This article discusses the importance and impact a qualified fitness professional on the fitness and readiness of soldiers for the United States Army.

Hear from two-time Olympian, Meg Stone, the first female strength and conditioning coach to head both men’s and women’s strength programs at a major American university. Stone shares her story from being an elite discus thrower towards an unexpected coaching career, with NSCA Coaching and Sport Science Manager, Eric McMahon. She discusses what she believes needs to change to further the strength and conditioning field in support of athlete health and safety. Stone also tells us about what makes the Sport Science Program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) so unique and beneficial for students. The episode highlights the ongoing work of the NSCA for the prevention of catastrophic injury and sudden death in sport. You can read more about this topic in a recent NSCA press release: NSCA Reaffirms Position on Appropriate Qualifications for Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches. Connect with Meg by email at stoneme@etsu.edu| Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and Twitter: @ericmcmahoncscs

Nearly all fitness professionals are forced to address low back pain (LBP) to some extent, regardless of the age or population with which they work. The purpose of this article is to shed light on contemporary research surrounding LBP.

This article examines how training the core and performance are connected. This article seeks to help propose how to best use the literature to maximize understanding and use of the current concepts.

Little information is available for personal trainers in regards to differentiating the requirements and responsibilities of working as an employee or an independent contractor. Personal trainers and gym owners would benefit from understanding professional guidelines, details, and general knowledge of these two options.

An evidence-based movement assessment could hold Marines accountable for mobility and stability by systematically assessing movement patterns. This article (part three of a four-part series) explains one way that this could be accomplished.

The purpose of this article is to discuss the various types of low-impact activities and their associated cardiovascular and musculoskeletal benefits.

This article defines and reviews the allostatic load theory in tactical personnel.

This article features the recharge skate—an in-season hockey conditioning drill, designed by the authors, to maintain hockey-specific energy system fitness throughout the competitive season.

This Personal Training Quarterly article explores the science behind strength training’s effects on mental health and strategies for integrating wellness programming. Visit NSCA online to read more on fitness news and exercise research.