As an Exercise Science student at Arizona State University several decades ago, I was taught there are a couple guiding documents and organizations in our profession. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is considered the “gold standard” body in terms of exercise prescription/testing and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is the foremost organization in anything related to resistance training and sport performance.
The ACSM and NSCA both publish documents meant to guide professionals in the interpretation of scientific literature relative to physical activity and specifically exercise. As a student I remember reading these documents and thinking to myself that someday maybe I can be a co-author on one of these articles.
In 2002, leading experts from around the world wrote a Position Stand on Progression Models in Resistance Training for Healthy Adults. I consider the document a collaborative effort between the ACSM and NSCA.
For those of us who have dedicated our professional lives to scholarship in and around resistance training, this was a document of unparalleled importance. It basically gave credence to many of the concepts that we use to design appropriate resistance training programs and clears up some misconceptions relative to the dose-response to resistance training.
About a year ago, I was asked to help edit/rewrite the Position Stand. It has just been release in the March issue of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. I have to admit that this is a professional milestone for me and am proud to have been part of the writing team.
The Scientific Advisory Committee is a group experts from around the world gathered to help give scientific validity to physical activity programming for the Community of Madrid. Last year we wrote the Madrid Proclamation, basically setting the physical activity guidelines for the community:
I was charged with sharing activity programming relative to resistance training and the importance of strength for health related benefits. My lecture explained the dose-response to resistance training as well as exercise prescription guidelines using progression and periodization as the key tenants.
I had a well attended session and have to note it is always fun to see so many people interested in resistance training. There was even a 90 minute question and answer session and the conclusion of the day. I have to admit that I was mentally exhausted, but invigorated at the thought that I was encouraged another segment of our society to engage in resistance training as a meaningful form of their physical activity.
