STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING SPECIALIST

1. STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING SPECIALIST CHAPTER 3

2. PHYSICAL FITNESS • Ability to perform daily tasks vigorously and alertly with energy left over for enjoying leisure-time activities and meeting emergency needs • This can mean different things to different people depending on their needs • Athlete versus business professional

3. JOB SKILLS • Motivating clients • Instructing on healthy and safe ways to pursue fitness • Leadership • People skills • Multi-tasking

4. JOB OPPORTUNITIES • Personal trainer • Fitness specialist • Group exercise instructor • Health/fitness director • Strength and conditioning specialist

5. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS • NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer • National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Examination, CPR Certification • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) • Bachelor’s degree, CPR certified

6. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS • American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) • www.acsm.org • ACSM-certified Personal Trainer • High school diploma, CPR certification • Pass exam • ACSM-certified Health Fitness Instructor • Associate’s or Bacheor’s degree in health-related field, CPR certification • Exam based on knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s, page 36) • Workshops available to prepare for exam

7. EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FOR CLIENTS • Informative websites • Injury prevention information • Correct weight and object lifting techniques • The importance of access to medical insurance and good physicians and specialists • Informed consent (liability release form) • For your fitness program

8. RAPPORT WITH CLIENTS • Establish good communication • Be an active listener, respond to concerns, take notes • Make advance contact • Reminders of date, time, and place of appointment • Suggestions for preparation • Greet your clients with enthusiasm • Be on time to meet your client • Be ready at least 5 minutes early

9. RAPPORT WITH CLIENTS • Have a clean, healthy appearance • Be fit! • Dress appropriately • Allow extra time when necessary • Filling out forms, adding time to workout, teaching technique • Informed consent, Liability release, Payment agreements, Insurance, Goals and evaluations • Be organized • Client paperwork and appointments • Folder and chart for each client

10. Evaluating Client Physical Fitness • Two types of evaluation (pg 41-42): • Objective • Evaluation based on measurable facts such as height and weight • Subjective • Evaluation based on client perception • Compare results to motivate clients: some perceive themselves to be in better or worse shape than they really are.

11. CONSIDERATIONS FOR FITNESS PROGRAMS • Skill Factors: • Agility • Power • Coordination • Speed • Reaction Time • Balance • Health Factors: • Cardiovascular endurance • Muscular Endurance • Muscular Strength • Flexibility • Body Composition

12. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS • Special Considerations: • Medical Conditions • High blood pressure • Asthma • Diabetes • Exceptional Physical Capabilities • Athletes • Physical Limitations • Injuries • Web site: www.webmd.com(diseases, conditions, wellness)

13. MOTIVATING YOUR CLIENTS • Goal Setting: • Reachable, short-term goals • Time frame = days, 1-3 weeks • Realistic, long-term goals • Time frame = several weeks, months • Have them write it down • Goals change and evolve, focus on short-term goals • Stay positive and re-write goals if they are not achieved • Give clients ownership of their goals and their fitness files

14. MOTIVATING YOUR CLIENTS • Work with the client’s schedule to set aside enough time in the week to achieve fitness goals • At least 3-4 days/week, 60-90 min/day • Recommendations: (www.fitness.gov) • 30 min/day to prevent chronic disease • 60 min/day to prevent weight gain • 60-90 min/day to sustain weight loss • Positive atmosphere • Praise your client’s effort • Use music! • Keep a clean, organized facility • Hard work and variety= Fun!