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The Science of Fitness

Kevin Netto, Luke Haseler, Daniel Gucciardi, Elissa Burton, Dale Chapman, Peter Edwards, and Carly Brade

Physical fitness is a concept familiar to many in modern society. There are numerous misconceptions about the usefulness of fitness and how it affects modern life. This course explores the constructs of human physical fitness, and gives learners a real-world approach to starting the journey of fitness.

Content regarding the scientifically researched benefits of fitness is presented along with known impediments to starting and continuing on a fitness journey.

The utility of appropriate nutrition, sleep and wellbeing is considered, as well as specific goal setting. Potential challenges to fitness such as injury and disability are also discussed.

This course encompasses an inclusive approach to fitness, with tips for people from diverse backgrounds, ability and age.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Develop a basic understanding of the construct of human fitness.
Understand the scientifically-based benefits of improving fitness.
Examine strategies to begin improving fitness.

Gain an appreciation of the barriers to improving fitness.
Identify challenges to improving fitness for diverse populations.
After completing this course, you will be able to:

Develop a basic understanding of the construct of human fitness.
Understand the scientifically-based benefits of improving fitness.
Examine strategies to begin improving fitness.
Gain an appreciation of the barriers to improving fitness.
Identify challenges to improving fitness for diverse populations.
After completing this course, you will be able to:

Syllabus

Module 1 – Why Fitness?Introduction to the construct of fitness as well as the scientifically-based benefits of being fit.

Module 2 – Get Me Off the Couch: Starting the journey of fitnessHow do we start improving fitness? What are some common and appropriate first steps and what stops us from commencing the journey?

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches foundational concepts of physical fitness and their benefits

Provides strategies to initiate and maintain a fitness routine

Emphasizes the role of nutrition, sleep, and well-being in fitness

Discusses challenges to fitness and strategies to overcome them

Promotes an inclusive approach to fitness, catering to diverse backgrounds

Covers a wide range of fitness topics, providing a comprehensive overview

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Reviews summary

Science-backed fitness for all beginners

According to students, "The Science of Fitness" offers a largely positive and comprehensive introduction to well-being. Learners appreciate its holistic approach, extending beyond exercise to include nutrition, sleep, and mental well-being. Many highlight the inclusive approach, making fitness accessible for diverse populations. The course is praised for breaking down complex concepts into understandable science and providing practical, actionable strategies for starting and sustaining a fitness journey. However, some find the content too basic, particularly if they possess existing fitness knowledge, suggesting it's best suited for beginners.

Lectures are well-produced and content is clearly presented.

"The lectures were well-produced, though."

"The content is well-presented, but just not what I was looking for."

"I found the explanations easy to follow and the overall course structure very logical."

Appreciated for its focus on fitness for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

"The inclusivity section was a nice touch... making fitness accessible for everyone."

"The focus on *inclusive fitness* was really refreshing and made me feel like this was for everyone."

"The emphasis on making fitness accessible for everyone (Module 6) was particularly impactful for me."

Provides concrete tips and strategies for starting and maintaining fitness.

"Practical tips on starting... looking to build a sustainable fitness routine."

"The practical advice is sound... gave me the tools and motivation I needed."

"I broke it down into manageable, scientific, and practical steps for my own journey."

Covers fitness broadly, including nutrition, sleep, and well-being.

"This course provided a holistic view of fitness that goes beyond just exercise."

"The modules on sleep, stress, and nutrition were game-changers for me."

"I especially appreciated the module on nutrition and rest, which was very clear and actionable."

Excellent for newcomers, offering clear, understandable scientific explanations.

"Fantastic introduction to fitness... easy to grasp for someone like me, who is just beginning."

"A solid foundational course. It truly breaks down the science behind fitness without overwhelming you."

"Good course for fitness newcomers... exactly what I needed! I've always been intimidated."

Too basic for those with prior fitness knowledge or seeking scientific detail.

"I was hoping for more advanced content... didn't learn much new."

"I found the scientific depth lacking. It's very general... too basic."

"I felt the 'science' aspect was quite watered down... not for those seeking in-depth 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 The Science of Fitness with these activities:

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Keeping your course materials organized and easily accessible can improve your ability to find and review important information.

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Create folders or binders for each module or section of the course.
File and organize notes, handouts, assignments, and any other relevant materials.
Regularly review your organized materials to refresh your memory and reinforce key concepts.

Review Basic Fitness Concepts

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Reviewing basic fitness concepts will help you build a solid foundation for this course and improve your understanding of key terms and principles.

Browse courses on Physical Fitness

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Read the introduction of a fitness textbook.
Watch an online video or lecture on the basics of fitness.
Take a practice quiz on fitness concepts.

Read "The Exercise Cure" by Jordan Metzl

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific evidence supporting the benefits of exercise for a wide range of health conditions.

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and research findings.
Summarize the main takeaways from the book and how they relate to the course content.

Three other activities

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Follow Guided Tutorials on Exercise Techniques

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Watching and practicing guided tutorials on proper exercise techniques can help you improve your form and reduce the risk of injury.

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Search online for reputable fitness channels or websites that provide clear and detailed exercise tutorials.
Choose 3-5 exercises that you would like to improve your technique for.
Follow the instructions in the tutorials, paying attention to proper body alignment and movement patterns.

Practice Fitness Assessments and Tracking

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Regular practice of fitness assessments and tracking can help you monitor your progress, identify areas for improvement, and stay motivated.

