This course is designed to introduce the student to the science and practice of exercise programming (strength and conditioning). The course material is a scientific review of the functional anatomy, biomechanics and physiology required to test fitness and develop exercise programs to improve numerous fitness components. A secondary goal is to expose the students to coaching fundamental movement patterns and varied callisthenic and resistance training exercises. Fitness assessment, goal setting and the design of exercise plans are integral parts of the course and are required for the term project. It is hoped this course will help students in determining their own lifetime fitness goals and training plans. The importance of individual variation and personal exercise prescription will be emphasized.

BPK 143 has two 50-minute lectures and two 50-minute laboratory sessions per week.

The course lecture schedule will follow the chapters in the required text:

SECTION I:  Foundations of Exercise Training

Chapter 1:  Introduction to Fitness
Chapter 2:  Principles of Physiological Conditioning
Chapter 3:  Cardiorespiratory Exercise Training
Chapter 4:  Mobility, Balance and Posture
Chapter 5:  Resistance Training
Chapter 6:  Critical Thinking in Exercise Science
Chapter 7:  Mental Skills for Health and Performance
Chapter 8:  Fitness Assessment

SECTION II:  Foundations of Exercise Science

Chapter 9:  Muscle Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics
Chapter 10:  Fundamental Movement Patterns
Chapter 11:  Energy Systems, Fatigue, and Recovery
Chapter 12:  Cardiorespiratory Anatomy and Physiology

SECTION III:  Nutrition and Metabolic Health

Chapter 13:  Basic Nutrition: Fuel for Exercise
Chapter 14:  Temperature Regulation and Fluid Replacement
Chapter 15:  Neuroendocrine Response to Exercise and Diet
Chapter 16:  Improving Body Composition

SECTION IV:  Introduction to Training for Performance

Chapter 17:  Advanced Training Concepts
Chapter 18:  Aerobic Conditioning and High Intensity Interval Training
Chapter 19:  Strength and Power Training for Performance

SECTION V:  Conclusion:  Fitness, Health and Performance Review

At the end of the course, students will be able to;

1. Define components of fitness and the basic principles of physiologic conditioning.
2. Apply rules of evidential reasoning (critical thinking) in interpreting exercise and nutritional advice and explain the limitations of applying research results to the design of optimal exercise and nutritional regimes.
3. Describe basic muscle anatomy, physiology, and biomechanical function.
4. Explain cardinal planes of movement, fundamental movement patterns and movement terminology related to the major joints.
5. List major bones, joint and muscle actions and apply this knowledge in the design of resistance training programs designed to improve muscular strength, hypertrophy, or endurance.
6. List and describe the three major energy systems, the fuels they utilize and their relationship to human power output.
7. Describe systemic components of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and apply this knowledge to the design of programs aimed at improving oxygen transport and endurance conditioning.
8. Describe basic neuroendocrine responses to acute and chronic exercise and diet.
9. Describe examples of using interval training, plyometrics, periodization and tapering to enhance human performance in a variety of sports/events.
10. Explain the required physical attributes that would result in optimal mobility and define static, dynamic, ballistic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching and explain the basic structure of flexibility programs.
11. Practice fundamental movement patterns and coach these patterns to other lab members.
12. Participate in exercise labs designed to improve the components of fitness and gain an appreciation of the application of exercise programming discussed in lectures.
13. Perform fitness tests designed to evaluate running aerobic power, muscular endurance, strength, power, and flexibility, and interpret these results.
14. Define body composition, describe common techniques used to assess it, its relation to health and fitness and discuss the components of conditioning programs specifically designed to improve body composition.
15. Explain the process of effective goal setting, develop personal fitness goals for the following semester and design a personalized exercise plan aimed at achieving these goals.
16. Describe basic nutritional strategies and specific ergogenic aids purported to enhance human physical performance.
17. Discuss the dangers of environmental stressors and describe strategies to avoid heat stress, including acclimatization and fluid replacement guidelines.
18. Summarize how exercise and active living promote higher quality physical functioning throughout the lifespan.