Kinesiology is the study of physical
movement, specifically how activity affects health. Online undergraduate
and graduate degree programs are offered in the closely related fields
of kinesiology, exercise science and health fitness. Career diploma
programs in fitness and exercise are also available through distance
learning. A high level of personal fitness is generally expected of
industry professionals.
Online Career Diploma in Fitness and Exercise Overview
For those interested in kinesiology as it pertains to physical
conditioning, an online fitness and exercise career diploma is
available. Geared toward preparing students for entry-level jobs in the
fitness industry, students learn to create customized physical training
regimens. A holistic approach to exercise is often stressed since
adequate nutrition plans and maintaining energy levels are as important
to keeping fit as flexibility and injury prevention.
A fitness and exercise career diploma can be obtained at the
student's own pace in less than a year. Coursework is entirely online
and texts may be delivered by mail. Guidance from instructors and tutors
is available by e-mail, phone and live chat sessions. Through the
online system, assignments can be uploaded, exams administered and
grades posted.
List of Common Fitness and Exercise Online Courses
Topics include preparing exercise plans and assessing diet and
training needs. Interdisciplinary studies of psychological and physical
disabilities are introduced as factors contributing to overall fitness.
Flexibility Course
This online class covers means of assessing and improving fitness and
flexibility. Students also learn about role of flexibility in
preventing injuries.
Movement Course
Online students learn the laws of biomechanics and how to assess
techniques and skills. Exercises to prevent back and neck injuries
through proper posture and body movement are introduced.
Strengthening Course
Understanding the principles of muscle building is essential in
planning effective strengthening regimes. Students focus on resistance
and low-impact exercises for injury prevention.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Health Fitness Overview
Bachelor's degree programs focused on the health fitness aspect of
kinesiology are also available through fully online programs. Distance
learning students not only study the scientific principles of
kinesiology as they apply to exercise, but also gain the business skills
necessary to become personal trainers and athletic club managers.
A Bachelor of Science in Health Fitness can be completed in 3-4 years
through distance learning. Instruction is delivered via streaming video
requiring a high-speed Internet connection.
List of Common Health Fitness Online Courses
Coursework in nutrition and sports psychology complement studies in
the methods and theory of kinesiology. General anatomy and first aid
classes are included, as well as business courses.
Kinesiology Course
The principles of physical movement are examined in the context of fitness and general activities.
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Course
Musculoskeletal injuries commonly occur in the workplace. This
online class covers ways to evaluate and prevent work-related injuries,
as well as strengthening and stabilizing techniques for rehabilitation.
Exercise for Children and Youth Course
Fitness regimes are different for children and adults because of
differential motor skills and psychological development. Students in
this course learn to create fun activities that build muscles and
self-esteem that are essential for encouraging healthy habits in young
people.
Both this bachelor's degree and the fitness and exercise diploma
program prepare individuals to work as fitness class instructors and
personal trainers; these jobs are increasingly in demand in athletic
clubs, hospitals and private businesses that provide exercise facilities
to their employees. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov), the mean annual salary for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors was $35,340 in 2009.
Continuing Education
Certification is usually required for professional fitness workers
and personal trainers because of the risk of student injuries.
Certification is particular to specific forms of exercise, such as yoga
or martial arts and is available from many different organizations, such
as the National Federation of Professional Trainers or the National
Academy of Sports Medicine.
Online Master's Degree in Kinesiology Overview
Master's degree programs in kinesiology are widely available through
distance learning, likely due to high demand for professional
development among the current workforce. To accommodate the various
careers open to kinesiologists, concentrations in athletic training,
physical education and sport administration are available at the
master's level. The sport administration program focuses on the business
management aspects of the industry. Students specializing in athletic
training or physical education gain valuable teaching and coaching
skills.
A master's degree program in kinesiology can be completed entirely
online in 1-2 years. Some physical education prerequisites may be
fulfilled by undergraduate coursework or demonstrated professional
experience. While programs are entirely online, clinical and on-the-job
training is highly encouraged.
List of Common Kinesiology Online Courses
Courses in online master's-level kinesiology programs are geared
toward practical application of kinesiology theory and methods. Fitness
center managers typically possess graduate degrees in kinesiology or
exercise science, thus sport administration programs provide business
management and marketing skills. Athletic trainers and physical
educators also gain valuable teaching and coaching skills in preparation
for coaching and training.
Kinesiology Technology Course
Advances in technology have provided new opportunities for training
and analysis. Students learn about these advancements and how testing
and diagnosis can be performed with the aid of electronic devices.
Motor Skills Course
Theories of how purposeful movements are learned and developed are
reviewed in this online class. Prospective trainers also acquire the
means of assessing skills and providing feedback to clients.
Kinesiology Ethics Course
Distance learning students review the philosophical, legal and
ethical issues that affect kinesiology professions. The implications of
societal values on fitness are explored.
Graduates of an online kinesiology program may pursue careers as
athletic coaches, physical education instructors and sports managers. In
2009, the mean annual salary for athletic trainers was $44,020 and
$60,580 for postsecondary fitness studies teachers, as reported by the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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