The Kinesiology, Health Education and Athletics Department offers Sports Fitness curriculum in a wide variety of fitness activity courses to accommodate a variety of fitness levels, interests, and abilities. Courses are geared toward activities to improve cardiovascular and muscular fitness and preparation for sports conditioning. Sports fitness courses encompass: aerobic exercise courses, core training, strength training, aquatics and some sports conditioning. Class participation should generate a higher level of fitness for each student.
Career Opportunities
A degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Sports Fitness Studies can lead to various career opportunities in the fields of sports, fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, and more. Here are several potential career paths you could pursue with this degree:
- Personal Trainer/Strength and Conditioning Coach: Personal trainers work one-on-one with clients to help them achieve their fitness goals, such as weight loss, muscle gain, or improved athletic performance. Strength and conditioning coaches work with athletes to develop training programs that enhance strength, speed, agility, and endurance.
- Athletic Coach: With a background in sports fitness studies, you could pursue a career as an athletic coach at the high school, college, or professional level. Coaches work to develop athletes' skills, strategies, and physical conditioning to help them succeed in their respective sports.
- Fitness Center Manager: Fitness center managers oversee the day-to-day operations of gyms, health clubs, or fitness centers. They may be responsible for staff management, facility maintenance, customer service, marketing, and program development to attract and retain members.
- Sports Nutritionist/Dietitian: Nutrition plays a crucial role in athletic performance and overall health. Sports nutritionists work with athletes to develop nutrition plans that optimize performance, promote recovery, and prevent injury. They may work independently or as part of a sports medicine team.
- Rehabilitation Specialist/Exercise Physiologist: Rehabilitation specialists and exercise physiologists work with individuals recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions. They design and implement exercise programs to improve mobility, strength, flexibility, and overall function, often in clinical settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or physical therapy clinics.
- Corporate Wellness Coordinator: Many companies offer wellness programs to promote employee health and productivity. As a corporate wellness coordinator, you could develop and implement wellness initiatives, such as fitness challenges, nutrition workshops, stress management programs, and ergonomic assessments, to support employees' well-being.
- Sports Medicine Technician/Assistant: Sports medicine technicians and assistants work alongside physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide care to athletes and individuals with sports-related injuries. Responsibilities may include assisting with evaluations, administering treatments, and overseeing rehabilitation exercises.
- Sports Event Coordinator: Sports event coordinators plan and organize sporting events, tournaments, races, and competitions. They may work for sports organizations, event management companies, or nonprofit organizations, coordinating logistics, managing budgets, securing sponsorships, and ensuring the smooth execution of events.
- Health and Fitness Writer/Blogger: If you have strong writing skills and a passion for health and fitness, you could pursue a career as a health and fitness writer or blogger. You could create content for websites, magazines, blogs, or social media platforms, sharing information, tips, and inspiration related to exercise, nutrition, and wellness.
These are just a few examples of the many career paths available to individuals with a degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Sports Fitness Studies. Depending on your interests, skills, and professional goals, you may choose to pursue additional certifications, specialized training, or advanced degrees to further enhance your career opportunities in this field.
