Programs and Courses
Fitness and Wellness
- General Information
- GCC/ASU West campus Recreation Transfer Guide
- Strength, Nutrition and Personal Training - Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
- Personal Trainer Certificate
- Group Fitness Instructor Certificate
- Strength and Conditioning Personal Trainer Certificate
- Course Descriptions
General Information
For Information: Lisa Lewis
Phone: 623.845.3784
Student Goals: Transfer, Career-related, Personal Interest
Through a diversified program of activities, the health/physical education instructor encourages maintenance of health and physical fitness, development of interest in sports and physical activity, and the art of socialization through play. Related careers are coaching, athletic training, sporting goods, parks and recreation, sportswriting, professional sports, health spa management, gymnasium programs, YMCA or YWCA. The commercial and recreational job market is expanding. However, teaching and coaching positions are highly competitive.
Physical Education: This program is designed as the first two years of course work for students intending to complete a baccalaureate in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Wellness, or Exercise Science at a four-year institution. Students should see a department advisor each semester to plan for easy transition to the university.
Health: Health courses include Healthful Living and First Aid which provide a general knowledge of personal health concepts and practices, first aid techniques and safety. Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries is offered for the prospective school teacher, coach, athletic trainer, or other persons desiring more advanced knowledge than is provided in the basic courses.
Note: There are various emphasis “tracks” for physical education majors, at the university level, so students should consult with a department advisor or university catalog in planning their academic schedule in order to complete degree requirements in an expedient manner. Required courses may not be available every semester or year. Due to limited course offerings, degree seeking students may find it necessary to extend completion time lines and attend both day and evening classes.
Departmental Recommendations: |
Credits |
HES101
HES271
PED265Healthful Living
Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
Theory of Coaching3
3
3
Other Recommendations: |
Credits |
+
+
+BIO181
BIO201
BIO202
HIS102
PHI101
MAT151
POS221*
POS222*
PSY101*General Biology (Majors) I
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
History of Western Civilization 1789 to Present (3) or
Introduction to Philosophy (3)
College Algebra / Functions
Arizona Constitution (1) and
U.S. Constitution (2)
Introduction to Psychology4
4
4
3
3
3
3* Required for teacher’s certification
Electives: |
Credits |
The department recommends that students choose from the following courses:* |
|
HES154
REC120First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Leisure and the Quality of Life3
3* Should student intend to minor in another field at a university, he or she should see the department chair about suggestions for electives.
GCC/ASU west campus Recreation Transfer Guide
GCC and ASU’s West Campus have agreed to provide a transfer guide to students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Recreation. Those students may complete their first and second years of study at GCC leading to an Associate in Arts degree and continue their third and fourth years of study at ASU’s West Campus and receive a BS degree from ASU’s West Campus. It is recommended that Recreation majors seek departmental advice at registration time.
Under the above agreement, the following courses may be taken at GCC and transferred directly to ASU’s West Campus:
REC120
REC150AB
REC210Leisure and the Quality of Life
Outdoor Adventure Skills
Leisure Delivery Systems
Degree Pathways
GCC's fitness and Wellness Department offers various pathways to obtaining certificates and degrees in the field of Fitness, Personal Training, Strength Conditioning and Nutrition. Each Certificate is it's own destination or can be used as a stepping stone to a higher level of knowledge, leading to an AAS degree and eventually a 4 year institution.
Students continuing on to a 4 year institution will be well on their way to a career in Fitness, Physical Therapy, Coaching, Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Nutrition and other health related fields.
See our Certificates and Degrees:
• Personal Training Certificate (CCL)
• Group Fitness Instructor Certificate (CCL)
• Nutrition for Fitness & Wellness Certificate (CCL)
• Strength, Nutrition and Personal Training Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS)
Strength, Nutrition and Personal Training -
Associate in Applied Science
AAS 3059 / 66-69 credits
Program Description:
The Strength, Nutrition, and Personal Training Associate in Applied Science (AAS) prepares students with the knowledge and experience required to be eligible for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health and Fitness Instructor Certification, ACSM personal trainer certification, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) personal trainer certification, and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal trainer certification. This degree will provide students with a stronger educational background making them more marketable in the field of fitness and nutrition. This degree will also meet the needs of individuals with existing degrees in such fields as Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, Athletic Training and other health related disciplines. Registered dietitians, clinical exercise physiologists, personal trainers, exercise specialists, strength and conditioning specialists, coaches, athletes and others interested in acquiring knowledge in exercise, nutrition and health are also eligible for this program.
