The Fitness Specialist Certificate Program is designed to prepare students for employment as fitness instructors and a career in the rapidly expanding health and fitness industry. Students will gain academic knowledge and fitness skills through the required coursework, as well as develop the skills necessary to apply this knowledge in a vocational setting. The certificate is designed to be completed in one calendar year for students who attend full-time and may lead to immediate employment opportunities. The curriculum has been designed to equip the student with the scientific background, both theoretical and practical, to successfully customize fitness programs that include education and guidance on nutrition, weight control, flexibility, core strength, cardiovascular exercise and resistance training. Students will also be prepared to pass national certification exams in health, fitness, strength and conditioning. The program will prepare students for transfer to a university in order to pursue a higher degree in various areas of study.
Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
KIN 122 - Nutrition for Sport and FitnessM | 3.0 | |
KIN 122 - Nutrition for Sport and Fitness (3.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts. This course provides an overview of the role of nutrition to increase energy and enhance performance. Nutrients such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water will be introduced. The digestive system and metabolic systems will be discussed. Sport and exercise nutrient needs before, during, and after exercise are evaluated for their effect on optimal health and performance. Carbohydrate loading, popular diets, and supplementation are discussed. This course is designed for the student pursuing a career in the fitness industry; certificates in Fitness Specialist, Coaching of Sport, Sport and Performance Coach, and Community Health Worker; and/or the A.A. in Dance and the A.S in Sports Medicine, as well as those interested in furthering their understanding of the effects of nutrition on the mind and body. | ||
KIN 126 - Principles of Strength and ConditioningM | 3.0 | |
KIN 126 - Principles of Strength and Conditioning (3.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts. This course includes information needed for students who intend to teach strength and conditioning. The course covers anatomy and physiology, bioenergetics, biomechanics, training adaptations, exercise and equipment selection, training techniques, program design, and safety factors. This course is designed for students pursuing a career in the fitness industry; Fitness Specialist, Strength and Performance Coach, or Coaching of Sport Certificates; or an AS in Sports Medicine; and/or students interested in furthering their understanding of the effects of exercise on the body and mind. | ||
KIN 127 - Exercise PhysiologyM | 3.0 | |
KIN 127 - Exercise Physiology (3.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts. This course provides an overview of the body systems and their functions under conditions of exercise stress, including how fitness training affects health, wellness, and performance. Emphasis will be placed on the muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, metabolic/bioenergetic, and neurological systems, as well as the physiological processes that are affected by exercise. The effects of various diseases and exercise immunology will also be addressed. This course is designed for the student pursuing a career in the fitness industry, a Certificate of Achievement in Fitness Specialist or Strength and Performance Coach, the Associate of Arts in Dance, or those interested in furthering their understanding of the effects of exercise on the body and mind. | ||
KIN 131 - Functional Anatomy of MovementM | 3.0 | |
KIN 131 - Functional Anatomy of Movement (3.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts. This course provides an overview of the study of movement as it relates to exercise under both normal and injury conditions. Students learn the basic anatomical principals used specifically in the area of human performance. Emphasis is placed on applying body alignment, range of motion, stabilization, and acceleration principles important to the analysis of movement. This course is designed for students pursuing careers in the fitness industry or a certificate in either the Fitness Specialist Program, Mat Pilates Instructor, or Peak Performance for Sport. It is also for students interested in furthering their understanding of the biomechanical effects of exercise on the body. | ||
Select one: KINA 130 / KINA 134 / KINA 136 / KINA 158 / KINA 230 / KINA 258 / DANC 114 / DANC 167 M | 1.0 | |
