Alyssa Parten, MS, CSCS
Strength Coach. Educator. Researcher.
About Me
On a daily basis I juggle wearing many "hats," working as a strength coach, exercise science researcher, PhD and professor in progress, sports scientist, business owner, powerlifting athlete, wife, and mother. While these numerous roles may be demanding at times, I whole-heartedly believe I have the greatest jobs in the world, and not a day goes by I do not feel fulfilled and grateful for how my career and journey has (and continues to) play out.
My various avenues of involvement in exercise science has spanned both my academic and professional career. After earning my Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science with a minor in Nutrition from the University of Alabama, I spent five years establishing myself as a human movement specialist and strength coach, working as an in-person and online personal trainer and strength & conditioning coach. Seeking to deepen my knowledge and education, I pursued a dual Master’s in Applied Exercise Science from Concordia University. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for educating the public about the benefits of exercise, creating new knowledge through research, and seeking opportunities for service amongst my colleagues to advance our field. This passion led me to apply to the doctoral program in Exercise Science and Health Promotion at the University of North Alabama, where I currently conduct research under the guidance of Dr. Hunter Waldman. My research focuses on the effects of resistance training on cardiometabolic health and performance, specifically in trained females. I am excited about the potential of this research to advance our understanding of exercise science and improve the lives of those who benefit from our work.
In effort of being an effective science communicator, I strive to provide evidence-based practical applications to students, athletes, and the general public. Through various channels, including social media platforms, podcasts, and blog posts, I enjoy sharing my areas of expertise to provide evidence-based recommendations for individuals looking to increase their own knowledge or improve their physical performance, health, and well-being.
Upon completion of my Ph.D., I plan to pursue a career as a full-time faculty member, professor of Kinesiology, and Exercise Science researcher. I am eager to share my expertise with students and contribute to the academic community through innovative research, teaching methods, and real-world applications. In addition, I will continue to coach competitive and recreational athletes in effort to merge higher education and research with practical methods to elevate performance.
Coaching Objective
Among my greatest passions in life is being there to guide, educate, and encourage others who want to improve their lives, health, and performance under the barbell. My approach to coaching athletes begins through developing a structured plan that meets them where they are, that fits their life schedule and circumstances, and helps them reach their goals. Whether my athletes are new or seasoned to powerlifting, the goal is to rise to the top by paying close attention to small details and executing in every aspect of performance. To accomplish the results the athlete and coach desires, it takes a team of equally disciplined and inspired individuals. As a powerlifting coach, I promise my athletes to exceed their expectations of a coach by effectively communicating, listening, assisting in every area necessary, and continuous learning of their individual needs and differences in order to coach them to their fullest potential.
Summary of Qualifications
For the last decade, I have been a student and professional in the field of Exercise Science, earning a Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science with a minor in nutrition, and Master’s degree in applied exercise science, with a focus on strength and conditioning and human movement science. Presently, I continue to advance my education with a PhD in exercise science and health promotion with a research area in performance and the effects of powerlifting style training on long-term metabolic health in females. Along with the academic side, I have also attained many years of experience coaching and being involved with various aspects of the sport of powerlifting. Currently, I work for The Strength Guys (TSG) as a Powerlifting Coach and Sports Scientist Consultant. My position as an Exercise Scientist involves assisting coaches and athletes with their questions regarding powerlifting physiology, program design, and training adaptations, as well as keeping coaches up to date on recent and relevant exercise science and performance research. Moreover, part of my position is to develop educational materials for coaching services and the prestigious TSG internship. As a powerlifting coach, I have coached numerous athletes to United States of America Powerlifting (USAPL) and United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Nationals, the Arnold Sport Festival, International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Worlds, and in achieving various state and world records. I have also contributed to the sport for many years as a state level referee and volunteer spotter, loader, and score keeper. I continuously strive to find ways to help advance our sport and its incredible athletes, whether that be through promoting them, receiving mentorship from other successful coaches, or helping where an extra hand is needed.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy
Exercise Science & Health Promotion
The University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama
Anticipated Graduation: 2024
Master of Science
Applied Exercise Science
Dual Concentration: Human Movement Science, Strength & Conditioning
Concordia University Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Graduation Date: December 2020
Bachelor of Science
Exercise & Sport Science
Concentrations: Fitness, Business, Health Promotion
Minor: Nutrition
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Graduation Date: August 2014
Media Appearances & Interviews
MAGAZINE & ONLINE BLOG FEATURES
Falk, M. (2024, May). Want to squat deeper? This trick can help improve your flexibility and range of motion. Well + Good. https://www.wellandgood.com/squat-modification-with-weight-plates/
Falk, M. (2023, March). How many calories should you burn in a workout? It's complicated. Popsugar. https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/how-many-calories-should-i-burn-during-workout-47202743
Falk, M. (2023, January). When to use free weights vs. machines in your strength workouts. Shape Magazine. https://www.shape.com/free-weights-vs-machines-7095952
Falk, M. (2022, November). How to improve your squat depth and why it matters. Shape Magazine. https://www.shape.com/how-to-improve-squat-depth-6830861
Podcasts
Pratt, K & Parten, AL. (Hosts). (2023, March). PhD Student, Powerlifting Coach, Business Owner & Competitor w/ Alyssa Parten. [Audio podcast episode]. The Coaches Table.