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses within the program.
Required Courses: |
41-42 Credits |
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+FON100
FON210
FON230
FON247
MGT253
HES154
EXS112
EXS125
EXS139
EXS139AA
EXS139AB
EXS285
EXS145
PSY101
PSY215Introductory Nutrition
Sports Nutrition and Supplements for Physical Activities
Nutrition for Special Populations
Weight Management Theory
Owning and Operating a Small Business
First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (3) or
BLS Health Care Provider and 1st Aid Certification
Professional Applications of Fitness Principles
Introduction to Exercise Physiology
Practical Applications of Personal Training
Skills and Techniques Internship (3) or
Practical Applications of Personal Training
Skills and Techniques Internship (1) and
Practical Applications of Personal Training
Skills and Techniques Internship (2) or
Exercise Program Design and Instruction (3)
Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sport Psychology3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3Choose one of the following series for 5-6 credits: Series 1: 6 credits EXS212SC
EXS212CR
EXS212FLInstructional Competency Lab:
Muscular Strength and Conditioning
Instructional Competency Laboratory: Cardiorespiratory Exercises and Activities
Instructional Competency Laboratory:
Flexibility and Mind-Body Exercises2
2
2Series 2: 5 credits EXS130
EXS132
EXS212CRStrength Fitness-Physiological Principles
and Training Techniques
Cardiovascular Fitness: Physiological
Principles and Training Techniques (2) or
Instructional Competency Laboratory:
Cardiorespiratory Exercises and Activities (2)3
2Series 3: 5 credits + EXS275
EXS132
EXS212CRMethods of Enhancing Physical Performance
Cardiovascular Fitness: Physiological
Principles and Training Techniques or
Instructional Competency Laboratory:
Cardiorespiratory Exercises and Activities (2)
3
2
General Education Requirements: |
25-27 Credits |
Core:
First-Year Composition:15-17 credits
6+
+
+
+ENG101
ENG102
ENG107
ENG108First-Year Composition (3) and
First-Year Composition (3) or
First-Year Composition for ESL (3) and
First-Year Composition for ESL (3)Oral Communication: 3 COM100
COM110Introduction to Human Communication (3) or
Interpersonal Communication (3)Critical Reading: 3 CRE101 Critical and Evaluative Reading I Mathematics: 3 +
+
+MAT120
MAT121
MAT122Intermediate Algebra (5) or
Intermediate Algebra (4) or
Intermediate Algebra (3)Distribution:
Humanities and Fine Arts:10 credits
3Any approved course, see here. Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 CFS205
HES100Human Development (3) or
Healthful Living (3)Natural Sciences: 4 BIO160 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
Personal Trainer Certificate
CCL 5421
/ 16 credits
Program Description: The Personal Trainer Certificate of Completion (CCL) program is designed to provide training for Personal Trainers and related technical skills necessary to provide and implement individual fitness programs and group exercise classes which are safe, motivational, and effective.
(+) indicates course prerequisites.
Required Courses: |
16 Credits |
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better for each course listed in the Required Courses category. |
|
First Semester EXS142
EXS125
FON105Introduction to the Fitness Profession
Introduction to Exercise Physiology
Nutrition Principles for Fitness Professionals3
3
3Second Semester EXS112
EXS130Professional Applications of Fitness Principles
Strength Fitness-Physiological Principles and Training Techniques3
3Third Semester EXS139AA
Practical Applications of Personal Training Skills and
Techniques Internship1
Group Fitness Instructor Certificate
CCL 5414
/ 4 credits
Program Description: This program is designed to provide the trained Personal Trainer with additional, specialized skills in aerobics instruction, and will also prepare the student for certification in the aerobics field.
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better all courses within the program.
(+) indicates course prerequisites.
