Become a Certified
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Anatomy, body composition, and the way you move affect energy and performance. The best trainers use this to their benefit.
As a certified Strength and Conditioning coach, you’ll learn exactly how to help your clients work with what they have to build unbelievable endurance, strength, power and speed.
ISSA-approved course
International Credits of the Course
International Credits of the Course
All courses are officially approved and accredited by ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association, a USA-based organization), one of the most recognized and respected fitness certification bodies worldwide.
ISSA certifications are internationally recognized and accepted in the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, and many other countries, making them a valuable credential for fitness professionals seeking to expand their careers globally.
This globally recognized certification enables fitness professionals to access international job opportunities, work with elite clients, and enhance their expertise in the fitness industry.
With ISSA’s strong reputation in science-based fitness education, graduates of this course will gain the knowledge and credentials needed to work in gyms, personal training studios, rehabilitation centers, and sports teams worldwide.
How It Works
How It Works
Enroll now and get instant access
Study at your own pace
Use your dedicated Success Coach for study help
Take chapter quizzes to see your progress
Pass the open-book, untimed Final Exam from anywhere!
What You’ll Learn From This Course
What You’ll Learn From This Course
ISSA’s Strength and Conditioning Certification course is regularly updated to ensure students are getting access to all the latest in exercise and training developments.
- How to apply the principles of metabolism, body mechanics, and anatomy to help athletes of any level reach their optimal performance
- Understand the athlete anatomy and how body mechanics and structure influence energy and performance levels
- Learn how to communicate exercise instruction and benefits to your clients
- Get the tools to develop personalized fitness programs intended to increase endurance, strength, power, and speed
- How to apply the principles of nutrition and supplementation as they relate to each individual athlete
- Learn to identify the strains of over-training and how to prevent injuries
- How to properly perform fitness assessments and monitor an athlete’s progress and growth
- Learn the fundamentals of sports psychology and how to mentally prepare athletes to overcome hurdles and perform to their highest ability
COURSE CONTENTS
COURSE CONTENTS
01INTRODUCTION TO STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
- Health Benefits
- Goals of This Course
02THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
- Functions of the Nervous System
- Components of the Nervous System
- Interactions of the CNS and the PNS
- Lower Motor Neurons and Motor Units
- Motor Commands
03MUSCULAR SYSTEM
- Anatomical References—A Quick Glance
- Muscle Attachments
- Skeletal Muscle Structure and Function
- Muscle Actions
- The Roles of Muscle
- Muscle Fiber Types and Functional Characteristics
- Muscle Size Changes
- Muscle Growth Triggers
- Skeletal Muscle Groups
- Muscle Charts
- References
04SKELETAL SYSTEM AND JOINT ACTIONS
- Skeletal Function
- Skeletal Structure
- Bone Functions
- Bone Structure
- Cartilage Structure and Function
- Ligament Structure and Function
- Joint Capsule
05CARDIO RESPIRATORY AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS
- The Respiratory System
- The Endocrine System
- The Digestive System
06BIOENERGETICS
- Energy for Life
- Converting ATP into Energy
- The Energy Systems
- The Whole Picture
07BIOMECHANICS
- Study of Biomechanics
- Mechanics
- Levers
- Wheel Axles and Pulleys
- Laws of Motion
- Friction
- Force
- Mechanical Loading
- Anatomical Reference Terms
- Anatomical Planes of Movement
- Joint Actions
08GENERAL ASSESSMENTS
- Importance of Assessments
- Health Assessments
- Fitness Assessments
- Cardiorespiratory Assessments
09PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS
- Assessment Selection
- Strength
- Maximal Strength
- Explosive Strength
- Reactive Strength
- Strength Endurance
- Speed and Agility
10PRINCIPLES OF PROGRAM DESIGN
- Components of Fitness and Program Design
- An Individualized Approach
- Principles of Training Program Design
- Training Variables
- Programming
11FLEXIBILITY
- Flexibility and Stretching
- Muscle and Connective Tissues
- Factors for Implementing Stretching to Enhance Flexibility
- Applying Flexibility Techniques
- Stretching Exercises
12PLYOMETRIC EXERCISES
- Phases of Plyometric Exercises
- Plyometrics for Performance Enhancement
- Progression of Plyometric Exercises
- Upper-Body Plyometric Exercises
- Lower-Body Plyometric Exercises
13CORE EXERCISES
- Anatomy and Function of the Core
- Core Exercises in the Frontal Plane
- Core Exercises in the Sagittal Plane
- Core Exercises in the Transverse Plane
- Multiplanar Core Exercises
14LOWER-BODY EXERCISES
- Lower-Body Anatomy
- Lower-Body Movement
- Technique
- Lower-Body Exercises
15UPPER-BODY EXERCISES
- Upper-Body Anatomy
- Upper-Body Movement
- Technique
- Upper-Body Exercises
16POWER AND OLYMPIC-STYLE WEIGHT LIFTING
- Overview of the Core Olympic Lifts and Power Training
- Principles of Sports Science
- Preparing for Power Exercises
- Power Exercises
17PART A: RESISTANCE TRAINING SYSTEMS
