The purpose of this article is to identify considerations that are to be taken into account when designing and implementing an annual training program for firefighters, as well as to discuss strategies for implementation.
This Personal Trainers Quarterly article promotes the benefits of walking to boost physical activity and improve overall health outcomes. Visit NSCA online to read more on health science and low-impact exercises.
Personal trainersExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentLow-Impact TrainingObesityOsteoporosisType 2 DiabetesHypertensionAnxietyDepressionMental Health
Tom Williams’ journey to Head of Performance and Sport Science for Major League Soccer (MLS) powerhouse, the Los Angeles (LA) Galaxy, began at a crossroads: pursue traditional coaching or medical pathways. As a soccer “Swiss Army knife,” he embraced early sport science alongside coaching, building a career defined by collaboration and innovation. At the Galaxy, Williams is part of a web of support that uses rich data storytelling tailored to stakeholders and players, guiding decisions and infusing value in every encounter. This system drives their three key pillars: winning championships — including their recent record-breaking sixth MLS Cup — developing a robust academy pipeline, and leading innovation. In MLS’s “cultural melting pot,” Williams balances diverse backgrounds and short-term demands like fixture congestion while employing sustainable long-term strategies. With a unique full-time cognitive department and creative approaches like dodgeball warm-ups, he combines trust and ingenuity to elevate performance and presents a blueprint for those exploring emerging sport science.
Reach out to Tom on LinkedIn: @tom-williams and X/Twitter: @Williams26Tom | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
Did you know MLS has a newly mandated Certified Performance and Sport Scientist® (CPSS®) role? Engage with NSCA’s Pro Sport Partner, the Professional Soccer Performance Association (PSPA), on social media to learn more:
Instagram: @pspa_performance
X/Twitter: @PSPA_perform
LinkedIn: @professional-soccer-performance-association
This article is part of a continuing series of tactical strength and conditioning (TSAC) research reviews. It is designed to bring awareness to new research findings of relevance to tactical strength and conditioning communities.
This article dives into the extensive benefits of strength training for aging exercisers, emphasizing its positive effects on muscle mass, bone density, balance, and metabolic health.
Personal trainersExercise ScienceProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentWorkout RecoveryFunctional FitnessBalance ExercisesInjury PreventionVitalitySarcopeniaAging Exercisers
This article discusses utilizing long term athletic development (LTAD) as a framework for accountability and explores the benefits personal trainers can use to measure success.
Personal trainersExercise ScienceProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentFitness GoalsBody CompositionNutritionInjury Risk ReductionPhysical LiteracyMotor SkillsMuscle Strength
This article assessed the effectiveness of the Holistic Health and Fitness Lite (H2FL) pilot that integrates strength and conditioning coaches, dietitians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and cognitive performance specialists into conventional units to provide holistic care for soldiers.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationH2FTSAC-FSoldiersHolistic HealthBattalions
In recent years, performance and prevention strategies have grown to include monitoring training load (TL) to understand fatigue and the potential effects of fatigue on training adaptation and performance.
Personal trainersTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentTraining LoadMonitoringHeart Rate MonitoringHRV