PFT

This course is the first of three major courses that are linked to provide in depth study of the basic policies, guidelines, and procedures of providing high quality personal fitness training with emphasis on safety, health, nutrition, and special needs of chronic health conditions, children, women and the aging population. Topics include scientific rationale for integrated training, basic exercise science including functional anatomy, biomechanics and exercise physiology. The cardiovascular system is examined in conjunction with exercise metabolism and bioenergetics. Health risk appraisal enable students to practice pre-activity screenings and fitness decision making Attachment III skills. Students explore the legal responsibilities of this profession and their scope of practice. The development of communication styles and teaching practices lead students to developing trusting relationships with clients. Basic elements of behavioral change and health psychology encourages students to look at all aspects of motivation for exercise, fitness and health changes in their own lives and their clients. Course materials and class activities provide a means for students to develop a commitment to meeting individual needs of all genders, ages, and special needs populations in the realm of personal fitness training. Through class discussions, role playing, case studies, lab experiments and other active learning techniques students acquire the knowledge, attitude, and skills to support and promote a safe, healthy and realistic program for clients who want to see a positive change in their fitness and health.

This course in an introductory course exploring all aspects of the health and fitness industry and the multiple knowledge areas that are required by trainers and managers to run a successful business. Incorporation of health and fitness principles are applied to business practices. Areas included are: the individual trainer, private personal training business; independent club or a chain/franchise group of clubs.

This course provides students with practical application of current testing procedures and instrumentation used in exercise testing. Students perform and interpret basic measurement protocols for cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, body composition, and blood pressure. Concepts and procedures are introduced through lecture and applied in the laboratory setting. Students learn the principles related to exercise prescription and develop the necessary skills to design and implement training programs. Safeguards and effectiveness for all fitness levels are addressed. This course incorporates American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and American Council on Exercise (ACE) curriculum.

The Personal Fitness course prepares students to work as personal fitness trainers to clients of all ages. Students design and practice components of physical fitness to create an appropriate fitness/exercise program that is based on an analysis of the client's needs. Every class session includes essential theory (lecture) and a practical lab application. In the lab session, students gather and then critically analyze the data to tailor the program for the client's specific needs, goals and abilities. Students obtain opportunities to incorporate the newest practical and technical skills into their assessment planning. This course incorporates American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and American Council on Exercise (ACE) curriculum.

The internship in Personal Fitness Training affords students the opportunity to learn from personal trainers, exercise scientists, athletic trainers, and owners/managers of fitness studios/gymnasiums, and current industry professionals in various types of fitness programs, including corporate fitness, wellness, and health care facilities. Students gain hands-on experience and develop health and fitness industry knowledge. Students apply their pre-existing knowledge in real-world settings by interacting with clients and professionals. Each setting or placement is unique and individualized. Students complete a minimum of ninety (90) hours in their internship placement. Students receive weekly didactic reviews in preparation for national certification exams.

The internship in Personal Fitness Training affords students the opportunity to shadow and learn from current industry professionals in various types of fitness programs, including corporate fitness, wellness, and health care facilities. Students gain hands-on experience and develop health and fitness industry knowledge. Students apply their pre-existing knowledge in a real-world setting by interacting with clients and professionals. Each setting or placement is unique and individualized. Each student will complete a minimum of ninety (90) hours at the internship placement site. Students also receive weekly didactic reviews in preparation for a national personal training certification exam.