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Robert Mazzeo, Ph.D.
Learners who complete Science of Exercise will have an improved physiological understanding of how your body responds to exercise, and will be able to identify behaviors, choices, and environments that impact your health and training. You will explore a number of significant adjustments required by your body in order to properly respond to the physical stress of exercise, including changes in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, nutritional considerations, causes of muscle soreness & fatigue, and the effectiveness and dangers of performance enhancing drugs. Active learning assessments will challenge you to apply this new knowledge via nutrition logs, heart rate monitoring, calculations of your total daily caloric expenditure and body mass index (BMI). Finally, learners will examine the scientific evidence for the health benefits of exercise including the prevention and treatment of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity (weight loss), depression, and dementia.
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What's inside
Syllabus
The Energetics of Exercise
In this module you will learn about the various metabolic pathways (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) that are activated in order to supply the necessary energy required for the mechanical work of skeletal muscles during exercise. How these pathways are regulated, the methods for assessing the extent to which specific fuels are being utilized and the overall estimation of your metabolic rate will be addressed. Additionally, the importance of the chemical energy stored in ATP and its requirement for muscular work will be discussed.
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Syllabus
The Energetics of Exercise
In this module you will learn about the various metabolic pathways (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) that are activated in order to supply the necessary energy required for the mechanical work of skeletal muscles during exercise. How these pathways are regulated, the methods for assessing the extent to which specific fuels are being utilized and the overall estimation of your metabolic rate will be addressed. Additionally, the importance of the chemical energy stored in ATP and its requirement for muscular work will be discussed.
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Examines the physical stress of exercise and its impact on the body, delving into topics like muscle soreness, fatigue, and the effectiveness of performance enhancing drugs
Emphasizes the importance of nutrition in exercise, exploring the role of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in supplying energy during physical activity
Explores the physiological adjustments required for proper responses to exercise, covering topics like respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and muscular systems
Provides practical applications through active learning assessments, including nutrition logs, heart rate monitoring, and calculations of caloric expenditure and BMI
Investigates the scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of exercise, considering its role in preventing and treating conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, depression, and dementia
Taught by Robert Mazzeo, Ph.D., an expert in exercise physiology
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Reviews summary
Science of exercise: physiology and health
According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in the science of exercise. Students appreciate the clear explanations of how the body responds to physical stress, covering topics like metabolism and the regulation of physiological systems during activity. Many find the content useful for understanding the connection between exercise and health, wellness, and disease prevention, offering practical insights for personal training and nutrition. While considered well-structured and accessible for beginners, some more advanced learners suggest it offers a general overview rather than deep expertise. Overall, it is seen as a valuable introductory course for anyone interested in the scientific principles behind exercise.
Course divided into logical sections.
"The modules flow logically from one topic to the next, making it easy to follow."
"I liked how the course was broken down into digestible parts."
"The structure made understanding the complex concepts much easier."
Connects science to health and training.
"Learning about exercise for disease prevention was eye-opening and motivates me."
"The tips on nutrition and training guidelines are directly applicable to my routine."
"It helped me see how exercise impacts overall health, not just performance."
Explains body's exercise response clearly.
"I finally understand how my body uses energy during exercise. The metabolism module was really clear."
"The sections on how different physiological systems adapt during workouts were explained very well."
"This course gave me a great base for understanding the science behind fitness."
Good overview, may lack advanced depth.
"Great if you're new to the subject, but not deep enough for someone already familiar with physiology."
"I was hoping for more advanced biomechanics, but it stuck to the fundamentals."
"It's a solid introduction, but you'll need other resources for expert-level knowledge."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Science of Exercise with these
activities:
Organize and review course materials regularly
Show steps
Establish a structured approach to reviewing course materials to enhance retention and recall.
Browse courses on
Note-Taking
Show steps
-
Organize lecture notes, readings, and assignments in a logical manner.
-
Review materials regularly, focusing on key concepts and connections.
-
Create summaries or flashcards to reinforce understanding.
