Fitness Specialist Certificate

Course Descriptions


Exercise Psychology

Physical Education 111 explores cognitive behavior modification techniques which may be used to promote the adoption of and adherence to a regular exercise routine. Theoretical methods are studied and applied to practical exercise programming situations. Factors directly affecting the decision to perform exercise, including external barriers and reinforcements and behavioral tendencies, are investigated. Some examination of the relationship of exercise and food to mood.


Applied Exercise Physiology

Physical Education 112 examines how physiological functions of the human body change during exercise. Topics of discussion include cardiorespiratory changes, training effect on the musculoskeletal system, energy production, and the effect of ergogenic aids on exercise performance. All topics are discussed as they relate to practical exercise training. Hands-on laboratory exercises demonstrate how aspects of exercise physiology should be integrated into practical trainer/client work.


Exercise Testing

Physical Education 113 examines various means for assessing physical fitness. Through hands-on training, students learn to administer tests to determine body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and blood pressure. Analyzing and explaining results of the various tests are also emphasized.


Instructional Techniques For Fitness Leaders

Physical Education 114 examines techniques and principles involved in teaching safe and effective aerobic and resistance routines. Techniques include sequencing of exercise, proper and improper execution of exercise, handling error correction, and communicating clearly with fitness participants. Students are given the opportunity to instruct various types of routines in class daily.


Instructional Techniques For Fitness Leaders as applied to Special Populations

Physical Education 115 examines the instructional techniques used by fitness leaders as they apply to physical activity needs of special populations and persons with health challenges. Groups studied include seniors, children, pregnant women, athletes, persons with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and those with musculoskeletal impairments. Differences in anatomical and physiological aspects of persons in these groups are investigated, ultimately leading to an exploration of how these differences impact exercise programming.


Careers For Fitness Leaders

Physical Education 116 explores the employment and career opportunities available in the health/fitness industry. It teaches students tactics by which to promote themselves as fitness leaders in various sectors of the industry.


Nutrition For Physical Fitness

Physical Education 128/Health 128 is a course designed to examine the relationship between nutrition and physical fitness in various populations. The effects of nutrition on the anatomical and physiological aspects of the body are emphasized. The process of metabolism as a means toward energy production for physical activity is explored. Nutitional guidelines, eating disorders, body composition, weight control, and ergogenic aids are discussed. Nutrition for persons with special needs including persons suffering from chronic diseases, pregnant women, children, aging populations, and athletes is also addressed.


Principles Of Athletic Training

Health 110 is a course of in-depth examination of selected topics in sports medicine. The curse provides a thorough knowledge of the prevention and care of injuries commonly occurring during physical activity.


Human Biology

Biology 115 is an introductory course covering biological principles as they apply to the human body. The central theme is the structure and function of the human organism. Topics covered include: human evolution, the human species in the environment, cells, tissues, the major body systems, heredity, and the major human conditions and diseases.

A weekly laboratory allows students the opportunity to gain practical experience in the techniques necessary to study the health sciences.


First Aid/CPR

Health 102 covers the prevention and care of accidents or student illnesses. It meets the requirements of the American Red Cross for certification in Community First Aid and CPR.