- Fundamentals of Training Programming
- Warm-Up
- Training Parameters
- Training Microcycles: Weekly
- Strength and Conditioning Guidelines
- Loading Variations
- Deloading
17PART B: APPLYING PERIODIZATION
- Preparation Phase Programming (Preseason)
- Competition Phase Programming (In Season)
18CARDIORESPIRATORY PROGRAMMING
- Glycolytic and Antiglycolytic Training
- Components of Endurance
- Types of Endurance Training
- Training for Aerobic Power
- Cardio Programming for the Preparation Phase
- Cardio Programming for the Competition Phase
- Cardio Programming for Cyclic Athletes
19RECOVERY AND INJURY PREVENTION
- Training and Recovery
- Stress
- Models
- Recovery Methods
- Recovery Adaptation Modalities
- Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries
20NUTRITION
- Scope of Practice
- Macronutrients
- Micronutrients
- High-Performance Diet
- Caloric Intake and Athlete Goals
- Hydration
- Common Supplementation
21SUPPLEMENTATION
- Supplements for Athletic Purposes
- Nutritional Supplements
- Supplements to Increase Absolute Strength
- Supplements to Increase Speed and Reaction Response
- Supplements to Increase Endurance
- Supplements to Accelerate Recovery Time
- Supplements for Weight Loss/Fat Loss
- Banned Substances
22PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY
- Performance and Sport Psychology Overview
- Myths of Performance Psychology Training
- Psychological Skills Training (PST)
- Psychological Strategies and Applications
- Practical Considerations and Suggestions
23PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
- Roles of a Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Scope of Practice
- Preparing for a Job Interview
- Build a Network
KEY WORDS
REFERENCES
What You’ll Gain in a Career as a Strength and Conditioning Coach
As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, you’ll be able to pursue your passion for fitness and helping coach athletes to reach their peak performance. By becoming certified in strength and fitness, you’ll learn how to train high performing athletes and produce result-driven programs that any employer would be begging to have.
Plus you’ll be able to:
- Study at your own pace with flexible, online learning to fit your busy schedule.
- Pass your certification exam online wherever you’re most comfortable.
- Enjoy unlimited educational support from your team who loves fitness too!
- Rest easy with great customer support before, during and after your certification.
Premium Resources and Expert Support
Premium Resources and Expert Support
Online Study Guide and Workbook
This online handy reference guide walks you through the course unit-by-unit, allowing you to gain a better understanding of corrective exercise concepts.
Practice Exam and Section Quizzes
The practice Exam and quizzes test your understanding of the materials; so while you’re reading you’re preparing for the exam at the same time.
Online Exercise Lab
ISSA and Hyperstrike provide you with an exclusive online exercise lab with over 250 animated exercises. 3D animation and three different angles ensure that proper form and technique are a breeze!
Online Student Forum
ISSA Master Trainers are online and ready for your questions anytime. Post your questions and receive guidance from both our on-staff personal training experts and the worldwide ISSA community.
Unlimited Educational Support
All ISSA students have access to unlimited educational support. If you have questions about the course materials, our on-staff professors can guide you through. This support continues even after you earn your personal trainer certification.
Online and Home Study Exam
ISSA’s certification exam solidifies your proficiency as a fitness professional. Choose a paper-and-pencil exam or utilize our secure online testing portal. One No-cost Retest (if necessary).
COURSE AUDIENCE
Olympic Sport Coaches
for whom this course can be useful
This Strength & Conditioning Course is an essential program for all coaches specializing in team sports, martial arts, and endurance disciplines at the Olympic level. It provides cutting-edge methodologies to enhance athletic performance, prevent injuries, and optimize training strategies for elite athletes.
Whether you are coaching football, futsal, basketball, volleyball, handball, wrestling, MMA, martial arts, running, padel, or tennis, this course equips you with the latest evidence-based techniques to maximize strength, endurance, and agility.
Beyond its practical benefits, completing this course significantly strengthens your coaching résumé, making it one of the most valuable certifications for career advancement in the industry. If you’re looking to elevate your coaching expertise and credibility, this is the most relevant and applicable course you can take.
Aspiring Strength & Conditioning Coaches and Fitness Professionals looking to establish a career in athletic performance and physical training.
Individuals aiming to enhance their expertise in designing, implementing, and supervising strength and conditioning programs for athletes and general fitness clients.
Those seeking reputable certifications to strengthen their professional credibility in the field of strength and conditioning.
Coaches and trainers striving to improve athlete performance, injury prevention strategies, and sport-specific training techniques.
Motivated individuals committed to helping clients build strength, power, endurance, and overall physical performance through scientifically designed training programs.
Approval