Malek MH, Nalbone DP, Berger DE, et al. Importance of health science education for personal fitness trainers. J Strength Cond Res. 2002 Feb;16(1):19-24.
A survey of 115 health fitness professionals revealed that a bachelor's degree in the field of exercise science and possession of American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association certifications as opposed to other certifications were strong predictors of a personal trainer's knowledge, whereas years of experience was not related to knowledge.
Mazzetti SA, Kraemer WJ, Volek JS, et al. The influence of direct supervision of resistance training on strength performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000 Jun;32(6):1175-84.
Twenty moderately trained men were randomly assigned to either the supervised group or unsupervised group who performed identical resistance training programs using free-weight and variable-resistance machine exercises. The study showed the directly supervised men demonstrated a greater rate of training load increase and magnitude which resulted in greater maximal strength gains compared with unsupervised training group.
Hunter GR, Seelhorst D, Snyder S. Comparison of metabolic and heart rate responses to super slow vs. traditional resistance training. J Strength Cond Res. 2003 Feb;17(1):76-81.
Results showed the traditional resistance training program had a high energy cost than "Super Slow" training program. The "Super Slow" program was significantly lower in total work and relative exercise intensity when compared to the traditional resistance training program. Intensity was 2.6 times greater, and over four times more work was performed with the traditional resistance training program. This study does not support the claims of proponents that "Super Slow" is a superior method for energy expenditure. Individuals looking to lose weight through resistance training may do better to find a program that utilizes more energy than a "Super Slow" program.
- A properly designed and supervised resistance training program is safe for children.
- A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can increase the strength of children.
- A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can help to enhance the motor fitness skills and sports performance of children.
- A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can help to prevent injuries in youth sports and recreational activities.
- A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can help to improve the psychosocial well-being of children.
- A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can enhance the overall health of children.
Pre-Season Conditioning for Young Athletes
by Dr. Avery D. Faigenbaum
University of Massachusetts-Boston
