Thomas R. Baechle, EdD, CSCS,*D (R), NSCA-CPT,*D (R), is a professor and chair of the exercise science department at Creighton University. He is a cofounder and past president of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and for 20 years he was the executive director of the NSCA Certification Commission.

Baechle has received numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the NSCA and the Excellence in Teaching Award from Creighton University. He has more than 35 years of experience competing in and coaching weightlifting and powerlifting and presenting and teaching on these topics. Baechle has authored, coauthored, or edited 15 books, including the first and second editions of Fitness Weight Training, four editions of the popular Weight Training: Steps to Success, and three editions of Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, all published by Human Kinetics.

Roger W. Earle, MA, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D, has over 25 years of experience as a personal fitness trainer, competitive sport conditioning coach, and behavior modification facilitator for people of all ages and fitness levels. He lectures at national and international conferences about designing personalized exercise and training programs, weight management, and exercise motivation. Previously, Earle was the associate executive director and the director of exam development for the NSCA Certification Commission, where he was responsible for reviewing and editing the CSCS and NSCA-CPT exams and writing study resources with Baechle, including coediting the first edition of NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training and the second and third editions of Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning.

In addition, Earle coauthored the first and second editions of Fitness Weight Training and the third and fourth editions of Weight Training: Steps to Success. While at Creighton University, Earle served as the head strength and conditioning coach and a faculty member of the exercise science and athletic training department.

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