-
Discuss key concepts with classmates or the instructor.
Read 'Exercise Physiology' by William D. McArdle
Show steps
Review the fundamentals of exercise physiology to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts covered in the course.
View
Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Purchase the book or borrow it from the library.
-
Read chapters 1-5 to understand the basic principles of exercise physiology.
-
Take notes and highlight important concepts.
-
Discuss the book with classmates or the instructor.
Join a study group to discuss course concepts
Show steps
Collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding and retention of the course material.
Show steps
-
Identify classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
-
Schedule regular meetings to discuss assigned readings and concepts.
-
Take turns leading discussions and presenting summaries.
-
Create a shared document or online forum for sharing notes and resources.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Perform cardiovascular exercises
Show steps
Engage in cardiovascular exercises to experience firsthand the physiological adaptations discussed in the course.
Browse courses on
Aerobic Exercise
Show steps
-
Choose an activity you enjoy, such as running, swimming, or cycling.
-
Start with a short duration and gradually increase the intensity and duration over time.
-
Monitor your heart rate and breathing to assess your progress.
-
Record your workouts in a journal.
Follow online tutorials on strength training
Show steps
Explore the principles and techniques of strength training to augment your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Strength Training
Show steps
-
Search for reputable online platforms or fitness experts.
-
Choose tutorials that align with your fitness level and goals.
-
Follow the instructions and perform the exercises correctly.
-
Record your progress in a training log.
Write a blog post about the health benefits of exercise
Show steps
Summarize the scientific evidence presented in the course to reinforce your understanding of the positive impact of exercise on overall health and well-being.
Show steps
-
Research different health benefits of exercise.
-
Structure your blog post with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
-
Write clear and concise content supported by reputable sources.
-
Proofread your blog post for grammar and clarity.
-
Share your blog post on social media or a personal website.
Create a presentation on the role of exercise in preventing or managing a specific health condition
Show steps
Synthesize your knowledge of exercise physiology and health to create a compelling presentation that highlights the importance of exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific health condition and research its relationship to exercise.
-
Identify the physiological mechanisms through which exercise can positively impact the condition.
-
Design a presentation that clearly explains the benefits of exercise and provides practical recommendations.
-
Practice your presentation and seek feedback from classmates or the instructor.
-
Deliver your presentation with confidence and enthusiasm.
Organize and review course materials regularly
Show steps
Establish a structured approach to reviewing course materials to enhance retention and recall.
Browse courses on
Note-Taking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Organize lecture notes, readings, and assignments in a logical manner.
- Review materials regularly, focusing on key concepts and connections.
- Create summaries or flashcards to reinforce understanding.
- Discuss key concepts with classmates or the instructor.
Read 'Exercise Physiology' by William D. McArdle
Show steps
Review the fundamentals of exercise physiology to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts covered in the course.
View
Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase the book or borrow it from the library.
- Read chapters 1-5 to understand the basic principles of exercise physiology.
- Take notes and highlight important concepts.
- Discuss the book with classmates or the instructor.
Join a study group to discuss course concepts
Show steps
Collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding and retention of the course material.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
- Schedule regular meetings to discuss assigned readings and concepts.
- Take turns leading discussions and presenting summaries.
- Create a shared document or online forum for sharing notes and resources.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Perform cardiovascular exercises
Show steps
Engage in cardiovascular exercises to experience firsthand the physiological adaptations discussed in the course.
Browse courses on
Aerobic Exercise
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose an activity you enjoy, such as running, swimming, or cycling.
- Start with a short duration and gradually increase the intensity and duration over time.
- Monitor your heart rate and breathing to assess your progress.
- Record your workouts in a journal.
Follow online tutorials on strength training
Show steps
Explore the principles and techniques of strength training to augment your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Strength Training
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for reputable online platforms or fitness experts.
- Choose tutorials that align with your fitness level and goals.
- Follow the instructions and perform the exercises correctly.
- Record your progress in a training log.
