With a focus on foundational information, the "Exercise Testing and Prescription Lab Manual, Second Edition," offers practical application of knowledge and skills associated with standardized health- and fitness-related tests. Progressing through 14 easy-to-follow experiential-based learning labs, readers will gain the skills and techniques required for successful completion of the ACSM Certified Health Fitness Specialist certification (CHFS).

The improved second edition includes the latest updates consistent with the recent modifications published within the "ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, Eighth Edition." In this new edition, readers will also find the following features:

-In-depth content regarding functional parameters related to exercise, especially in regard to heart rate and blood pressure

-Additional information on body composition testing focusing on improved knowledge and skills related to assessment of skinfolds and circumferences

-New emphasis on the importance of assessment and how assessment relates to overall program development

-An updated format that flows progressively through testing and prescription

-Enhanced discussion questions within each lab, which incorporate more in-depth analysis of the information being covered

Though most closely matched with ACSM CHFS certification guidelines, "Exercise Testing and Prescription Lab Manual," "Second" "Edition," is also useful for individuals preparing for certification within other training organizations or as a resource for the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer certification. The progression of labs through the testing and prescription process, easy-to-follow instructions, and forms and worksheets also make this lab manual an excellent experiential component for a course in exercise testing and prescription.

"Exercise Testing and Prescription Lab Manual, Second Edition," is organized into three sections covering pretest responsibilities, exercise testing techniques, and exercise prescription. Readers will learn safety procedures and requirements for exercise testing equipment, follow step-by-step instructions for calibration of laboratory instruments, and learn guidelines for medical history evaluation, risk factor evaluation and stratification, and informed consent.

Next, the application of techniques used in assessing the components of health-related fitness is presented. Within the exercise prescription section, readers learn about the calculation of metabolic work, the three phases of exercise prescription, assessment of participants' goals, and gaining participants' commitment to the exercise prescription. A final comprehensive lab challenges readers to apply techniques and principles in developing various case studies.

Each lab features the same easy-to-follow format outlining the purpose of the lab, materials required, background information, procedures, discussion questions, and references. Detailed appendixes contain a summary of the effects of common pharmacological agents on cardiorespiratory responses at rest, common metric conversions used in exercise testing and prescription calculations, a list of metabolic and anthropometric formulas, and answers to lab questions. The appendixes also contain all forms and worksheets required for collecting data and completing the lab assignments.

The second edition of the "Exercise Testing and Prescription Lab Manual" provides focused, step-by-step preparation for those studying for the ACSM CHFS certification. With its reorganized format, up-to-date information, and forms and worksheets, this text is also a valuable best-practices reference for health and fitness specialists certified by the ACSM and other organizations.

"Exercise Testing and Prescription Lab Manual" fills a void for the health fitness practitioner studying for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health Fitness Instructor Certification Exam. The manual offers a focused, step-by-step presentation of the skills included in the exam.

The text includes all the worksheets needed for every lab activity, and it presents 12 case studies to help readers learn how to thoroughly examine and interpret available information on real-life patients in terms of risk factors, appropriate goals, and program design. Labs are easy to understand and provide an excellent tool for test preparation.

The text's features include-13 experience-based labs that correspond directly with the practical skills evaluated on the ACSM's Health Fitness Instructor exam,

-reference tables and charts that supply all the information necessary to complete the labs, and

-sequentially organized information that carries readers progressively through each phase of exercise testing and prescription.Part I, "Pretest Responsibilities," reviews lab instruments, procedures, and responsibilities as well as risk factor evaluation, informed consent, and medical history.

Part II, "Techniques in Exercise Testing," includes five labs that focus on techniques used to assess the components of health-related fitness, from body fat assessment to ECG placement and monitoring operations.

Part III, "Exercise Prescription," includes labs that address the three phases of exercise prescription and participant goal assessment.

The practical examples used throughout "Exercise Testing and Prescription Lab Manual" reinforce specific information for readers, providing a solid foundation of knowledge for the Health Fitness Instructor certification. The text is a must-read for anyone preparing for the ACSM exam.

This manual is also a good accompaniment to the "Health Fitness Instructor's Handbook, Fourth Edition, " by Edward T. Howley, PhD, and B. Don Franks, PhD, when preparing for the ACSM Health Fitness Instructor Certification.