KINA 130 - Fitness and Wellness Laboratory (1.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This course is a self-paced physical fitness laboratory designed to develop and encourage positive health and wellness attitudes and habits. Topics include cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, body composition, muscular strength, and endurance. Students are assessed in each of these areas, and an individual fitness profile is established. Fitness activities primarily utilize exercises organized into an aerobic super circuit with additional activities prescribed to increase strength and flexibility. KINA 134 - Cardio Boot Camp (1.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This course is designed for students who want to improve their cardiovascular and core fitness levels. Students learn lifelong skills to improve their health. Workout skills such as core strengthening, cardiovascular fitness, step aerobics, and flexibility training are covered. Instruction includes proper diet, heart rate monitoring, skills proficiency, and fitness program planning. KINA 136 - Pilates Mat I (1.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written college composition and read college-level texts. This course introduces students to the basic Pilates floor exercises, which are designed to increase strength in abdominal and spinal musculature. Students engage in activities and exercises designed to increase awareness of body alignment; strength in the torso, spine, and limbs; and endurance. By engaging in activities, students also learn breathing techniques to utilize in strength training exercises, how to increase coordination and improve balance, and about the muscle groups and their actions being utilized during traditional Pilates mat work. This course is suitable for students interested in conditioning, dance, Hatha Yoga, and athletics, as well as students seeking to increase strength to better support the spine during everyday activities. KINA 158 - Yoga I (1.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written college composition and read college-level texts. This introductory course is designed for beginning students who want to learn the fundamental physical Asanas (poses) of Hatha Yoga as well as Pranayama (breathing techniques) and Dhyana (meditation techniques). The goal of the course is to integrate the mind, body, and spirit and to give students tools to better manage stress, alleviate physical tensions, and encourage optimum fitness. In the course, students learn proper physical alignment in the standing poses (i.e., Sun Salutation Series A-C, Warrior 1-2, Downward Dog, Upward Dog, Cobra, Triangle, Crescent); the floor poses (i.e., Staff, Lotus, Cobbler, Twists, Backbends); and elementary inversions (i.e., Inverted Leg Rest, Headstand Preparation, Wall-Dog Preparation). This course is a requirement for the Yoga Teacher Training Certificate of Achievement (C.O.A.) and an elective for the Fitness Specialist C.O.A. KINA 230 - Fitness and Wellness Laboratory II (1.0 units) Prerequisite: KINA 130 This course is a self-paced physical fitness laboratory designed to develop and encourage positive health and wellness attitudes and habits. The course provides students with the skills and information needed to improve cardiovascular fitness through activities like running, rowing, cycling, core training, aerobic activity, aerobic circuit, and resistance bands. Students learn about the importance of nutrition, blood pressure, heart rate, and exercise target zones in relation to cardiovascular disease. KINA 258 - Yoga II (1.0 units) Prerequisite: KINA 158 This course is designed for intermediate students who want to advance their familiarity with the physical asanas (poses) of Hatha Yoga as well as Pranayama (breathing techniques) and Dhyana (meditation techniques). The goal of the course is to integrate the mind, body, and spirit and to further challenge students in their physical practice by increasing sustainment, perfecting alignment, and incorporating twists and wraps. Parivrtta Trikonasana, Prasarita Padottanasana, Malasana, Garudasana, Natasajasana, Utthita Hasta Padangustasana, Chaturanga Dandasana, Purvottanasana, Navasana, Virasana, Ustrasana, Matsyasana, Sarvangasana, Suryya Namaskar B are covered in depth during the course. This course is required for the Yoga Teacher Training Certificate of Achievement (C.O.A.) DANC 114 - Conditioning and Alignment (1.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This course is designed to provide the physical training and preparation for students interested in dance, Yoga, Pilates, and athletics, and is suitable for students seeking to move with greater efficiency and less pain in everyday activities. Students learn how to move safely and effectively while developing strength, flexibility, proper alignment, agility, balance, and coordination. Coursework is designed for those who want to work at a more deliberate pace and in a non-competitive atmosphere, or who are recovering from prior injury. DANC 167 - Latin Dance for Fitness (1.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This course combines dance, Latin and Funk rhythms, and aerobic elements to provide a fun, upbeat, cardiovascular workout. Students constantly move to various genres of Latin music utilizing various tempos. Salsa, Cha-Cha, Tango, Mambo, Latin Jazz, and Hip-Hop rhythms are incorporated in instruction, and by which students build stamina while increasing cardiovascular fitness. This course is designed to help students develop aerobic capacity, coordination, balance, rhythmic awareness, and flexibility. This class also includes exercises to build abdominal strength, lower body strength, and upper body strength. Classes may incorporate sections with small handheld weights, exercise bands, and/or other fitness props to further develop strength and endurance. Students build a foundation for a personalized exercise and fitness program that can be continued after the course has ended. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0 | |
