Professor: Dr. Declan Connolly, FACSM, CSCS*D, certified with distinction, master instructor.
 

Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the science and physiology behind strength training and conditioning. It also allows the student the opportunity to prepare for the National Strength and Conditioning Association's "Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist "(CSCS) certification.In general, the physiology of strength training and conditioning is poorly understood by the general public. Thus, part of the focus is to dispel some of the myths surrounding strength training by using sound physiology to understand mechanisms and responses. The course content involves scientific readings and lay application. Various topics relating to strength and resistance training will be discussed in detail including, energy expenditure power, nutrition, specificity, free vs machine weights, and the design of aerobic, anaerobic & resistance programs etc.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion the student will:-

1. Understand the physiology of strength development and aerobic fitness.
2. Understand the body adaptation and change following a strength or aerobic fitness program.
3. Understand basic fitness program development.
4. Understand selected issues of safety associated with developing an exercise program.
5. Be prepared to sit for the National Strength & Conditioning Association's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Required Text:
Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. Thomas Baechle & Roger Earl. Human Kin. Pubs, 2000, 2nd Edition.
"Everything you ever wanted to know about exercise simplified". Compilation. $10.00 in class.

Additional Recommended texts:
Designing Resistance Training Programs. Steven Fleck & William Kraemer. Human Kinetics Publishers, second edition, 1997.
 

Grading Outline
1. Mid-term on Monday March 16^th: Worth 30%.
2. Final exam to be given  Monday April 27th: Worth 50%.
3. Exercise Instruction Assessment/Practical: April 20th:
 

NOTE: You should come prepared to exercise for all laboratory classes!

Course Content
Please note: Due to time constraints, this class does not cover chapters 10,24, 25, 26 in the text. Those students preparing for the NSCA certification are additionally responsible for these chapters!

January 12th.
Introduction and overview of class. Fads and fallacies associated with strength training. Basic introduction to muscle physiology and neuromuscular physiology. Read chapters 1 & 2. Schedule Wingate Power tests for next week.

January 19th. No Class, UVM closed.

January 26th.
Lab experiences 1. Upper body lifting skills part 1 & Shuttle run test. Dress for exercise

February 2nd
Biomechanics of muscle contraction and bone growth. Read chapters 3 & 4.

February 9th. Energy metabolism and expenditure during aerobic resistance exercise. Metabolic, hormonal and general adaptations to strength training. Read chapters 5 & 6.

February 16th.  No Class, UVM closed.

February 23rd.
Laboratory Experiences 2. Upper body lifting skill part 2 and lower body part 1. Dress to exercise.

March 2nd. Cardiovascular system and pulmonary system adaptation, and physiological adaptations to training.  Read chapters 7 & 8.

March 16th
5.00-6.00pm periodization Read chapters 22-23. 6.00-7.30pm Midterm

March 23rd.
Test selection and administration. Test scoring and interpretation. Read chapters 14 & 15.  Performance enhancement supplements and nutritional aids. Read chapters 9, 11 & 12.

March 30th.
Laboratory Experiences 3. Lower body lifting skills part 2 & Olympic lifts. Dress to exercise.

April 6th
5.00 - 6.30pm. Age and sex differences in exercise programming, balance and coordination training. Speed and agility, aerobic endurance. Read chapters 20-21.
Laboratory Experience:Basic balance and coordination.

April 13th.
Resistance training and spotting. Read chapters 16 & 17.
Resistance training, Eccentric, Plyometrics, Muscle damage. Read chapters 18-19.
Laboratory experiences 4. Stretching and warm-up;

April 20th: Exercise Instruction Assessment/Practical.

April 27th Final Exam, 5.00-7.30pm. in patrick Room 118.
 

Last Updated: 1/8/2009