Program Prerequisites: |
16 Credits |
Certificate of Completion in Personal Trainer. (see above)
Required Courses: |
4 Credits |
+
+EXS128
EXS129Methods of Group Fitness I
Methods of Group Fitness II2
2
Strength and Conditioning Personal Trainer Certificate
CCL 5445
/ 31-34 credits
Program Description:
The Certificate in Completion (CCL) in Strength and Conditioning Personal Trainer prepares students for employment in the fitness industry as Strength and Conditioning Personal Trainers/Coaches. This curriculum provides students with a fundamental knowledge of human physiology and anatomy, prevention and treatment of exercise related injuries, emergency response readiness, health appraisals and assessments; application of exercise fitness principles and strength training techniques; a fundamental knowledge of nutrition, weight control, stress management and exercise physiology, and biomechanics; skills in exercise testing and fitness measures as well as writing exercise prescriptions and program designs for diverse populations.
(+) indicates course prerequisites.
Required Courses: |
31-34 Credits |
+
+
+BIO160
HES154
HES271
PED112
EXS125
EXS130
EXS145
HES100
WED110
EXS275
EXS212CR
EXS212FL
EXS212SC
EXS285
EXS139Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (3) or
BLS Health Care Provider and First Aid Certification
Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
Professional Applications of Fitness Principles
Introduction to Exercise Physiology
Strength Fitness-Physiological Principles
and Training Techniques
Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription
Healthful Living (3) or
Principles of Physical Fitness and Wellness (3)
Methods of Enhancing Physical Performance (3) or
Instructional Competency Laboratory:
Cardiorespiratory Exercise and Activities (2) and
Instructional Competency Laboratory:
Flexibility and Mind-Body Exercises (2) and
Instructional Competency Laboratory:
Muscular Strength and Conditioning (2)
Exercise Program Design and Instruction (3) or
Practical Applications of Personal Training Skills
and Techniques Internship (3)4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3-6
3
Course Descriptions
Course Availability: (F) Fall, (S) Spring, (D) Day, (E) Evening, (Su1) Summer 1, (Su2) Summer 2, (O) Occasionally
Health/Physical Education/Recreation/Wellness: HES, PED, REC, WED
Health Science (HES)
HES100
Healthful Living / 3 credits / 3 periods
Health and wellness and their application to an optimal life style. Explores current topics of interest such as stress management, nutrition, fitness, and environmental health. Evaluates common risk factors associated with modern lifestyles. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su)
Note: HES100 meets SB (Social and Behavioral Science) requirements at ASU.
HES154
First Aid/Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation / 3 credits / 3 periods
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and first aid for the adult, child and infant patients includes Automated External Defibrillator (AED), rescue breathing, obstructed airway, and other first aid procedures. Designed to train citizen responders in skills and procedures required during emergency situation. Prerequisites: None. (O)
HES271
Prevention and Treatment
of Athletic Injuries / 3 credits / 3 periods
Prevention and care of athletic injuries, emphasizing use of modern training techniques and support materials. Utilization of preventive taping, strapping, bandaging, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, massage, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, and practical application of muscle reconditioning. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E)
HES273
Athletic Training: Advanced Wrapping
and Taping Techniques / 2 credits / 2 periods
Expands and enhances practical uses of basic taping and wrapping skills. Hands-on experience in the use of braces, athletic taping, and elastic wraps to care for athletic injuries. Prerequisites: HES271 or permission of instructor.
HES298
Special Projects / 1-3 credits
Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development. Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or instructor.
Physical Education Activity Courses (PED)
Students are offered activity courses with a wide variety of choice including lifetime leisure experiences. It is recommended that non-swimmers register for a beginning swimming class.
PED101, 103
Physical Activities: Basic / .5-1 credit / 1-2 periods
Individual, dual, or team sports activities at the basic level. PED101 and PED103 may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su)
PED102
Physical Activities: Intermediate / 1 credit / 2 periods
Individual, dual, or team sports activities at the intermediate level. PED102 may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: None. Prior experience recommended.
PED201
Physical Activities: Advanced / 1 credit / 2 periods
Individual, dual, or team sports activities at the advanced level. PED201 may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: None. Prior experience at the competitive level recommended.
Fitness Center Courses (PED)
Not all courses transfer. Please check with your advisor before enrolling.
