NSCA CSCS Topic Guide
Scientific Foundations
Scientific foundations cover the systems that explain why athletes adapt: anatomy, biomechanics, bioenergetics, endocrine response, and training adaptations.
What the exam tends to ask
Muscle, bone, cardiovascular, and respiratory structure/function.
Joint actions, force, torque, work, power, and resistance-exercise biomechanics.
Energy systems and endocrine responses that influence training outcomes.
Must-know concepts
Bioenergetics
Connects ATP supply, exercise intensity, fatigue, and work-to-rest decisions.
Biomechanics
Explains how forces and joint actions shape exercise technique and sport movement.
Adaptation
Training outcomes depend on stimulus specificity, athlete status, recovery, and repeated exposure.
Practice prompts
- 01Tie a sprint interval work-to-rest ratio to the dominant energy demand.
- 02Explain why exercise selection changes when the sport movement has a different force or velocity profile.