PHYSICAL FITNESS DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Physical Fitness Department and its staff are dedicated to helping students and community members learn about and practice healthy lifestyles. A variety of types of fitness activities are available.  

Group fitness classes include 

• Aerobic Conditioning (with emphasis on Zumba)

• Yoga

• Core Matwork

• Tai Chi

• Body Sculpting

• Flexibility and Relaxation Techniques.   

Lecture classes in the area of fitness are 

• Fitness and Wellness Strategies

• Fitness Exercise Physiology

• Fitness Anatomy and Kinesiology 

Individualized fitness testing and exercise prescription are available for all fitness students. Programs in Massage Therapy and Fitness Instructor Training (FIT) are offered.  

The goal of the FIT program is to prepare students for entry-level positions as personal trainers or group exercise leaders. It also prepares students for certification examinations by ACE, AFAA, NSCA and ACSM. Fitness professionals can take individual courses for continuing education credit. 

The Fitness Instructor Training Program provides students with knowledge, techniques, and experience required for individual or group physical fitness training instruction. 

Students who successfully complete the program will 

• Identify and describe major muscles, their origins, insertions, and actions.
• Describe the body’s physiological responses and adaptations to exercise.
• Identify appropriate activities for development of muscular strength,muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, and flexibility.
• Describe appropriate activities for warm-up and cool-down and the reasons for each.
• Apply skills in either personal training or group exercise leadership.
•  Explain the rationale for use of the Par-Q and fitness testing protocols.
• Describe the relationship between body composition, nutrition, and exercise.