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: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; MATH 050 or MATH 050D or MATH 053 or appropriate placement 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: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; MATH 053 or appropriate placement 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: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; MATH 050 or MATH 050D or MATH 053 or appropriate placement 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: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; MATH 033 or MATH 033B or appropriate placement This course provides an overview of the study of movement as it relates to exercise under both normal and injury conditions. Students will 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 to the analysis of movement. This course is designed for the student pursuing a career in the fitness industry, a certificate in the Fitness Specialist Program, or those interested in furthering their understanding of the biomechanical effects of exercise on the body. | ||
Choose two: KINA 130 / KINA 134 / KINA 136 / KINA 158 / KINA 230 / KINA 258 / DANC 114 / DANC 167 M | 1.0 | |
KINA 130 - Lifelong Fitness Laboratory (1.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This 45-hour self-paced physical fitness laboratory is designed for all students of the college to develop and encourage positive attitudes and habits with regards to health-related fitness components, including cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and muscular strength and endurance. Each student, upon entry, will be assessed for risk factors and medical history, as well as body composition, cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility to establish an individual fitness profile. From this profile, an individual exercise prescription will be developed. Fitness activity will primarily utilize exercise equipment organized into an aerobic super circuit with additional activity prescribed in the aerobics machine area, body parts weight training area, and flexibility area. It is expected that the student will attend an average of three 50-minute exercise sessions each week. Additional assessment at the conclusion of the semester will provide data necessary to evaluate the accomplishment of stated goals. Offered on a Credit/No-Credit basis. KINA 134 - Cardio Boot Camp (1.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement This course introduces students to the basic Pilates floor exercises, which are designed to increase strength in the abdominal and spinal musculature. Students will engage in activities and exercises designed to increase awareness of body alignment, increase strength in the torso, spine and limbs, increase endurance, learn breathing techniques to utilize in strength training exercises, increase coordination, improve balance, and will learn 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, athletics, and individuals seeking to increase strength to better support the spine in everyday activities. KINA 158 - Yoga I (1.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement This course is designed for the beginning student who would like 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 the student tools to better manage stress, alleviate physical tensions, and encourage optimum fitness. In this introductory course, students learn proper physical alignment in the standing poses (Sun Salutation Series A-C, Warrior 1-2, Downward Dog, Upward Dog, Cobra, Triangle, Crescent), the floor poses (Staff, Lotus, Cobbler, Twists, Backbends), and in elementary inversions (Inverted Leg Rest, Headstand Preparation, WallDog Preparation). KINA 230 - Lifelong Fitness Center II - Cardiovascular Fitness (1.0 units) Prerequisite: KINA 130 This course is designed to give the student skills and information to improve their own cardiovascular fitness. This class will involve instruction and practice in techniques that will promote cardiovascular fitness: running, jump rope, core training, aerobic activity, aerobic circuit, and resistance bands. The student will learn about the importance of blood pressure, heart rate, and diet in relation to cardiovascular disease. KINA 258 - Yoga II (1.0 units) Prerequisite: KINA 158 This course is designed for intermediate students who would like to advance their 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 the students in their physical practice by increasing sustainment, perfecting alignment, and by 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 will be covered in depth during the course. DANC 114 - Conditioning and Alignment for the Dancer (1.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is designed to provide the physical training and preparation for students interested in dance, yoga, Pilates, and athletics, and is suitable for individuals 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: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; Latin Dance for Fitness combines dance, Latin and Funk rhythms, and aerobic elements to provide a fun, upbeat, cardiovascular workout. Students will constantly move to various genres of Latin music, utilizing various tempos. Salsa, Cha-Cha, Tango, Mambo, Latin Jazz, and Hip-Hop rhythms will be incorporated. Students will build stamina, while increasing cardiovascular fitness. This course is designed to help students develop aerobic capacity, coordination, balance, rhythmic awareness, and flexibility. This class will also include 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 will 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, 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: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; MATH 053 or MATH 053B or appropriate placement 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: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course provides an introduction to 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 the student pursuing a career in the fitness industry, a certificate in the Fitness Specialist Program, as well as those 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: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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 two: KINA 130 / KINA 134 / KINA 136 / KINA 158 / KINA 230 / KINA 258 / DANC 114 / DANC 167 M | 1.0 | |
KINA 130 - Lifelong Fitness Laboratory (1.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This 45-hour self-paced physical fitness laboratory is designed for all students of the college to develop and encourage positive attitudes and habits with regards to health-related fitness components, including cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and muscular strength and endurance. Each student, upon entry, will be assessed for risk factors and medical history, as well as body composition, cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility to establish an individual fitness profile. From this profile, an individual exercise prescription will be developed. Fitness activity will primarily utilize exercise equipment organized into an aerobic super circuit with additional activity prescribed in the aerobics machine area, body parts weight training area, and flexibility area. It is expected that the student will attend an average of three 50-minute exercise sessions each week. Additional assessment at the conclusion of the semester will provide data necessary to evaluate the accomplishment of stated goals. Offered on a Credit/No-Credit basis. KINA 134 - Cardio Boot Camp (1.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement This course introduces students to the basic Pilates floor exercises, which are designed to increase strength in the abdominal and spinal musculature. Students will engage in activities and exercises designed to increase awareness of body alignment, increase strength in the torso, spine and limbs, increase endurance, learn breathing techniques to utilize in strength training exercises, increase coordination, improve balance, and will learn 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, athletics, and individuals seeking to increase strength to better support the spine in everyday activities. KINA 158 - Yoga I (1.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement This course is designed for the beginning student who would like 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 the student tools to better manage stress, alleviate physical tensions, and encourage optimum fitness. In this introductory course, students learn proper physical alignment in the standing poses (Sun Salutation Series A-C, Warrior 1-2, Downward Dog, Upward Dog, Cobra, Triangle, Crescent), the floor poses (Staff, Lotus, Cobbler, Twists, Backbends), and in elementary inversions (Inverted Leg Rest, Headstand Preparation, WallDog Preparation). KINA 230 - Lifelong Fitness Center II - Cardiovascular Fitness (1.0 units) Prerequisite: KINA 130 This course is designed to give the student skills and information to improve their own cardiovascular fitness. This class will involve instruction and practice in techniques that will promote cardiovascular fitness: running, jump rope, core training, aerobic activity, aerobic circuit, and resistance bands. The student will learn about the importance of blood pressure, heart rate, and diet in relation to cardiovascular disease. KINA 258 - Yoga II (1.0 units) Prerequisite: KINA 158 This course is designed for intermediate students who would like to advance their 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 the students in their physical practice by increasing sustainment, perfecting alignment, and by 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 will be covered in depth during the course. DANC 114 - Conditioning and Alignment for the Dancer (1.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is designed to provide the physical training and preparation for students interested in dance, yoga, Pilates, and athletics, and is suitable for individuals 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: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; Latin Dance for Fitness combines dance, Latin and Funk rhythms, and aerobic elements to provide a fun, upbeat, cardiovascular workout. Students will constantly move to various genres of Latin music, utilizing various tempos. Salsa, Cha-Cha, Tango, Mambo, Latin Jazz, and Hip-Hop rhythms will be incorporated. Students will build stamina, while increasing cardiovascular fitness. This course is designed to help students develop aerobic capacity, coordination, balance, rhythmic awareness, and flexibility. This class will also include 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 will 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 | |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
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.
For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions please click here: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
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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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