Lewis, S. & Parten, AL. (Hosts). (2023, February). #98: Alyssa Parten. [Audio podcast episode]. The Power in Lifting.
Nevares, B. & Parten, AL. (Hosts). (2023, January). Alyssa Parten (No. 20). [Audio podcast episode]. The Ben Nevares Podcast.
Polen, B. & Parten, AL. (Hosts). (2022, August). Ladybeef Inc. - Alyssa Parten. [Audio podcast episode]. Superior Chiropractic & Rehab Radio.
Reuter, B. & Parten, AL. (Hosts). (2022, March). Strength and conditioning for the roller derby athlete. [Audio podcast episode]. Strength and Conditioning Journal Podcast.
Nguyen, L. & Parten, AL. (Hosts). (2022, January). Strength training for women with Alyssa Parten (No. 23) [Audio podcast episode]. Wheelhouse Radio.
Kauffman, T. & Parten, AL. (Hosts). (2022, January). Taking education into your own hands with coach Alyssa Parten (No. 4) [Audio podcast episode]. Elite Spine.
Smith, M. & Parten, AL. (Hosts). (2021, August). Alyssa Parten, Ladybeef Inc (No. 92). [Audio podcast episode]. Strength Talk & Stop.
Kauffman, T. & Parten, AL. (Hosts). (2021, July). Postpartum, pelvic floor, and powerlifting. [Audio podcast episode]. Beyond the Script.
Hiller, S. & Parten, AL. (Hosts). (2021, June). How to train with and through an injury with strength coach Alyssa Parten (No. 20). [Audio podcast episode]. Impetus Health.
COLLABORATION, VOLUNTEERISM, & PARTNERSHIP
CAREER EXPERIENCE & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Career Experience
The University of Alabama
Department of Kinesiology
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Clinical Kinesiology Instructor
Aug. 2023 – Present
The Strength Guys
Alberta, Canada
Sports Scientist Consultant, Powerlifting Coach
Sept. 2022 – Present
Ladybeef Strength Co.
Birmingham, Alabama
Founder, CEO
Jan. 2013 – Present
Professional Service
USAPL
USA Powerlifting
State Referee & Volunteer; Fall 2020 – Present
NSCA State Advisory Board
National Strength and Conditioning Association
Committee Member; Fall 2021 – Present
SEACSM Executive Board
Southeast American College of Sport Medicine
Student Representative; Spring 2022 – Spring 2024
Coaching & Athletic Career Highlights
- 1x USAPL National Champion
- 1x Arnold Classic Champion
- 4x Top 10 Placings at USAPL Nationals
- 2x Top 10 Placings at the Arnold Classic
- 1x Top 20 Placing at IPF World Championship
- 1x Top 5 Placement in Pro-Level meet
- 8 State Records (Personal)
- 4x Best Lifter (Personal)
Professional Affiliations
National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), 2014 – Present
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), #000256454
Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), #000256454
National Academy of Sport Medicine (NASM), 2020 – Present
Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES)
United States of America Powerlifting Association (USAPL), 2016 – Present
Club Powerlifting Coach
State Referee
Postural Restoration Institute (PRI), 2020
Pelvic Restoration Course Certification
Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), 2017
Level 1, “The Body Swing Collection” Certification
Precision Nutrition, 2019 – Present
Level 1 Certification (PN1)
Brent Brookbush Institute, 2018 – Present
Human Movement Specialist (HMS)
American Red Cross, 2013 – Present
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certified
RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
Research Statement
My area of research aims to investigate the impact of resistance training on the cardiometabolic health and performance of females. The research I have completed or have in progress has examined performance and physiological responses of trained females to resistance training, including maximal strength and power adaptations, muscular endurance, and markers of cardiometabolic health. This research is important to improve our understanding of the potential benefits of resistance training for females and provide evidence-based recommendations for optimizing their health and performance in the long-term.
