LWT 230 - Theory of Strength and Conditioning

1. Demonstrate understanding of the physical benefits associated with strength and conditioning.
   1. Identify internal and external factors that affect performance.
   2. Discuss the factors affecting exercise selection.
   3. Resolve common misconceptions regarding weight training.
   4. List the various types of weight training principles.
2. Describe the characteristics of an athlete.
3. Describe how muscular anatomy, physiology, and basic biomechanics relates to strength and conditioning.
   1. Have a general knowledge of the components that make up skeletal muscles.
   2. Differentiate between muscle fiber types.
   3. Identify different types of contractions and planes of movement.
   4. Understand the general mechanics of how skeletal muscle contraction occurs as well as the different types of contractions that may occur.
   5. Know how the different energy systems are used by the body during exercise.
   6. Describe factors affecting muscular force development
   7. Understand the general theories regarding the cause of how muscle soreness is produced.
4. Describe the importance of the warm-up, stretching, and cool-down phases of an exercise program.
   1. Describe the difference between a general warm-up and a specific warm-up.
   2. Demonstrate a variety of stretches including static, dynamic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
   3. Identify the factors that affect muscle flexibility.
   4. Compare compression and decompression techniques for recovery.
5. Describe the health and skill-related components of fitness
   1. Identify specifications for training speed, agility, quickness, balance, coordination, and reaction time.
   2. Identify the following types of training exercises and how they are implemented; plyometric training, power lifting, and Olympic weight training
6. Demonstrate various athlete assessment testing protocols.
7. Design strength and conditioning programs for various training goals
   1. Demonstrate how to implement training variables, systems, and techniques into a program.
   2. Demonstrate an understanding of linear vs. non-linear periodization including microcyles, mesocycles, and macrocycles.
   3. Understand the difference and how to program for different training goals such as muscular strength, muscular endurance, muscle power, muscular hypertrophy/mass, and maximal fat loss
   4. Compare and contrast a variety of sport-specific training programs.
   5. Know how to adjust program variables to meet specific training goals including: frequency, exercise type, exercise order, number of sets, number of repetitions, work to rest ratio, exercise order, and intensity.
8. Demonstrate understanding of the importance of weight room safety.
   1. Understand the benefits and drawbacks of using free weights and machines.
   2. Identify the equipment including safety devices used in weight training.
   3. Demonstrate proper procedure for spotting.
9. Discuss the importance of applied sport psychology and mental skill training to performance enhancement.
   1. Identify positive and negative coaching techniques
10. Identify specific training adjustments for special populations.
    1. Discuss some of the misconceptions of weight training for prepubescent children, pregnant women, elderly persons, and individuals that are physically disabled.
    2. Describe the benefits of long term athletic development in youth athletes.