PED115
Lifetime Fitness / 2 credits / 4 periods
Fitness activity and wellness study to help develop a lifetime of regular exercise, stress management, and proper nutrition. Workout includes warm-up/stretch, aerobic exercise, selected strength exercises, and cool down/stretch. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su)
Physical Education Major -Minor Certificate Courses (EXS)
EXS112
Professional Applications of Fitness Principles / 3 credits / 3 periods
Basic principles of fitness for the prospective fitness professional. Planning and teaching in a fitness program. Topics include exercise risks and safety, weight control, components of fitness, fitness assessment, and exercise programming. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su)
EXS123
Active for Life / 2 credits / 4 periods
Uses a variety of behavior change strategies to help fit physical activity into a busy schedule. Addresses the root causes of physical inactivity and focuses on the skills needed to establish a lifelong habit of physical activity. Prerequisites: None. (Online only)
EXS125
Introduction to Exercise Physiology / 3 credits / 3 periods
Principles of exercise science applied to teaching fitness/ aerobics. Major factors related to the function of the human body. Emphasis on anatomy/physiology, exercise physiology, and biomechanics. Prerequisites: None. BIO160 recommended but not required. (F,S,D,E)
EXS128
Methods of Group Fitness I / 2 credits / 2 periods
Planning and teaching group fitness. Techniques for cueing, use of music, choreography development for high and low impact aerobics, cool down and safety guidelines. Prerequisites: (EXS112 and EXS125) or permission of instructor. (S,Su)
EXS129
Methods of Group Fitness II / 2 credits / 2 periods
Planning and teaching group fitness. Techniques for cueing, use of music, choreography development for step aerobics and muscle conditioning and safety guidelines. Prerequisites or Corequisites: EXS128 or permission of instructor. (S,Su)
EXS130
Strength Fitness-Physiological Principles and
Training Techniques / 3 credits / 4.5 periods
Principles and techniques of strength training including strength physiology, performance factors, training recommendations, exercise techniques, and program design and management. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su)
EXS132
Cardiovascular Fitness: Physiological Principles and
Training Techniques / 2 credits / 2 periods
Covers principles and techniques of aerobic training and the application of these to the development of aerobic training programs. Includes instructional techniques and safety, and stresses injury prevention. Prerequisites: None.
PED136
Sport Psychology for the Fitness Professional / .5 credit / .5 period
Major principles of sport psychology for fitness professionals who work with athletes and sports participants. Psychological considerations related to communication, mental training, and performance enhancement. Prerequisites: None. EXS112 and PSY101 recommended.
EXS137
Exercise Psychology for the Fitness Professional / .5 credit / .5 period
Major principles of exercise psychology applied to fitness professional who train or deal with fitness participants. Psychological considerations related to communication, motivation, and mental training. Prerequisites: None. EXS112 and PSY101 recommended.
EXS138
Starting Your Own Personal Training Business /1 credit / 1 period
Overview of the personal training business in the fitness industry. Skills for becoming a successful and effective personal training business owner. Prerequisites: None.
EXS139
Practical Applications of Personal Training Skills and
Techniques Internship / 3 credits / 5.4 periods
Development of personal training skills including effective communication, client assessment, fitness testing, goal setting, program design, and program implementation. Includes hands on experience with clients in a Fitness Center. Prerequisites: (EXS142 or HES154 within the past two years), or current CPR certification, or permission of Instructor.
Course Note: CPR certification must be current through the duration of the internship.
EXS139AA
Practical Applications of Personal Training Skills and
Techniques Internship / 1 credits / 1.8 periods
Development of personal training skills including effective communication, client assessment, fitness testing, goal setting, program design, and program implementation. Includes hands on experience with clients in a Fitness Center. Prerequisites: (EXS142 or HES154 within the past two years), or current CPR certification, or permission of Instructor.
Course Note: CPR certification must be current through the duration of the internship.
EXS139AB
Practical Applications of Personal Training
Skills and Techniques Internship / 2 credits / 3.6 periods
Development of personal training skills including effective communication, client assessment, fitness testing, goal setting, program design, and program implementation. Includes hands on experience with clients in a Fitness Center. Prerequisites: (EXS142 or HES154 within the past two years), or current CPR certification, or permission of Instructor.
Course Note: CPR certification must be current through the duration of the internship.
