Lifetime Fitness
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Position Statement
The faculty in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation believe that colleges and universities should require students to take Lifetime Fitness courses as part of their general education requirements. Lifetime Fitness courses, when properly taught are beneficial in developing positive attitudes towards fitness, a positive effect on fitness knowledge, and an equivocal impact on actual physical activity. It is common knowledge that physical activity produces health benefits for the individual, but the benefits of a fitter, healthier, more productive population are often overlooked.
- "A combination of physical inactivity and poor diet causes at least 300,000 deaths a year; only the use of tobacco causes more preventable deaths. In addition, there is a strong relationship between overweight and related diseases that cost more than $100 billion every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a sedentary lifestyle almost doubles one's risk for coronary heart disease and increases risks for diabetes, certain cancers, high blood pressure, depression, and osteoporosis" (Gabbard, 2000).
- If Lifetime Fitness and activity-based classes positively influence student physical activity behavior beyond graduation and increase exercise, thereby producing healthier citizens, then these courses may save society billions in future health care costs and add to the strength of the nation's economy. Healthy, physically active citizens also make better workers. Their employers and the national economy benefit from these employees through lower rates of absenteeism and higher rates of productivity than their less active and less healthy colleagues.
College students benefit from participating in Lifetime Fitness as part of their general education or college core requirements for two reasons:
- Lifetime Fitness courses are beneficial to the individual. These courses develop positive attitudes toward physical activity and fitness, increase fitness knowledge, slightly increase actual participation in physical activity and lead to better individual health.
- Lifetime Fitness courses are beneficial to society. The fitter and healthier graduates produced through required Lifetime Fitness courses will be healthier, more productive citizens. Healthier workers produce economic benefits such as less absenteeism, higher rates of productivity, and lower health care costs.
Lifetime Fitness Outcomes
- Apply the concepts of a safe and effective health and fitness program to a personal program based on current fitness status Describe the values of physical fitness to society and to individuals.
- Identify the structure and understanding the function of the human organism.
- Successfully learn the facts and principles related to physical fitness and physical activity programs.
- Understand the relationship between nutrition and movement performance.
- Establish an interest in continuing a health and fitness program through self assessment, goal setting, and behavior change exercises
Current Lifetime Fitness Syllabus
SYLLABUS
Mission of Lifetime Fitness
This course is designed to encourage personal awareness and responsibility for the maintenance of health and physical well being. Through lab experiences students will expand their knowledge base of health-related fitness and wellness. Practical implementation and behavior change exercises are presented to assist students in applying the information to their life. Students will gain experience in self-assessment and personal program development. The above components are part of a total package of tools the course will provide the student to maintain health and wellness.
- The course will provide instruction on the role of physical activity and health behaviors in the well being of the human body. The class will be interactive in nature and students will be active during lab sessions. Specific topics of instruction over the 8 weeks will include an introduction to wellness and fitness, aerobic and muscular fitness, flexibility and back health, exercise related injuries, wellness diet, body composition and weight management. The course will focus on two main components:
- Aerobic training activities such as running, walking, interval training, aerobics etc.
- Strength and condition activities such as weight lifting, circuit training, exercise tubing, etc.
Contact Lifetime Fitness Instructors and Activity Instructors
