10109121Introduction to Fitness, Recreation, & Wellness
Course Information
Description
This course is an introduction to the fitness, recreation, and wellness industry. Emphasis will be placed on career pathways, informational interviewing, professional organizations and certifications, scope of practice, future of the industry, and personal development. Students will investigate and implement personal branding through websites, social media, marketing, and personal business materials.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Explore Madison College resources to support academic success (disability services, career center, learning center, tutoring services, and library).
    Assessment Strategies
    Reflection, Facilitation Exercises
    Criteria
    Identify resources at Madison College
    Evaluate the importance of each resource to personal academic goals and needs
    Describe at least three specific ways each resource could be utilized to enhance academic success

  2. Explore career paths, certifications, opportunities, and employment in the field of fitness, recreation and wellness.
    Assessment Strategies
    Reflection, Scenario Response, cover letter, resume, and branding guide
    Criteria
    Describe various career paths within the fitness, recreation, and wellness field
    Analyze the requirements for certifications and qualifications in chosen career paths
    Evaluate potential opportunities for employment within the field

  3. Examine the national professional organizations in the fitness and wellness field.
    Assessment Strategies
    Group Discussion, Industry Engagement Event (in person or virtual)
    Criteria
    Identify major national professional organizations relevant to the fitness and wellness field
    Discuss the roles and functions of these organizations within the industry
    Describe benefits of membership in these organizations for professional development
    Justify the significance of professional organizations in the field

  4. Investigate the history of the fitness, recreation, and wellness field, the current industry landscape, and the current scope of practices for those in the field.
    Assessment Strategies
    Case Study
    Criteria
    Describe the historical evolution of the fitness, recreation, and wellness field
    Analyze the current industry landscape, including trends and developments
    Explore the scope of practices and roles within the field, considering diverse perspectives
    Case study response includes historical context, industry landscape, and current practices
    Explore socio-historical understanding of inequalities and underrepresentation in the fitness, recreation, and wellness industry
    Explore different abilities and their experience with fitness, recreation, and wellness
    Analyze activities outside of the individual's normal exposure to leisure activities
    Examine the use of leisure/recreation time for Americans vs a global perspective

  5. Examine professional paths in personal training, health coaching, group fitness, nutrition, recreation, and corporate wellness.
    Assessment Strategies
    Self- Reflection, Informational Interview, Report
    Criteria
    Describe various professional paths within personal training, nutrition, health coaching, group fitness, nutrition, recreation, outdoor adventure, and wellness
    Describe your personal interests, strengths, and goals related to these professional paths
    Informational interview includes a professional in one of the chosen fields
    Report includes insights gained from the interview
    Report includes a reflection on the interview’s relevance to personal career aspirations
    Report includes potential job opportunities that align with professional pathways

  6. Implement social media concepts and/or platforms, websites, and business materials.
    Assessment Strategies
    Portfolio, Presentation
    Criteria
    Evaluate social media platforms and websites for professional use in the fitness, recreation, and wellness field
    Portfolio includes business materials such as sample social media content, website design concepts, and self-promotional materials including but not limited to a resume, cover letter, discovering your story, present and future bio, elevator pitch, and branding guide
    Apply branding concepts, marketing strategies, and audience engagement techniques to your portfolio and presentation
    Presentation showcases your creativity, professionalism, and alignment with industry standards

  7. Explore teamwork and community building
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, Reflection
    Criteria
    Describe the characteristics of strong teams
    Apply the principles and practices of effective teamwork
    Work cooperatively to support common goals
    Recognize your bias and general tendencies for responding to people
    Contribute to team with ideas
    Complete share of tasks
    Empower team members by active listening and validating other’s contributions
    Contribution to building a sense of community and camaraderie among peers

  8. Communicate effectively
    Assessment Strategies
    Scenarios, Peer and Instructor Feedback, Email messaging, Speaking
    Criteria
    Language is clear and concise in written and verbal interactions, including emails, conversations, and presentations
    Use language and tone appropriate to the context and audience
    Articulate ideas, express thoughts and opinions, and actively listen during conversations
    Demonstrate empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution skills in problem-solving situations
    Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in responding to unexpected challenges or changes in circumstances
    Respond to feedback for skill enhancement