Nicole Rodriguez always knew she wanted to pursue strength and conditioning, but the extent of her journey — spanning 44 countries and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games — is nothing short of inspiring. During her time at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning, Rodriguez recognized the value of experience and environment, later joining the EXOS International Program to coach globally. Eager to test her skills and help standardize coaching education, she sought out developing countries to advance their sport infrastructure. Rodriguez outlines key differences between U.S. and European approaches: while the U.S. excels in strength methodology, Europe enhances sport-specific application through tactical periodization. Additionally, she highlights Europe’s emphasis on rehabilitation and an “inverse relationship” between time in the weight room versus pitch-side with sport coaches. Rodriguez also describes her work with Poland’s Ministry of Sport and Tourism to pursue NSCA Global Chapter status, aligning with her passion for improving strength and conditioning education and implementation worldwide.
Connect with Nicole by email: nicole@coachnicolerodriguez.com and online at: coachnicolerodriguez.com | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
Learn more about NSCA international programs mentioned in the episode at NSCA.com/Global.
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Personal trainersExercise ScienceProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentStrength Training StrategiesTechnical ExercisesRisk AssessmentBody BuildingResistance Training ModalitiesWeight TrainingInjury MitigationGeneral Fitness
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Personal trainersExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or Diseasecaffeine to treat muscle sorenessBCAAs to treat muscle sorenessBCAAs to treat DOMScaffeine to treat DOMShow to treat DOMScold water therapycryotherapyDOMSmuscle soreness
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Personal trainersProgram designBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseMultiple SclerosisAutoimmuneNeurodegenerative DiseaseFatigue
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Personal trainersExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designOrganization and AdministrationProfessional DevelopmentAnaerobic PerformanceLower Body ExercisePower LiftingFitness TechnologyStrength TrainingVaried resistance (VR)Velocity-based training (VBT)