Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preface -- Acknowledgements -- Importance of the field and profession of personal training -- Career track for personal trainers -- Anatomy and kinesiology -- Biomechanical principles of training -- Exercise physiology -- Nutrition and human performance -- Theories of behavior change -- Adherence to exercise : helping your client stay active -- Eliciting positive perceptions and behaviors : coaching techniques -- The initial client consultation -- Preparticipation physical activity screening guidelines -- Client fitness assessments -- Comprehensive program design -- Resistance training programs -- Cardiorespiratory training programs -- Guidelines for designing flexibility programs -- Functional movement assessments and exercise programming for apparently healthy participants -- Personal training session components -- Advanced program options -- Special populations -- Business basics and planning -- Legal issues and responsibilities.

A broad introduction to the field of personal training, covering both basic science topics and practical application. Originally designed to help people prepare for the ACSM Personal Training Certification Exam, it serves that function, but the market for it has expanded to practitioners in the field looking for an additional resource, as well as in an academic setting where the book is a core text for personal training programs.