Aimed at health and fitness professionals who want to learn about the latest advances in physical fitness, this text is a reference full of practical advice for every health and fitness student, candidates preparing for the ACSM Health Fitness Instructor Certification Exam and practicing professionals. It provides the latest information on the fundamentals of fitness, exercise physiology and biomechanics. It should help the reader develop meaningful and safe fitness programmes, including exercise for special populations. This edition has a strong focus on assessment, testing and calibrating testing equipment for programmes, and to ensure participant safety as well as expanded coverage of exercise prescription for special populations - including clients with special needs and health conditions, youth and the elderly.