EXS142
Introduction to the Fitness Profession / 3 credits / 3 periods
Introduction to the fitness industry focused on the career of the fitness professional. Includes legal aspects, client-trainer relationship, emergency procedures and safety considerations. Prerequisites: None.
Course Notes: Successful completion of the course content meets requirements for an American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver CPR - Adult and child, plus AED.
EXS145
Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription / 3 credits / 4.5 periods
Follows the current ACSM guidelines for health appraisal, risk assessment, safety of exercise, exercise testing, and exercise prescription. Prerequisites: None.
EXS146
Sports Nutrition for Fitness Professionals / .5 credit / .5 period
Advanced principles and applications in sports nutrition for fitness professionals/trainers. Topics include nutrient needs, effectiveness and usage of ergogenic aids, sports nutrition diet, and program development. Prerequisites: FON100 or permission of instructor.
EXS172
Exercise Prescription for Individuals with Disabilities / 1 credit / 1 period
Practical application of general principles of exercise prescription for persons with disabilities. Prerequisites: None.
EXS177
Water Safety Instructor / 2 credits / 3 periods
Techniques, methods, and procedures of teaching swimming and life saving as designed by American Red Cross. Qualified students earn the American Red Cross water safety instructor certification. Prerequisites: None.
EXS198CS
Projects in Community Service / 3 credits / 3 periods
This course gives the student opportunity to gain work experience in an area of community service which helps relate his or her academic interests to real-life situations. Student and instructor select assignments from an available list of community agencies and organizations which have indicated a need for volunteer workers. The student attends a one-hour seminar weekly and in addition, for each credit in special projects he or she must devote a minimum of 60 hours each semester in designated volunteer assignments. Prerequisites: None.
EXS265BA
Baseball Theory of Coaching / 3 credits / 3 periods
Theory and techniques of coaching baseball as a competitive sport. May not be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: None.
EXS265BB
Basketball Theory of Coaching / 3 credits / 3 periods
Theory and techniques of coaching basketball as a competitive sport. May not be repeated for credits. Prerequisites: None.
EXS265FB
Football Theory of Coaching / 3 credits / 3 periods
Theory and techniques of coaching football as a competitive sport. May not be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D)
EXS265VB
Volleyball Theory of Coaching / 3 credits / 3 periods
Theory and technique of coaching volleyball as a competitive sport. May not be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: None.
EXS298
Special Projects / 1-3 credits
See page 288.
Recreation Courses (REC)
REC120
Leisure and the
Quality of Life / 3 credits / 3 periods
Overview of the historical, psychological, social, and cultural aspects of play, leisure, and recreation and their role in contemporary society. Nature of play and leisure behavior in human development within different cultures and the contribution play, recreation, and leisure make to the quality of life for individuals in today’s society. Prerequisites: None. (F)
REC150AB
Outdoor Adventure Skills / 3 credits / 3 periods
Camping and outdoor skills including types of camping, equipment selection and use, cooking and fire building, camp programs, backpacking, and safety. Prerequisites: None. (F,S)
REC210
Leisure Delivery Systems / 3 credits / 3 periods
Systematic study of Delivery of Leisure Services in public, commercial, and independent sectors; particular emphasis placed on the urban setting. Prerequisites: None. (S)
Wellness Education Courses (WED)
WED151
Overview of
Alternative Medicine / 3 credits / 3 periods
Definition of health; exploration of mind-body-spirit connection in health; various therapeutic modalities; identification of strengths and limitations of alternative therapies. Also includes development of ability to critically review written material in the alternative therapy area. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su1)
WED162
Meditation and Wellness / 1 credit / 1 period
Physiology of meditation and its effects on physical and mental health; scholastic abilities and interpersonal relationships; differentiation between meditation and other relaxation techniques. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su1,Su2)
WED172
Overview of
Herbal Remedies / 1 credit / 1 period
History and evolution of herbs for healing applications. Preparation, usage, and effects of certain herbs used for healing purposes. Basic literature review skills in the area of herbal medicine. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su1)
WED218
Aromatherapy / 1 credit / 1 period
Physiology of aromatherapy; methods of use; preparation of oils; uses in sports, beauty care, massage, child care, health care, at work, and in the home. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su1)


