CPT Textbook

The nervous system is the main system that aids in the body’s regulation of external and internal stimuli.1 The organs of the nervous system include the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and the neurons that compose each of these organs. The nervous system plays a key role in all biological functions, including movement.2 Fitness professionals should … Read more

Speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) are athletic performance-based skills that offer a variety of benefits to both athletes and the general fitness population alike. Fitness professionals must be familiar with the concepts, techniques, and programming guidelines for SAQ training to offer these modalities as part of a comprehensive fitness program. In the context of training … Read more

Fitness professionals and personal trainers must follow a number of legal and professional guidelines when training clients in any capacity. This includes knowing the scope of practice, obtaining proper certifications, following proper standards of care, obtaining necessary paperwork from clients, and ensuring a clean and safe facility. Introduction to the Healthcare Continuum Healthcare professionals include … Read more

There is a reciprocal relationship between mental health, a positive healthy lifestyle, and exercise. In addition to exercise and fitness training, fitness professionals can deliver coaching toward healthy lifestyle practices, which can be highly beneficial for clients. The effects of such habits as proper exercise, nutrition, and other wellness practices can result in mental and … Read more

Dietary supplements are widely used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. The Trainer Academy Scope of Practice prohibits recommending specific dietary supplements. However, fitness professionals should have basic knowledge of the widely used supplements and performance-enhancing drugs since many clients take one or more of these substances.  Furthermore, knowledge of the general purpose and proven … Read more

Corrective exercise involves an integrated approach to identifying muscle imbalances and creating an individualized program of flexibility, isolated strengthening, and functional movements to restore proper muscle balance, improve movement quality, and reduce injury risk in otherwise healthy clients. Fitness professionals with an understanding of corrective exercise and its application can provide better service and results … Read more

Plyometric training encompasses any movement or exercise activity that involves a rapid eccentric loading quickly followed by a rapid concentric contraction. Generally speaking, plyometric modalities involve some form of jumping, hopping, or skipping. Due to the range of beneficial adaptations that occur with proper plyometric training, fitness professionals should be familiar with the plyometric exercise … Read more

Understanding how to design an effective program seems an easy task; however, it can be an intensive process. Training programs guide an individual through their training in an organized fashion in order to achieve optimal results. Anyone can take several exercises and perform them in succession, but it is job of the fitness professional to … Read more

Fitness professionals must have in-depth knowledge of proper exercise technique to ensure client safety when performing movements. Overall, proper technique in resistance training exercises provides the optimal training stimulus while reducing the risk of injury. When introducing clients to exercises, observing proper form checkpoints at each phase of the movement is key to both giving … Read more