Beginning Strength and Conditioning: Bridging Science and Practice (EMI & Bilingual)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

As an Adjunct Lecturer (兼任講師) at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU / 臺師大), I focus on transforming a passion for fitness into a scientifically grounded practice. My teaching methodology bridges the gap between exercise science and real-world application in the Beginning Strength and Conditioning (初階肌力與體能訓練) course.

To cultivate a diverse and international learning environment, this course is offered in two dedicated sessions:

🕒 Friday 13:20 ~ 15:20 (EMI): English as a Medium of Instruction
🕒 Friday 15:30 ~ 17:30 (Mandarin): Chinese Instruction

Foundational Science, Applied Technique, Program Design!

Course Teaching Methodology

Bridging the Gap Between Science and Application

In my course, Beginning Strength and Conditioning, I guide students through the “Gold Standard” of the industry—the NSCA’s Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. My approach ensures that students don’t just memorize terms but truly understand the “why” behind the “how” of lifting and athletic performance.

This instructional video provides an overview of how the course is structured to prepare students with foundational knowledge in anatomical adaptations, biomechanics, and proper lifting mechanics.

Watch Course Description on YouTube

Core Pillars of My Instruction

Based on my teaching demonstration, the curriculum is built around three critical domains, delivered effectively in both English and Chinese:

Foundational Science: We explore anatomy, bioenergetics, and biomechanics. It’s not just about naming muscles; it’s about understanding how the human body generates power and adapts to physical stress.
Applied Technique: From core stability exercises to foundational barbell lifts (squat, hinge, push, pull) and cardiovascular protocols, students practice techniques outlined in our resources to refine their lifting and coaching skills.
Program Design: This is where science becomes art. Students learn to design safe, effective programs for diverse goals—from hypertrophy to strength and aerobic endurance.

Inside the Classroom: Practical Teaching Demonstrations

Translating Movement Science to Lifting Success

A proficient practitioner must be able to analyze posture and movement efficiency instantly. In this segment, I explain how to utilize the three planes of motion (sagittal, frontal, and transverse) and varying lever systems in practical scenarios. By deeply understanding concentric, eccentric, and isometric contractions, students can provide precise verbal cues and drastically reduce the risk of injury.

(Note: In the EMI session, these cues are taught using international standard terminology to prepare students for global contexts.)

Watch on YouTube

Mastering the Initial Framework of Strength Training

Success in strength and conditioning relies on proper assessment and systematic progression. This video captures how I teach students to establish the foundational framework for both their aerobic and resistance training routines.

Watch on YouTube

Long-Term Programming Strategy: The GAS Model

To prevent plateaus and overtraining, one must master the art of periodization. Here, I introduce the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) to illustrate how the human body responds to physiological stress. Students learn to strategically manipulate FITT-VP variables to create sustainable, long-term adaptations.

Watch on YouTube

The Golden Rules of Physiological Adaptation

Generic workouts fail to produce specific results. In this lecture highlight, I break down the three non-negotiable rules of training: Specificity, Overload, and Progression. I place a strong emphasis on the Principle of Specificity, teaching students how to select exercises and energy systems that directly align with unique health or performance goals.

Watch on YouTube

Professional Excellence & Global Readiness

The ultimate goal of this methodology is to ensure students are equipped with world-class strength and conditioning knowledge, ready to apply these principles safely and effectively.

Bilingual Advantage: Teaching through both EMI and Mandarin equips NTNU students with local adaptability and international competitiveness.
Instructional Focus: Meticulously aligned with NSCA evidence-based guidelines.
Industry Expertise: Grounded in my experience as a PhD candidate and holder of NSCA-CSCS*D and ACSM-CEP certifications.

Strength and Conditioning | Steve Ying-Chu Chen's CV website

Beginning Strength and Conditioning: Bridging Science and Practice (EMI & Bilingual)

Course Teaching Methodology

Core Pillars of My Instruction

Inside the Classroom: Practical Teaching Demonstrations

Professional Excellence & Global Readiness

Did you find this page helpful? Consider sharing it 🙌