National Strength and Conditioning Association

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of strength and conditioning. Founded in 1978, the NSCA supports professionals in the fields of sport science, fitness, and allied health through research, certification, education, and community engagement.

The NSCA’s mission is to serve as the worldwide authority on strength and conditioning by supporting and disseminating research-based knowledge and its practical application to improve athletic performance and fitness. Its vision emphasizes empowering athletes, clients, coaches, and trainers with evidence-based information to safely and effectively enhance health and performance.

History

The NSCA was founded in 1978, following an invitation by Nebraska strength coach Boyd Epley. The inaugural meeting in Lincoln, Nebraska, brought together 76 individuals. Early members were often athletic trainers, assistant coaches, or competitive lifters who had been informally assigned strength coaching duties.^[1]

In December 1978, Epley produced a 16-page newsletter that was distributed to over 8,000 coaches, YMCA directors, and other interested parties. By April 1979, NSCA membership had grown to 400.

Today, the NSCA community includes more than 60,000 members and approximately 40,000 individuals actively certified through one of four certification programs. These individuals work across various roles including strength and conditioning coaching, personal training, performance science, tactical training, and exercise science education. The NSCA maintains an active presence in the field of strength and conditioning through press releases, media relations, and journal publications. It welcomes inquiries and provides access to research articles and updates on developments in the field.

Research & Education

In April 1982, the NSCA published articles that marked the beginning of research literacy among strength coaches. Early content from the NSCA primarily featured descriptive articles on training modalities and athletic programs. Topics often included Olympic lifting techniques, rehabilitation strategies, team-specific strength programs, and basic nutrition.

The NSCA helped bridge the gap between academic research and practical application in athletic training. By providing accessible scientific content and promoting research literacy, the NSCA contributed to the development of strength and conditioning as a recognized and evidence-based profession.

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) publishes a suite of peer-reviewed journals and professional publications aimed at advancing the science and practice of strength and conditioning. These journals serve strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers, researchers, and tactical professionals by providing evidence-based insights and practical applications for athletic performance, fitness, and tactical readiness.

Peer-Reviewed Journals

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (JSCR) features original research, symposia, reviews, and technical reports. Published monthly, JSCR aims to advance the strength and conditioning industry through rigorous, evidence-based studies.

Strength and Conditioning Journal

The Strength and Conditioning Journal (SCJ) focuses on the practical application of research findings. It publishes peer-reviewed articles written by experienced professionals and is distributed six times per year. SCJ is tailored for practitioners seeking actionable insights for training and performance.

Online Publications

NSCA Coach

NSCA Coach is a quarterly digital publication designed for strength and conditioning coaches at all levels. It includes columns on nutrition, programming, and youth training, offering practical takeaways for diverse athletic populations.

Personal Training Quarterly

Personal Training Quarterly (PTQ) is targeted at personal trainers. Each quarterly issue features accessible, research-based articles on nutrition, programming, and business development, helping trainers enhance their professional practice.

TSAC Report

The TSAC Report is a quarterly digital publication for tactical facilitators and professionals working with military, fire/rescue, and law enforcement personnel. It includes research-based articles, performance drills, and conditioning techniques tailored to each tactical population.

^ "The Science of Strength: Reflections on the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the Emergence of Research-Based Strength and Conditioning". The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 31 (2): 517–530. 02/01/2017. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000001676. PMID 28129281. {{cite journal}}: |first= missing |last= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

[1] "The Science of Strength: Reflections on the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the Emergence of Research-Based Strength and Conditioning". The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 31 (2): 517–530. 02/01/2017. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000001676. PMID 28129281. {{cite journal}}: |first= missing |last= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

[1]