Fitness Concentration

Gearing up for the future!

A physically active lifestyle is foundational to optimal health and well-being. In the fitness concentration, you will gain a broad understanding of the multidimensional and interdisciplinary nature of health and wellness. Your coursework will include introductory material covering topics ranging from physical activity and fitness, health and wellness, nutrition, to the social sciences and professional skill development such as marketing and writing, building on your knowledge, you will develop a deeper understanding of the physiological, psychological, social, and environmental factors involved in physical activity, exercise, and fitness.

The fitness concentration balances theoretical knowledge with practical learning activities (e.g., prescribing exercise to diverse populations) designed to give you the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective leader in the growing fields of fitness, health, and wellness. The capstone of your program is an internship experience where you demonstrate your learning and gain valuable hands-on experiences.

The Fitness concentration is a great option for students who enjoy working with diverse groups of people and in exciting, challenging, and dynamic settings. If you enjoy learning about other people and helping them reach their goals, then you will find the Fitness concentration and a career in health and wellness rewarding.

Common careers and opportunities for Health and Wellness - Fitness majors are:

• Adaptive physical activity instructor
• Aquatics
• Coaching
• Corporate wellness
• Entrepreneurial
• Fitness instructor/director
• Fitness administration (e.g., program director/manager)
• Group fitness instructor/director (e.g., aerobics, yoga)
• Health/wellness coach
• Journalism
• Marketing
• Personal trainer
• Physical therapy assistant
• Public health
• Research
• Sales
• Strength and conditioning
• Youth development (e.g., camps, clinics)

 Graduate school

• Adapted physical activity
• Athletic training
• Biomechanics
• Exercise physiology
• Health education
• Nursing
• Nutrition
• Physical education
• Physical therapy
• Public health
• Sport and exercise psychology