeletal System

    • Muscle Anatomy

    • Sliding Filament Theory

    • Neuromuscular System

    • Muscle Fiber Types & Motor Unit Recruitment

    • Proprioception

    • Cardiovascular System

    • Respiratory System

    • Chapter 1 Study Questions
  • 3

    Chapter 2: Biomechanics of Resistance Exercise

    • Chapter 2 Study Guide

    • Muscle Levers

    • Anatomical Planes & Body Movements

    • Work & Power

    • Biomechanical Factors of Human Performance

    • Sources of Resistance to Muscle Contraction

    • Joint Biomechanic Concerns

    • Chapter 2 Study Questions
  • 4

    Chapter 3: Bioenergetics of Exercise & Training

    • Chapter 3 Study Guide

    • Energy System Overview

    • The Phosphagen System

    • The Glycolytic System

    • The Oxidative System

    • Substrate Depletion & Repletion

    • Metabolic Specificity of Training

    • Chapter 3 Study Questions
  • 5

    Chapter 4: Endocrine Responses to Resistance Exercise

    • Chapter 4 Study Guide

    • Introduction to the Endocrine System

    • Adaptations in the Endocrine System

    • Testosterone

    • Growth Hormone

    • Insulin-Like Growth Factors

    • Adrenal Hormones

    • Chapter 4 Study Questions
  • 6

    Chapter 5: Adaptations to Anaerobic Training Programs

    • Chapter 5 Study Guide

    • Responses to Anaerobic Training

    • Adaptations to Anaerobic Training

    • Muscular Adaptations to Anaerobic Training

    • Other Adaptations to Anaerobic Training & Study Questions
  • 7

    Chapter 6: Adaptations to Aerobic Endurance Training Programs

    • Chapter 6 Study Guide

    • Acute Response to Aerobic Training

    • Chronic Adaptations to Aerobic Traning

    • Adaptations & External and Individual Factors/Over Training

    • Overtraining Syndrome & Study Questions
  • 8

    Chapter 7: Age-and-Sex Related Differences and Their Implications for Resistance Exercise

    • Chapter 7 Study Guide

    • Resistance Training for Children

    • Resistance Training for Female Athletes

    • Resistance Training for Older Adults

    • Chapter 7 Study Questions
  • 9

    Chapter 8: Psychology of Athletic Preparation and Performance

    • Chapter 8 Study Guide

    • Sport Psychology Terminology

    • Influence of Arousal and Anxiety on Performance

    • Motivation, Attention, & Focus

    • Psychological Techniques for Improved Performance

    • Enhancing Motor Skill Acquisition and Learning

    • Chapter 8 Study Questions
  • 10

    Chapter 9: Basic Nutrition Factors in Health

    • Chapter 9 Study Guide

    • Role of Sport Nutrition Professionals & Standard Guidelines

    • Protein

    • Carbohydrates

    • Fat

    • Vitamins & Minerals

    • Fluid Intake

    • Chapter 9 Study Questions
  • 11

    Chapter 10: Nutrition Strategies for Maximizing Performance

    • Chapter 10 Study Guide

    • Pre-, During-, & Post-Competition Nutrition

    • Altering Body Composition

    • Feeding & Eating Disorders

    • Chapter 10 Study Questions

    • Nutrition Calculation Examples
  • 12

    Chapter 11: Performance-Enhancing Substances and Methods

    • Chapter 11 Study Guide

    • Types of Performance Enhancing Drugs

    • Hormones

    • Dietary Supplements

    • Chapter 11 Study Questions
  • 13

    Chapter 12: Principles of Test Selection and Administration

    • Chapter 12 Study Guide

    • Introduction and Reasons for Testing

    • Testing Terminology

    • Test Administration

  • 14

    Chapter 13: Administration, Scoring, and Interpretation of Selected Tests

    • Chapter 13 Study Guide

    • Measuring Parameters for Athletic Performance

    • Selected Test Protocols

    • Evaluation of Data

    • Scoring Test Examples

    • Chapter 13 Study Questions
  • 15

    Chapter 14: Warm-Up and Flexibility Training

    • Chapter 14 Study Guide

    • Warm Up & Flexibility

    • Types of Stretching

    • Static Stretching Techniques

    • Dynamic Stretching Techniques

    • Study Questions
  • 16

    Chapter 15: Exercise Technique for Free Weight and Machine Training

    • Chapter 15 Study Guide

    • Fundamentals of Exercise Technique

    • Examples of Resistance Training Exercise
  • 17

    Chapter 16: Exercise Technique for Alternative Modes and Nontraditional Implement Training

    • Chapter 16 Study Guide

    • General Guidelines & Bodyweight Training Methods

    • Core Stability & Balance Training Methods

    • Variable Resistance Training Methods

    • Nontraditional Implement Training Methods and Unilateral Training

    • Core Stability & Balance Training Examples

    • Nontraditional Exercise Training Examples

    • Chapter 16 Study Questions
  • 18

    Chapter 17: Program Design for Resistance Training

    • Chapter 17 Study Guide

    • Introduction to Program Design

    • Training Frequency

    • Volume & Rest Periods

    • Chapter 17 Study Questions
  • 19

    Chapter 18: Program Design and Technique for Plyometric Training

    • Chapter 18 Study Guide

    • Plyometric Training

    • Plyometric Training Program Design

    • Age and Safety Considerations

    • Chapter 18 Study Questions

    • Examples of Plyometrics (Exercises 18.1-18.13)
  • 20

    Chapter 19: Program Design and Technique for Speed and Agility

    • Chapter 19 Study Guide

    • Introduction and Key Terms

    • Program Design

    • Chapter 19 Study Questions
  • 21

    Chapter 20: Program Design and Technique for Aerobic Endurance Training

    • Chapter 20 Study Guide

    • Factors Related to Aerobic Endurance Performance

    • Designing an Aerobic Endurance Program

    • Types of Aerobic Endurance Training Programs

    • Applications of Program Design to Training Seasons

    • Special Issues Related to Aerobic Endurance Training

    • Chapter 20 Study Questions
  • 22

    Chapter 21: Periodization

    • Chapter 21 Study Guide

    • Central Concepts of Periodization

    • Phases of Periodization

    • Sports Seasons

    • Chapter 21 Study Questions
  • 23

    Chapter 22: Rehabilitation and Reconditioning

    • Chapter 22 Study Guide

    • Overview and Injury Type

    • Stages of Rehab

    • Return To Training
  • 24

    Chapter 23: Facility Design, Layout, and Organization

    • Chapter 23 Study Guide

    • General Aspects of Facility Design

    • Designing & Arranging a Facility

    • Maintenance, Cleaning, & Space Needs

    • Chapter 23 Study Questions
  • 25

    Chapter 24: Facility Policies, Procedures, and Legal Issues

    • Chapter 24 Study Guide

    • Mission Statement & the Performance Team

    • Legal & Ethical Issues

    • Staff Policies & Activities

    • Chapter 24 Study Questions
  • 26

    Practice Exam

    • CSCS Practice Exam

    • CSCS Study Course Wrap Up