Acsm's Complete Guide to Fitness & Health

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), founded in 1954, is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. With more than 50,000 members and certified professionals worldwide, ACSM is dedicated to improving health through science, education, and medicine. ACSM members work in a range of medical specialties, allied health professions, and scientific disciplines. Members are committed to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sport-related injuries and the advancement of the science of exercise. The ACSM promotes and integrates scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life.

Barbara A. Bushman, PhD, FASCM, is a professor at Missouri State University and a program director and clinical exercise physiologist certified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). She received her PhD in exercise physiology from the University of Toledo and has teaching experience in identification of health risks, exercise testing and prescription, anatomy, and physiology. Bushman served as senior editor of ACSM’s Resources for the Personal Trainer, Fourth Edition, and a reviewer for ACSM's Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Women & Health, and ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal. She has been a fellow of the ACSM since 1999, serving on the ACSM Media Referral Network. As an associate editor of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, Bushman writes the “Wouldn’t You Like to Know” column, which covers a variety of topics in health and fitness.

Bushman is the lead author of Action Plan for Menopause as well as numerous research articles. She maintains a Facebook page focused on health and fitness (Facebook.com/FitnessID). She resides in Strafford, Missouri, with her husband, Tobin. She enjoys walks with her husband and German shepherd. She participates in numerous activities in her leisure time, including running, cycling, hiking, weightlifting, kayaking, and scuba diving.