Thomas R. Baechle

Thomas R. Baechle, EdD, CSCS,*D-R, NSCA-CPT,*D-R, has been an author or editor of 17 books on strength training, some on which have been translated into 10 languages. Perhaps most noteworthy are his publication efforts as the editor of the first three editions of the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning (which he also contributed several chapters to) and the coeditor of the first edition of NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training. He has published 80 articles or chapters and has made over 170 presentations related to strength training, fitness, and wellness, 40 of which were international presentations. Baechle is one of the founding fathers of the NSCA and was the association's second president and director of education. During his time as executive director of the NSCA Certification Commission, he was instrumental in establishing the CSCS and NSCA-CPT certifications as the premier certification credentials.

Baechle has received over 40 awards for his contributions to local, national, and international professional organizations and institutions, including recognitions from Human Kinetics and American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). He was honored with an Outstanding Teaching Award from Creighton University, where he served as chair of the exercise science and pre-health professions department for 38 years. He currently holds the rank of professor emeritus. His NSCA awards and recognitions include Region IV NSCA Strength Coach of the Year in 1982 and 1983; Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year in 1984; President's Award in 1986, 1991, and 1993; Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998; Service Award from the NSCA Certification Commission in 2007; NSCA Hall of Fame in 2017; and the Pioneer Award and the Alvin Roy Career Achievement Award in 2019.