2nd Semester | ||
KIN 115 - Fitness Specialist InternshipM | 2.0 | |
KIN 115 - Fitness Specialist Internship (2.0 units) Prerequisite: Instructor approval and KIN 126, KIN 127, KIN 131 This course will provide students with practical experience in the fields of health, fitness, and exercise instruction. Emphasis is placed on participant screening, evaluation, fitness assessment, exercise program design, nutrition and health education, and principles of exercise science. The course includes career preparation, self-marketing and social media, trainer-client relationship building, and professional responsibility in a fitness setting. This course is designed for the student pursuing a career in the fitness industry and/or a Certificate of Achievement in the Fitness Specialist Program, as well as those interested in furthering their understanding of the effects of exercise on the mind and body. Instructor approval is required for enrollment. | ||
KIN 128 - Fitness Testing and Exercise PrescriptionM | 3.0 | |
KIN 128 - Fitness Testing and Exercise Prescription (3.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts. This course provides an overview of how to assess and evaluate the results of cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, body fat, pulmonary function, blood pressure, postural analysis, and functional movement. Emphasis is placed on determining appropriate tests, conducting the tests, interpreting results, and creating exercise programs. This course is designed for students pursuing a career in the fitness industry or for the Fitness Specialist and Strength and Performance Coach certificates, as well as those interested in furthering their understanding of the effects of exercise on the body. | ||
KIN 145 - Theory and Analysis of Fitness InstructionM | 2.0 | |
KIN 145 - Theory and Analysis of Fitness Instruction (2.0 units) Advisory:This introductory course covers the principles and techniques involved in teaching group exercise and developing a personal trainer/client relationship. Emphasis is placed on client assessment, communication skills, program design, exercise adherence, teaching strategies, and professional responsibility and liability. This course is designed for students pursuing a career in the fitness industry or a certificate in the Fitness Specialist Program, as well as students interested in furthering their understanding of the effects of exercise on the mind and body. | ||
KIN 146 - Training Principles for Special PopulationsM | 2.0 | |
KIN 146 - Training Principles for Special Populations (2.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This course provides an overview of the exercise implications for special populations related to age, medical condition, and level of fitness. Emphasis is placed on cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, exercise-induced asthma, metabolic disorders, diabetes, obesity, orthopedic injuries, physical disabilities, auto-immune issues, sensory impairments, mental challenges, geriatrics/seniors, children, pregnant and post-partum women, and the issues and challenges of exercise. This course is designed for the student pursuing a career in the fitness industry; a certificate in Fitness Specialist, Yoga Teacher Training, and Community Health Worker Program; as well as those interested in furthering their understanding of the effects of exercise on the mind and body. | ||
Select one: KINA 130 / KINA 134 / KINA 136 / KINA 158 / KINA 230 / KINA 258 / DANC 114 / DANC 167 M | 1.0 | |
KINA 130 - Fitness and Wellness Laboratory (1.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This course is a self-paced physical fitness laboratory designed to develop and encourage positive health and wellness attitudes and habits. Topics include cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, body composition, muscular strength, and endurance. Students are assessed in each of these areas, and an individual fitness profile is established. Fitness activities primarily utilize exercises organized into an aerobic super circuit with additional activities prescribed to increase strength and flexibility. KINA 134 - Cardio Boot Camp (1.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This course is designed for students who want to improve their cardiovascular and core fitness levels. Students learn lifelong skills to improve their health. Workout skills such as core strengthening, cardiovascular fitness, step aerobics, and flexibility training are covered. Instruction includes proper diet, heart rate monitoring, skills proficiency, and fitness program planning. KINA 136 - Pilates Mat I (1.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written college composition and read college-level texts. This course introduces students to the basic Pilates floor exercises, which are designed to increase strength in abdominal and spinal musculature. Students engage in activities and exercises designed to increase awareness of body alignment; strength in the torso, spine, and limbs; and endurance. By engaging in activities, students also learn breathing techniques to utilize in strength training exercises, how to increase coordination and improve balance, and about the muscle groups and their actions being utilized during traditional Pilates mat work. This course is suitable for students interested in conditioning, dance, Hatha Yoga, and athletics, as well as students seeking to increase strength to better support the spine during everyday activities. KINA 158 - Yoga I (1.