Write a blog post about the health benefits of exercise
Show steps
Summarize the scientific evidence presented in the course to reinforce your understanding of the positive impact of exercise on overall health and well-being.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different health benefits of exercise.
- Structure your blog post with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Write clear and concise content supported by reputable sources.
- Proofread your blog post for grammar and clarity.
- Share your blog post on social media or a personal website.
Create a presentation on the role of exercise in preventing or managing a specific health condition
Show steps
Synthesize your knowledge of exercise physiology and health to create a compelling presentation that highlights the importance of exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific health condition and research its relationship to exercise.
- Identify the physiological mechanisms through which exercise can positively impact the condition.
- Design a presentation that clearly explains the benefits of exercise and provides practical recommendations.
- Practice your presentation and seek feedback from classmates or the instructor.
- Deliver your presentation with confidence and enthusiasm.
Career center
Learners who complete Science of Exercise will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise physiologists study and work with individuals to help them improve their physical fitness and overall health. The course Science of Exercise can help individuals interested in this career to understand the physiological responses to exercise, which will enable them to better develop and implement exercise plans for their clients. Additionally, the course covers topics such as nutrition and performance-enhancing drugs, which are also important considerations for exercise physiologists.
Fitness Trainer
Fitness Trainer
Fitness trainers help individuals achieve their fitness goals by developing and implementing personalized exercise programs. The course Science of Exercise can help fitness trainers gain a deeper understanding of the physiological principles of exercise, which will enable them to design more effective and safe exercise programs for their clients. Additionally, the course covers topics such as nutrition and performance-enhancing drugs, which can be important considerations for fitness trainers.
Sports Nutritionist
Sports Nutritionist
Sports nutritionists provide nutrition counseling and guidance to athletes and individuals involved in physical activity. The course Science of Exercise can help individuals interested in this career to understand the nutritional requirements of athletes and individuals involved in physical activity, as well as how to develop and implement personalized nutrition plans. Additionally, the course covers topics such as the role of exercise in disease prevention and treatment, which can be important considerations for sports nutritionists.
Athletic Trainer
Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers work with athletes and individuals involved in physical activity to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. The course Science of Exercise can help individuals interested in this career to understand the physiological responses to exercise and the causes of muscle soreness and fatigue, which will enable them to better prevent and treat injuries. Additionally, the course covers topics such as nutrition and performance-enhancing drugs, which can be important considerations for athletic trainers.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health educators develop and implement educational programs and materials to promote health and wellness. The course Science of Exercise can help individuals interested in this career to understand the health benefits of exercise and how to motivate individuals to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors. Additionally, the course covers topics such as the role of exercise in disease prevention and treatment, which can be important considerations for health educators.
Personal Trainer
Personal Trainer
Personal trainers work with individuals to help them achieve their fitness goals. The course Science of Exercise can help personal trainers gain a deeper understanding of the physiological principles of exercise, which will enable them to design more effective and safe exercise programs for their clients. Additionally, the course covers topics such as nutrition and performance-enhancing drugs, which can be important considerations for personal trainers.
Yoga Instructor
Yoga Instructor
Yoga instructors teach yoga classes to individuals of all ages and abilities. The course Science of Exercise can help individuals interested in this career to understand the physiological benefits of yoga and how to safely and effectively teach yoga poses. Additionally, the course covers topics such as nutrition and the role of exercise in disease prevention and treatment, which can be important considerations for yoga instructors.
Pilates Instructor
Pilates Instructor
Pilates instructors teach Pilates classes to individuals of all ages and abilities. The course Science of Exercise can help individuals interested in this career to understand the physiological benefits of Pilates and how to safely and effectively teach Pilates exercises. Additionally, the course covers topics such as nutrition and the role of exercise in disease prevention and treatment, which can be important considerations for Pilates instructors.
