Provides a hands-on approach to demonstrating the skills that are necessary to lead group exercise instruction as well as personal training. Presents a variety of methods to lead exercise. NOTE: Also helps prepare students interested in taking industry certification exams (e.g. ACSM, ACE, and NSCA) in personal training, group exercise instruction, and weight management, but certification exams are not included in this course.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- Principles of adherence and motivation
Demonstrate a fitness library of information to cover components of fitness and other health topics to share with clients.
- Human anatomy
Recognize the primary muscle movers associated with a variety of exercises for strength and flexibility.
- Kinesiology
Demonstrate exercises through all planes of the body.
- Nutrition
Apply basic principles of healthy eating to exercise clients.
- Exercise physiology
Describe how chronic and acute exercise changes muscle physiology.
- Posture, proprioception, balance, and flexibility
List ways to improve balance, flexibility, posture, and proprioception.
- Key components of class design
Apply various communication and teaching techniques presented in class and from various media (video, print, Internet).
- Exercise and movement selection, sequencing, choreography, program modifications, and music selection
Demonstrate how to train the components of physical fitness. Compose an aerobic exercise routine and a strength exercise sequence.
- Leading exercise one-on-one
Synthesize proper exercises for various populations based upon safety and effectiveness.
- Legal considerations with leading exercise
Describe the legal issues (e.g. music copyright and injury liability) that are specific to the fitness industry.
- Exercise variety
Observe a variety of different exercise classes.
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment of academic achievement will be identified and implemented by the class instructor. Methods will include, but not be limited to, individual projects, vocabulary, class participation (discussion and critiques), routine and exercise presentations, and tests.
Students are required to observe exercise classes and one-on-one training outside of the classroom.
To be determined by the instructor.
Outcomes
Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Determined by department.