Description
In 1994, the first edition of Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning was published. After a second edition (in 2000) and sales of over 100,000 books, this expanded and updated third edition continues the tradition as the most comprehensive reference available for strength and conditioning professionals. In this text, 30 expert contributors further explore the scientific principles, concepts, and theories of strength training and conditioning and their applications to athletic performance.
The first edition grew out of an awareness that there was not a book about strength training and conditioning that captured the views of leading professionals in anatomy, biochemistry, biomechanics, endocrinology, nutrition, exercise physiology, psychology, and the other sciences and related the principles from these disciplines to the design of safe and effective training programs. Also, the lack of relevant and well-conducted research studies had hindered earlier efforts to create an all-inclusive resource. Once it was finally developed, Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning quickly became the definitive textbook on the subject.
The second edition, released six years later, was more than a simple freshening of the content; it was an overhaul of the scope and application of the first edition. Throughout the text and in the additional 100-plus pages, the chapter contributors used updated, relevant, and conclusive research and concepts to turn science into performance. Many learning tools were added, such as chapter objectives, key points, application boxes, and sample resistance training programs for three different sports. These enhancements, plus the addition of a full-color interior and over 300 colorphotographs, made the second edition truly exceptional.
Updates to the Third Edition
This third edition expands and applies the most current research and information in a logical format that reaffirms Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning as the most prominent resource for students preparing for careers in strength and conditioning and for sport science professionals involved in training athletes. The enhancements are as follows:
- Restructured information about the body’s adaptations to anaerobic and aerobic exercise training (chapters 5 and 6)
- Greatly expanded information about performance- enhancing substances (chapter 9)
- Up-to-date nutritional information, including the new food guide pyramid and recent
research-based nutritional guidelines (chapter 10) - Additional sport-specific testing protocols and comprehensive normative and descriptive data charts (chapter 12)
- New photographs of exercise techniques (chapters 13 and 14)
- New terminology for concepts related to the design of resistance training programs (chapter 15) and periodization (chapter 19)
- Concise explanations of speed and agility training guidelines (chapter 17)
- Step-by-step guidelines on designing aerobic endurance training programs (chapter 18)
- Revised descriptions of strength and conditioning staff duties and checklists for facility maintenance (chapters 21 and 22)
These enhancements, plus the modernized artwork and the addition of instructor and student resources, continue to make this the textbook for the study and instruction of strength and conditioning. The third edition retains the study aids that made the second edition so popular. Each chapter begins with objectives and includes key points to guide the reader along the way. Key terms are boldfaced and listed at the end of the chapter, with page numbers indicating where they are explained in the chapter. Chapters include sidebars that apply the content, and later chapters include sample resistance training programs for three different sports. Detailed instructions and photos are provided for testing, stretching, resistance training, and plyometrics. Finally, chapters end with multiple-choice study questions, with an answer key at the end of the book.