Group Fitness Instructor
Group Fitness Instructor
Group fitness instructors teach group fitness classes to individuals of all ages and abilities. The course Science of Exercise can help individuals interested in this career to understand the physiological benefits of group fitness and how to safely and effectively teach group fitness classes. Additionally, the course covers topics such as nutrition and the role of exercise in disease prevention and treatment, which can be important considerations for group fitness instructors.
Dance Instructor
Dance Instructor
Dance instructors teach dance classes to individuals of all ages and abilities. The course Science of Exercise can help individuals interested in this career to understand the physiological benefits of dance and how to safely and effectively teach dance moves. Additionally, the course covers topics such as nutrition and the role of exercise in disease prevention and treatment, which can be important considerations for dance instructors.
Kinesiologist
Kinesiologist
Kinesiologists study human movement and use this knowledge to help people improve their physical function, prevent injuries, and manage chronic conditions. The course Science of Exercise can help individuals interested in this career to understand the physiological principles of movement and how to apply this knowledge to improve movement patterns. Additionally, the course covers topics such as nutrition and performance-enhancing drugs, which can be important considerations for kinesiologists.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help people who have difficulty performing everyday activities due to injury, illness, or disability. The course Science of Exercise can help individuals interested in this career to understand the physiological principles of movement and how to apply this knowledge to help people improve their functional abilities. Additionally, the course covers topics such as nutrition and the role of exercise in disease prevention and treatment, which can be important considerations for occupational therapists.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help people who have difficulty moving due to injury, illness, or disability. The course Science of Exercise can help individuals interested in this career to understand the physiological principles of movement and how to apply this knowledge to help people improve their mobility. Additionally, the course covers topics such as nutrition and the role of exercise in disease prevention and treatment, which can be important considerations for physical therapists.
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitian
Registered dietitians provide nutrition counseling and guidance to individuals and groups. The course Science of Exercise can help individuals interested in this career to understand the nutritional requirements of individuals involved in physical activity and how to develop and implement personalized nutrition plans. Additionally, the course covers topics such as the role of exercise in disease prevention and treatment, which can be important considerations for registered dietitians.
Physician
Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat human diseases and injuries. The course Science of Exercise may be helpful to individuals interested in this career, as it can help them to understand the physiological responses to exercise and the role of exercise in disease prevention and treatment. Additionally, the course covers topics such as nutrition and performance-enhancing drugs, which can be important considerations for physicians.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/06v4ib/science
Featured in The Course Notes
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The Course Notes. Read
one article that features
Science of Exercise:
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Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Science of Exercise.
Save
This textbook comprehensive resource for understanding the physiological principles of exercise and their application to fitness and performance. It covers topics such as energy metabolism, cardiovascular and respiratory adaptations to exercise, and the effects of exercise on body composition and health.
This medical textbook widely respected and comprehensive resource for understanding the physiological systems of the human body. It provides in-depth coverage of the topics covered in the course, such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems, and their responses to exercise.
Provides evidence-based guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. It valuable resource for healthcare professionals and fitness professionals who work with clients who are exercising for health or performance.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological adaptations to exercise and their application to sport and exercise performance. It valuable resource for understanding the scientific basis of training and conditioning.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the science and practice of strength training. It covers topics such as the biomechanics of strength training, programming, and nutrition. It valuable resource for anyone interested in optimizing their strength training.
This encyclopedia provides a comprehensive overview of the field of sports medicine, including topics such as exercise physiology, nutrition, and injury prevention. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the science of sports medicine.
This journal publishes review articles on the latest research in exercise and sport science. It valuable resource for staying up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
Save
This biochemistry textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms, including those related to energy metabolism and exercise. It valuable resource for understanding the molecular basis of the physiological adaptations to exercise.
Provides a practical guide to exercise prescription for healthcare professionals. It valuable resource for understanding the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/06v4ib/science
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Rating
4.8
Effort
Approx. 9 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
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Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Robert Mazzeo, Ph.D.
Language
English
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Featured in The Course Notes
Read
one article that features
this course,
Science of Exercise
from our blog, The Course Notes:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
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