Updated according to the 1995 ACSM objectives for Health/Fitness Instructor and Exercise Leader certification, this edition provides information on the fundamentals of fitness, exercise physiology and biomechanics, as well as guidelines for developing safe fitness programmes. This edition also features: additional chapters on metabolic costs of physical activity; a heavier focus on fitness prescription; weight management and exercise prescription for special populations; in text reviews linked to learning objectives; and case studies for each chapter. This text has been used in ACSM Health Fitness Instructor workshops since 1986.