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written college composition and read college-level texts. This introductory course is designed for beginning students who want to learn the fundamental physical Asanas (poses) of Hatha Yoga as well as Pranayama (breathing techniques) and Dhyana (meditation techniques). The goal of the course is to integrate the mind, body, and spirit and to give students tools to better manage stress, alleviate physical tensions, and encourage optimum fitness. In the course, students learn proper physical alignment in the standing poses (i.e., Sun Salutation Series A-C, Warrior 1-2, Downward Dog, Upward Dog, Cobra, Triangle, Crescent); the floor poses (i.e., Staff, Lotus, Cobbler, Twists, Backbends); and elementary inversions (i.e., Inverted Leg Rest, Headstand Preparation, Wall-Dog Preparation). This course is a requirement for the Yoga Teacher Training Certificate of Achievement (C.O.A.) and an elective for the Fitness Specialist C.O.A. KINA 230 - Fitness and Wellness Laboratory II (1.0 units) Prerequisite: KINA 130 This course is a self-paced physical fitness laboratory designed to develop and encourage positive health and wellness attitudes and habits. The course provides students with the skills and information needed to improve cardiovascular fitness through activities like running, rowing, cycling, core training, aerobic activity, aerobic circuit, and resistance bands. Students learn about the importance of nutrition, blood pressure, heart rate, and exercise target zones in relation to cardiovascular disease. KINA 258 - Yoga II (1.0 units) Prerequisite: KINA 158 This course is designed for intermediate students who want to advance their familiarity with the physical asanas (poses) of Hatha Yoga as well as Pranayama (breathing techniques) and Dhyana (meditation techniques). The goal of the course is to integrate the mind, body, and spirit and to further challenge students in their physical practice by increasing sustainment, perfecting alignment, and incorporating twists and wraps. Parivrtta Trikonasana, Prasarita Padottanasana, Malasana, Garudasana, Natasajasana, Utthita Hasta Padangustasana, Chaturanga Dandasana, Purvottanasana, Navasana, Virasana, Ustrasana, Matsyasana, Sarvangasana, Suryya Namaskar B are covered in depth during the course. This course is required for the Yoga Teacher Training Certificate of Achievement (C.O.A.) DANC 114 - Conditioning and Alignment (1.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This course is designed to provide the physical training and preparation for students interested in dance, Yoga, Pilates, and athletics, and is suitable for students seeking to move with greater efficiency and less pain in everyday activities. Students learn how to move safely and effectively while developing strength, flexibility, proper alignment, agility, balance, and coordination. Coursework is designed for those who want to work at a more deliberate pace and in a non-competitive atmosphere, or who are recovering from prior injury. DANC 167 - Latin Dance for Fitness (1.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This course combines dance, Latin and Funk rhythms, and aerobic elements to provide a fun, upbeat, cardiovascular workout. Students constantly move to various genres of Latin music utilizing various tempos. Salsa, Cha-Cha, Tango, Mambo, Latin Jazz, and Hip-Hop rhythms are incorporated in instruction, and by which students build stamina while increasing cardiovascular fitness. This course is designed to help students develop aerobic capacity, coordination, balance, rhythmic awareness, and flexibility. This class also includes exercises to build abdominal strength, lower body strength, and upper body strength. Classes may incorporate sections with small handheld weights, exercise bands, and/or other fitness props to further develop strength and endurance. Students build a foundation for a personalized exercise and fitness program that can be continued after the course has ended. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 10.0 | |
Total Units for Kinesiology - Fitness Specialist COA program | 23.0 | |
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor. |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet. |
Students will analyze individual health and fitness levels and create individual exercise programs.
Students will apply and demonstrate exercise testing skills and techniques to real world situations, such as individual client fitness assessments.
Students will adapt to diverse populations and fitness levels and have an awareness of special needs individuals.
Students will apply fitness concepts, definitions, and principles to personal training, group fitness instructions, or health and fitness settings.
Students will have a career in the personal training or fitness instructor field, or transfer to a 4-year institution, within 3 years.
Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.
Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
Phone: (562) 692-0921
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