Are you interested in promoting healthy living in the population, and working with athletes or performance-oriented clients? At Georgian College, you learn the knowledge and skills necessary to guide clients to a healthier lifestyle or a better performance standard. The fundamentals of the fitness and health promotion field such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, client counselling, and nutrition are combined with a large number of practical based learning hours in dedicated exercise science labs. You gain industry experience through preparation of healthy foods in culinary labs, planning and executing a health promotion event, the opportunity to train clients on campus, and off-campus work-integrated learning. In your final semester you can opt to specialize in either exercise science or fitness business. Qualifying graduates can proceed to formal articulations in various university degree programs.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities include personal trainer, group exercise instructor, health and fitness appraiser/counsellor, program director and manager at commercial/private fitness and health clubs, resorts/hotels, corporate/employee fitness centres and organizations, or municipal /community fitness facilities or health units.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
conduct an assessment of the physical fitness, activity level and lifestyle of the client using standardized protocols, to build an individualized exercise program;
develop, implement and evaluate safe training programs grounded in fundamentals of anatomy, bio-mechanics, cardiorespiratory physiology, and nutrition to support the fitness and wellness goals of clients;
instruct individual clients and groups in the correct techniques for executing fitness and training programs to achieve results that meet their goals for fitness, active living, and wellness;
select and apply interview tools and coaching strategies that will enable clients and groups improve their fitness, and wellness in sustainable ways;
develop business plans for a fitness and/or training business organization to ensure sustainability and viability while mitigating risks;
support community health promotion strategies for active healthy living in the general population;
establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, staff, allied health professionals and volunteers in the delivery of programs, activities, and the use of facilities;
provide positive reinforcement to empower clients and help them sustain their efforts;
develop plans and implement strategies for ongoing professional growth and development;
communicate information persuasively and accurately in oral, written, and other media formats.
