2012 Exam Preparation Symposium - Schedule
CEUs: 1.6 NSCA, 16 BOC
Day 1 – Thursday, March 1, 2012
| Time | NSCA-CPT + CSCS Combined Session |
|---|---|
| 8:00-8:30 | Overview of NSCA CSCS Exam Format and Content |
| Introduce candidates to the National Strength and Conditioning Association's mission and membership. Review content, difficulty, and weighting of the content areas of the CSCS exam based on the analysis of job-related tasks performed by strength and conditioning professionals. Provide individual candidates with awareness of their level of preparedness for the exam. | |
| 8:30-10:00 | Structure and Function |
| Discuss the basic principles of anatomy and physiology and address the fundamental concepts of muscle, nerve, bone, and connective tissue. Understand the basic concepts surrounding hormones and how they interact with each other and target tissues. Summarize cardiovascular and respiratory anatomy and physiology of the heart, blood vessels, and lungs. | |
| 10:00-11:00 | Biomechanics |
| Establish a working knowledge of basic biomechanics and apply these principles to strength training by performing a movement analysis on athletes in order to determine specific exercises that minimize the risk of injury while maximizing performance. | |
| 11:00-12:30 | Exercise Technique |
| Identify benefits of a pre-exercise, dynamic warm-up and the appropriate use of static stretching in a strength and conditioning program. Be able to identify the primary muscles involved in each resistance training exercise. Review strategies to teach and critique proper lifting form and evaluate common technique errors. Emphasize the importance of spotting for safety. | |
| 12:30-1:30 | LUNCH |
| 1:30-2:30 | Bioenergetics |
| Understand the transfer of energy in biological systems, metabolism and the central role of ATP in muscular activity. Explain the three basic energy system, including substrate utilization and depletion. Recognize how each system should be incorporated into training programs to yield a specific metabolic effect. | |
| 2:30-3:30 | Plyometrics, Speed, and Agility |
| Apply sound movement principles regarding technique and movement mechanics in order to develop speed and agility. Comprehend the physiology of plyometric exercises and the components that make up the training program. Discuss when to implement plyometric training and how to design a safe and effective training program incorporating correct technique and a sound progression that matches the athlete’s training level. | |
| 3:30-5:00 | Anaerobic and Aerobic Training Adaptations |
| Discuss and examine the physiological adaptations that occur with resistance training and aerobic exercise. Concentrate on the body’s ability to adapt to stressors from both acute and chronic bouts of training. Recognize that through manipulating intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise, the training effect is altered. Understanding the adaptations that occur in each physiological system allows strength coaches to design training programs that will best suit the athlete’s individual and performance needs and goals. |
Day 2 – Friday, March 2, 2012
| Time | NSCA-CPT Session |
|---|---|
| 8:00-9:30 | Client Consultation and Health Appraisal |
| Conduct an initial client interview to assess compatibility, develop goals, and establish a client-trainer agreement. Evaluate and stratify the health status of potential clients, indentify positive coronary risk factors, and recognize individuals requiring referral to health care professionals. | |
| 9:30-11:00 | Fitness Evaluation and Goal Setting |
| Understand how to gather baseline data by selecting and conducting appropriate physical assessments regarding the clients’ personal health, lifestyle, and exercise readiness. Interpret and communicate results to client, and design an individualized program that reflects his or her goals. Recognize the value of motivation and work with clients to set effective exercise goals. | |
| 11:00-12:00 | Nutrition and Weight Management |
| Understand the trainer’s scope of practice and know when to refer clients to a nutrition professional. Review the clients’ diet and estimate energy expenditure and requirements. Advise clients on guidelines regarding weight gain and weight loss. | |
| 12:00-1:00 | LUNCH |
| 1:00-2:00 | Program Design/Exercise Prescription |
| Integrate the general training principles of specificity, overload and progression to design an effective exercise program, after evaluating the clients’ initial level of fitness and determining exercise goals. Understand the interactions of intensity, frequency, duration, mode and rest periods on the effects of training. Know when and how to vary program, including increasing training volume and intensity. | |
| 2:00-3:30 | Training Special Populations |
| Present general training considerations and specific exercise guidelines for individuals who need modified workouts to maximize the fitness benefits and minimize the risk of injury. Understand pathophysiology and risk factors and discuss exercise recommendations and precautions for clients with various special needs. | |
| 3:30-4:30 | Safety, Emergency and Legal Issues |
| Address the basic legal aspects and identify professional and legal responsibilities of personal training. Define negligence and develop risk management strategies to minimize the possibility of litigation. | |
| 4:30-5:00 | Questions |
Day 2 – Friday, March 2, 2012
| Time | CSCS Session |
|---|---|
| 8:00-9:00 | Testing, Evaluation and Goal Setting |
| Identify and explain the reasons for performance testing. Understand testing terminology and statistics. Discern the best methods of selecting and administrating appropriate tests to maintain valid and reliable results. Analyze test data and generate an athletic profile. | |
| 9:00-11:00 | Program Design |
| Evaluate the requirements and characteristics of a sport and assess individual athletes. Integrate the training principles of specificity, overload and progression to design an effective resistance training program. Manipulate training variables based on athletes’ training status, sport season and training goals. | |
| 11:00-12:00 | Organization and Administration |
| Evaluate the requirements and characteristics of a sport and assess individual athletes. Integrate the training principles of specificity, overload and progression to design an effective resistance training program. Manipulate training variables based on athletes’ training status, sport season and training goals. | |
| 12:00-1:00 | LUNCH |
| 1:00-2:30 | Periodization and Reconditioning |
| Understand the value, role and application of periodization in program design. Comprehend the various periods involved in traditional and non-traditional periodization models and apply program design variables within each phase to elicit the desired training response. | |
| 2:30-4:00 | Nutrition and Supplementation |
| Identify protein, carbohydrate, and fat recommendations for athletic performance, including appropriate hydration guidelines. Apply concepts of nutrient timing for enhanced performance and recovery, to include weight loss and weight gain. Recognize the signs and symptoms of eating disorders and understand the coach’s scope of practice when reviewing the athlete’s diet and disseminating nutrition advice. Provide reliable information to athletes regarding the risks and benefits of performance-enhancing substances. Evaluate research surrounding performance-enhancing supplements, advertising claims and marketing surrounding over-the-counter supplements. | |
| 4:00-5:00 | Questions |
NOTICE:It is important to understand that this symposium, by itself, is not intended to fully prepare candidates for the NSCA examination. This symposium is intended to be a review for the exam as opposed to a detailed analysis of each section of the material. Candidates who are more prepared (have read the Essentials textbook) will have a better experience and increase their chances of conceptually understanding each lecture. Attending a symposium is not required to take the examination.
All NSCA Conferences and Events are subject to change location and date; as well as possible cancellation without notice.