Nate VanKouwenberg, CFSC, is a physical education teacher and strength and conditioning coordinator in the Victor Central School District in New York. Using his experience developing Victor’s K-12 functional strength training curriculum, VanKouwenberg has created a comprehensive professional development workshop for teachers, coaches, athletic directors, and college students called Functional Strength Training for PE. He has presented at countless conferences and school districts over the years to improve the quality of physical education fitness units and high school strength and conditioning programs.

In addition, VanKouwenberg is the founder and owner of Next Level Strength and Conditioning in Rochester, New York. Since 2004, Next Level has helped a wide range of athletes and general fitness enthusiasts reach their goals. Aside from his role on the business and staff development side of Next Level, he also coaches their Pro Total Hockey Training group each summer. He served as the strength and conditioning coach for the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Division I men’s hockey team for eight seasons.

Part I. Foundations of Functional Strength Training
Chapter 1. Strength Training for All
What Is Strength?
Strength Training Options
What’s Next

Chapter 2. Why Functional Strength Training?
Benefits of Functional Strength Training
What’s Next

Chapter 3. Functional Strength Training 101
Functional Joint-by-Joint Approach
Functional Movement Patterns Versus Muscle Groups
Planes of Motion
Unilateral Versus Bilateral Exercises
Debunking Common Strength Training Myths
What’s Next

Chapter 4. Functional Strength Training Progressions and Regressions
Implementing Skill Progressions and Regressions
Example Skill Variations
What’s Next

Part II. Functional Strength Training for Physical Education
Chapter 5. Why Functional Strength Training in Physical Education?
Benefits of Functional Strength Training in Physical Education
Challenges of Implementing Functional Strength Training in Physical Education
Tips for Implementing Functional Strength Training
What’s Next

Chapter 6. Curriculum Design
The Victor Way
Applying Skill Progressions to a Sequential K-12 Curriculum Map
Secondary PE Functional Strength Training Curriculum Outline
Using a Curriculum Map to Build a Unit Plan
FUNdamentals of Functional Strength Training in Elementary Physical Education
Connecting Functional Strength Training to National Standards
What’s Next

Chapter 7. Teaching Considerations
Class Management Strategies
Lesson Sequencing
Safety Considerations
Functional Strength Training and the Affective Domain
Modifications for Students With Disabilities
What’s Next

Chapter 8. Assessment
Why Assess?
Assessment Types
Cognitive Assessment
Using Assessments to Calculate Physical Education Grades
What’s Next

Part III. Functional Strength Training in Action
Chapter 9. Facility Design
Spatial Considerations
Equipment Considerations
Facility Flow
What’s Next

Chapter 10. Program Design
Exercise Selection
Volume
Intensity
Individualized Modifications Based on Personal Goals and Ability Level
What’s Next

Chapter 11. Connecting Functional Strength Training in Physical Education to Athletics
Goals of a Quality High School Strength and Conditioning Program
Extracurricular Sport Performance Program Design Guidelines
Strength and Conditioning Certification Recommendations
Closing Remarks

Appendix: Functional Strength Training for PE Resources