Fit Communications

The National Strength and Conditioning Association just published the latest issue of its Performance Training Journal. As usual, it looks as though there’s quite a bit of good stuff here. The longer I train, the more bored I become with the same-old-same-old generated by muscle magazines, and the more I appreciate information that’s based on research (rather than the desire to sell supplements).

You can download a pdf copy of the issue or view the table of contents online.

Here’s what’s in Volume 4, Number 14:

The Benefits of Strength Training for Endurance Athletes

Do endurance athletes effectively utilize the weight room to best enhance their performance? Intelligent use of the weight room, just like intelligent implementation of a running program, can have a dramatic influence on the success of the competitor. Learn how to add a weight program that will enhance your endurance, not take away from it. 

Rest and Recovery: The Forgotten Training Component

The importance of how recovery and rest contribute to growth in performance is an aspect that is often overlooked in creating a successful training regiment. The bottom line is that without proper recovery, your body will not achieve all the potential benefits from training. Acquire knowledge about how to optimize recovery and avoid overtraining. 

Mind Games
The Mental Cheat Sheet

The old adage "Your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy" has some truth to it. The Mental Cheat Sheet is a tool you can use to help you manage your competitive thinking. This column will teach you how to create a mental cheat sheet, help manage your thinking and enhance your performance. 

Training Table
Calculating Your Daily Calories

Ever wonder how nutritionists or personal trainers are able to tell you exactly how many calories you need to lose the extra weight you put on over the holidays, or to gain the muscle mass you have been striving for? There are numerous ways to calculate your daily calorie needs. This article will tell you how. 

Ounce Of Prevention
Exercise Modifications for Shoulder Instability

Injuries to the shoulder are common in sports. Athletic injuries though can result from repetitive stresses placed upon the shoulder joint. Find out some easy preventative measures that you can take to reduce this injury and maintain a healthy shoulder joint. 

Fitness Frontlines

Learn the latest news in the field on the effects of body size and gender on overarm throwing performance, aging affects on weightlifting and powerlifting performance, and if listening to music improves endurance performance. 

Action-Reaction
Using a Slant Board for Agility "Triple Extension" Development

This article addresses a simple training tool that is easily overlooked. When used properly, it can help put you in proper positions and help to coordinate your movements. Wondering what the device is? Gain insight into how to utilize a slant board in your workout programs. 

Train for the Game
Interval Training to Improve Energy System Development

Experts suggest that interval training is the most appropriate method of training for improved energy system development. Since most sports demand alternating periods of work and rest, this type of training can be highly sport specific and therefore beneficial in improving performance. You can create your own interval-training program based on the specific demands of your sport and the goals you wish to achieve. Read on to learn how to design your own program. 

In The Gym
Accommodating Resistance

The idea of accommodating resistance is based around the need to "accommodate" the strong and weak points of any given motion by using such tools such as elastic bands or chains that alter the resistance throughout the movement. Read on to learn more about accommodating resistance, and how it might be able to help you overcome sticking points in your lifts.