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Use online resources or fitness apps to learn how to perform basic fitness assessments such as push-ups, sit-ups, and flexibility tests.
Set up a system to track your fitness activities, including exercise logs, nutrition journals, or progress photos.
Regularly review your fitness assessments and tracking data to identify trends and make adjustments to your fitness plan as needed.

Mentor or Assist Others in Their Fitness Journey

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Sharing your knowledge and experience with others can reinforce your understanding of fitness principles and concepts.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Offer guidance and support to friends, family members, or colleagues who are starting or continuing their fitness journey.
Consider volunteering as a fitness mentor or coach for community programs or organizations.
Create online content, such as blog posts or videos, to share your fitness tips and insights with a wider audience.

Career center

Learners who complete The Science of Fitness will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists assess, diagnose, and treat different injuries and illnesses. They help their patients to regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall physical well-being. The Science of Fitness can be very useful to Physical Therapists as it can help them gain a deeper understanding of the science behind fitness and how it can be used to help their patients.

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Fitness Manager

Fitness Managers oversee the physical fitness programs at health centers or other organizations. They plan, direct, and evaluate fitness programs, and make recommendations on physical fitness to clients. This course can prove very helpful to a fitness manager who is looking to gain a stronger grasp on the benefits of fitness and how to properly implement fitness programs.

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Personal Trainer

A Personal Trainer helps people achieve their fitness goals. The Science of Fitness would be particularly helpful for a Personal Trainer to take as it can help build a foundation for how to help people and why the methods used help individuals achieve their goals.

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Strength and Conditioning Coach

These coaches assess and enhance the fitness, strength, and power of athletes. They design and implement programs that improve performance and reduce the risk of injury. This course can be a great tool to add to the arsenal of a strength and conditioning coach as it can help them in understanding how to test for improved fitness and strength as well as how to design programs using the science behind fitness.

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Life Coach

Life Coaches help individuals identify and achieve personal goals. They provide support and guidance to clients as they work to improve their lives. This course may be useful to Life Coaches as it can help provide information on fitness, which is a key part of living a healthy and fulfilling life.

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Group Fitness Instructor

Group Fitness Instructors lead physical fitness routines for clients of all ages and physical abilities. The Science of Fitness would be useful for a Group Fitness Instructor to help build a foundation of fitness knowledge to use in the group classes they conduct.

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Physical Education Teacher

These educators teach the importance of physical activity and fitness as well as how to reap the benefits from living an active lifestyle. Physical Education Teachers can use this course to help them gain confidence in teaching about fitness as well as gain more knowledge to share with their students.

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Wellness Coach

Wellness Coaches aid their clients in achieving personal health goals, including nutrition, fitness, and developing habits and routines. By taking The Science of Fitness, Wellness Coaches can enhance their knowledge about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and become more equipped to help their clients make sustainable changes.

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Health Educator

The purpose of a Health Educator is to educate communities and individuals about disease prevention strategies and wellness promotion. Health Educators can use The Science of Fitness to help build their knowledge about the benefits of fitness as well as how to appropriately implement fitness into their own lives, which will transcend into their personal and work interactions with individuals who need them most.

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Nutritionist

Nutritionists advise individuals and groups on matters of nutrition and diet. Understanding the science behind not only nutrition but also fitness can help Nutritionists who decide to take this course be well rounded in the field of fitness and nutrition.

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Pilates Instructor

Pilates Instructors teach Pilates classes and lead a variety of exercises that focus on core strength, flexibility, and balance. Pilates Instructors can use The Science of Fitness to build a greater knowledge of how fitness affects the body to improve performance in their own teaching of Pilates.

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Yoga Instructor

Yoga Instructors lead yoga classes and teach techniques that focus on strength, flexibility, and breathing through poses and meditation. The Science of Fitness will help Yoga Instructors gain a greater understanding of how fitness benefits the body as well as help them improve their yoga practice and training.

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Occupational Therapist

These professionals assist individuals in regaining or developing skills needed for daily living after an injury, illness, or disability. The Science of Fitness would help Occupational Therapists by giving them information on the science behind fitness which can help with the rehabilitation of those who are attempting to get back to the skills of daily life.

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Athletic Trainer

In the sports setting, Athletic Trainers are responsible for preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries. The Science of Fitness can provide Athletic Trainers with more knowledge about the science behind fitness, injury, and injury prevention.

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Exercise Physiologist

Exercise Physiologists are normally found in clinical settings, like hospitals and research centers. They work to help people who are recovering from heart disease, diabetes, movement disorders, and a wide range of other mobility issues that may prevent them from performing normal tasks. The Science of Fitness may be useful as it teaches individuals what fitness means as an industry as well as the science behind how individuals' bodies react and change with respect to fitness. The course could be useful for an individual who wants to learn more about fitness from a clinical background.

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Reading list

We've selected 13 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 The Science of Fitness.

ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and...

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Provides the latest guidelines for exercise testing and prescription from the American College of Sports Medicine. It valuable resource for fitness professionals who are designing and implementing exercise programs.

ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and...

Product Bundle

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Exercise Physiology?

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This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of exercise physiology, with a focus on the application of this knowledge to fitness and performance. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field of fitness.

Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to...

Paperback

$$$

Connect Access for Exercise Physiology: Theory and...

Printed Access Code

$$$

Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to...

Hardcover

$$$

Exercise Physiology - Connect Access - 11th edition

Printed Access Code

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