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Barker, GA., Parten, AL., Lara, DA., Hannon, KE., McAllister, MJ., & Waldman, HS. (2023). Astaxanthin supplementation reduces subjective markers of muscle soreness following eccentric exercise in resistance-trained men. Muscles, 2(2), 228-237. PDF
Parten, AL., Barker, GA., O’Neal, E., & Waldman, HS. (2023). 7-week accommodating resistance training improves Wingate peak power but not muscular strength or endurance in strength-trained females. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37:9, 1789-1794. PDF
Waldman, HS., Parten, AL., Bryant, A., & McAllister, MJ. (2023). Astaxanthin supplementation does not affect markers of muscle damage or inflammation after an exercise-induced muscle damage protocol in resistance-trained males. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(7), 413-421. PDF
Parten, AL., & Herron, RL. (2022). Strength and conditioning for the roller derby athlete. Strength and Conditioning Journal 44(2), 45-51. PDF
Snarr, RL., Gallagher, CG., Childers, RI., & Parten, AL. (2021). ‘Pre-workout’ supplementation: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Personal Training Quarterly, 8.2. PDF
Non-Refereed Publications
Parten, AL. (2020, July). Sports performance: 8 reasons to train athletes. https://blog.nasm.org/sports-performance-training
Parten, AL. (2020, July). The science behind motivational self-talk and psyching up. http://thesportdigest.com/2020/07/the-science-behind-motivational-self-taking-and-psyching-oneself-up/
Parten, AL. (2020, June). Mechanisms of fatigue. http://thesportdigest.com/2020/06/mechanisms-of-fatigue/
Parten, AL. (2020, May). Evidence-based benefits of unilateral exercises. http://thesportdigest.com/2020/05/evidence-based-benefits-of-unilateral-exercises/
Parten, AL. (2020, May). Developing core stability. http://thesportdigest.com/2020/05/developing-core-stability/
Parten, AL. (2020, January). New year’s goals. http://thesportdigest.com/2020/01/new-years-goals/
Parten, AL. (2019, December). Programming past plateaus. http://thesportdigest.com/2019/12/programming-past-plateaus/
Parten AL. (2019, November). Accommodating resistance for increased raw and explosive strength. http://thesportdigest.com/2019/11/accommodating-resistance-for-increased-raw-and-explosive-strength/
Parten, AL. (2019, September). The jemison gym. Mountain Brook Magazine, p. 52-58.
Parten, AL. (2019, September). Future of fitness. Oxygen Magazine, p. 120.
Parten, AL. (2019, July). Inner workings. Oxygen Magazine, p. 17. https://www.oxygenmag.com/workouts/5-thigh-warm-up-exercises
Educational Presentations
Professional Organization Oral Presentations
Parten, AL. & Myers, CN. Assessments and monitoring athlete performance in remote coaching. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Alabama State Clinic. Birmingham, AL (November 2023)
Parten, AL. The performance-based mindset model. Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Spring Meeting (ASAHPERD). Birmingham, AL (November 2022).
Parten, AL. The performance-based mindset. Recovery Redefined. Birmingham, AL (June 2022).
Parten, AL. & Herron, RL. Utilization of different periodization models during off-season strength and conditioning programs. Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Spring Meeting (ASAHPERD). Gulf Shores, AL (November 2020).
Parten, AL. Start once, stay forever: the process of achieving and sustaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Greystone Golf and Country Club, Birmingham, AL. (March 2020).
University Level Oral Presentations
Parten, AL. Resistance training programming. University of North Alabama, HPE 175. Florence, AL (guest lecture, Spring & Fall 2022)
Parten, AL., Waldman, HS. The effects of an 8-week accommodating resistant training program on markers of performance in strength trained females. University of North Alabama, Research & Reunion. Florence, AL (October 2021).
Parten, AL. Developing a conjugate method program. University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. (guest lecture, March 2020).
Parten, AL. Balancing school and health. University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. (guest lecture, February 2020).
Professional Organization Poster Presentations
Parten, AL., Barker, GA., O'Neal, EK., & Waldman, HS. Influence of post-activation potentiation recovery time and modality on jump performance in resistance trained females. Female Athlete Conference (FAC). Boston, MA (June 2023).
Parten, AL., Barker, GA., O'Neal, EK., & Waldman, HS. Seven-week accommodating resistance training improves wingate peak power but not muscular strength or endurance in strength trained females. Southeast American College of Sport Medicine (SEACSM) Regional Conference. Greenville, SC (February 2023).
Barker, GA., Bryant, A., Parten, AL., Grozier, C., McAllister, M., & Waldman, HS. Astaxanthin does not impact markers of muscle damage or inflammation following a muscle damage protocol. Southeast American College of Sport Medicine (SEACSM) Regional Conference. Greenville, SC (February 2023).
Bagdonas, C., Barker, GA., Parten, AL., & Waldman, HS. The effect of astaxanthin supplementation on the subjective sensation of muscle soreness in resistance-trained males. Southeast American College of Sport Medicine (SEACSM) Regional Conference. Greenville, SC (February 2023).
Lara, D., Barker, GA., Alves, V., Parten, AL., & Killen, L.G. Effects of caffeine on physical performance in division-1 female soccer players. Southeast American College of Sport Medicine (SEACSM) Regional Conference. Greenville, SC (February 2023).
Parten, AL. & Waldman, HS. The effects of an 8-week accommodating resistance training program on markers of performance in strength trained females. Southeast American College of Sport Medicine (SEACSM) Regional Conference. Greenville, SC (February 2022).
Grozier, C., Parten AL., Simpson J., Waldman H., Rendos N., Hoon K., & Harry J. Center of mass dynamics and performance of vertical hopping in females with chronic ankle instability. Southeast American College of Sport Medicine (SEACSM) Regional Conference. Greenville, SC (February 2022).