The 6 Core Components of Fitness: Why NSFTA Coaches Take a Complete Approach
Most fitness programs focus on one or two things: lifting more or weighing less. But at the National Strength & Fitness Trainers Association (NSFTA), we hold ourselves to a higher standard.
Our mission is to develop trainers who understand the whole person, not just the body part being trained or the calories being burned. To do that, every program we design must account for all six core components of fitness.
This is what makes our coaches different—and more importantly, what makes our clients successful for life.
1. Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular fitness is the cornerstone of performance and longevity. Without it, recovery suffers, endurance drops, and overall health declines.
NSFTA-certified trainers program for cardiovascular health through:
Interval and aerobic conditioning
Zone 2 development
Energy system–specific finishers
Heart-rate based recovery protocols
Your heart fuels your output. Don’t neglect it.
2. Muscular Development
At NSFTA, we define muscular development as inclusive of power, strength, hypertrophy, and muscular endurance.
To be truly functional and resilient, muscle tissue must be developed across the entire spectrum:
Power: for rate of force production
Strength: for maximal force output
Hypertrophy: for joint protection and lean mass
Endurance: for work capacity and fatigue resistance
Training just one aspect is incomplete. NSFTA coaches train the whole spectrum of muscular performance.
3. Balance & Stability
Balance and stability are non-negotiable for safe, effective movement. NSFTA programs include:
Unilateral strength work
Core stabilization and anti-rotation
Proprioceptive challenges
Reactive drills for neuromuscular control
These are key for older clients—but every client benefits from moving with more control.
4. Mobility
Mobility is not passive stretching—it’s about owning full range of motion with strength and control.
Our mobility protocols include:
Joint mobilization techniques
Active range-of-motion drills
Integrated mobility within compound lifts
Movement prep for neurological readiness
Mobility is movement freedom. It’s also injury prevention.
5. Cognitive Health
NSFTA coaches train the brain—not just the body.
We use:
Multi-tasking drills
External cueing and motor learning principles
Pattern recognition under fatigue
Coordination-focused movement challenges
Clients aren’t just stronger—they’re sharper.
Movement is neurological. Smart coaching makes smarter movers.
6. Body Composition
Changing body composition means building muscle, reducing unnecessary fat, and optimizing metabolic efficiency.
We focus on:
Resistance training as the base
Nutrition and lifestyle guidance
Metabolic conditioning
Long-term adherence strategies
Fat loss is a side effect. Functional recomposition is the real win.
NSFTA’s Commitment: Train the Complete Human
At NSFTA, we don’t chase trends or partial results. We coach across all six core components because that’s what creates better athletes, healthier clients, and more capable humans.
This is how we develop well-rounded programs, build industry-leading coaches, and raise the standard for what it means to be a professional in the fitness industry.
Know the 6. Program the 6. Live the 6.
