Meet Tara De Leon, a former collegiate strength and conditioning coach who now works as a personal trainer in Edgewater, MD. De Leon shares insight with NSCA Coaching and Sport Science Program Manager, Eric McMahon, and episode co-host, NSCA Personal Training Program Manager, Blake Brightwell, on alternate routes for strength and conditioning coaches through personal training, group fitness, and private sector coaching. This episode discusses the “coaching identity” as it exists and impacts coaches’ beliefs across various stages of professional development. With the growth of the strength and conditioning field, De Leon challenges us to expand our thinking and perceptions around personal training, while holding true to our values and expertise as coaches. Regardless of your current role in the profession, learn more about how the NSCA can help you grow your career. You can connect with Tara on Instagram: @tara_de_leon_fitness or tara@edgewaterfit.com | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs or Twitter: @ericmcmahoncscs

The proper age-specific program may improve your teenager’s sports performance and reduce their risk of injuries.

Colorado Springs, CO – The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) has announced that it is working to elevate and advance the strength and conditioning profession by developing a quality assurance process that ensures all future professionals are capable and well-prepared.

First, thanks to thousands of you who have taken the time to respond to periodic questions we’ve sent your way. Our goal in this process has been to use your feedback to make the NSCA a better organization. We have followed up on that feedback with phone calls to many of you in order to better understand your needs and challenges. We want to continue this process and provide routine updates on some of the changes we have made to better serve your needs.

The NSCA announces 2025 Salary Survey results conducted by Employers Council, showing a 6.7% annual growth rate since 2018 and $68,089–$98,564 average salaries.

Strength and Conditioning Coaches who are NSCA-Certified are preparing youth for training, using proven strategies that improve their safety and competitiveness.

While a basic fitness assessment will always be a part of a comprehensive client assessment, there is an array of more sophisticated tests and measures that are available to the personal trainer today.