Course

10109127 Fitness, Recreation, & Wellness Practical Lab
Course Information
Description
In this capstone course, students will be assigned clients to expand their knowledge and skills in the industry. Students will develop, implement, and evaluate individualized and/or group programming for the Madison College community to improve overall health and well-being. Students will be supervised and evaluated on their practical skills by the instructor of this course.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Demonstrate effective rapport-building techniques with clients in order to build and maintain collaborative relationships
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Response, Case Study, Skill Demonstration, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Demonstrate active listening
    Demonstrate non-verbal cues (eye contact, posture)
    Use open-ended questions to discover client motivations
    Create an inclusive environment by developing awareness of, and demonstrating sensitivity to, diverse populations
    Adhere to professional ethics, boundary guidelines, and communication protocols during sessions and written correspondence
    Justify the establishment and enforcement of personal and professional boundaries in the client–coach relationship

  2. Guide clients to take responsibility for personal health and healthy lifestyle choices
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Response, Case Study, Skill Demonstration, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Identify strengths and challenges
    Match resources to specific client needs
    Distinguish between internal motivations and external barriers to help clients take ownership of their lifestyle choices
    Identify when and where to refer clients for additional support and services

  3. Facilitate client-directed behavior change using evidence-based coaching strategies to promote healthy lifestyle choices
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Response, Case Study, Skill Demonstration, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Recognize a client’s readiness to change
    Tailor coaching strategies to influence progress through the stages of change
    Use problem-solving skills and coping strategies to overcome barriers and manage setbacks

  4. Design individualized plans based on interviews, screenings, assessment data, and goals
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Response, Case Study, Skill Demonstration, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Explain the purpose of screening and assessment tools
    Plan shows evidence of progression towards healthful lifestyle management
    Plan integrates results of interviews, screenings, and assessment data
    Plan includes exercise and lifestyle programming
    Plan is tailored to specific client goals and assessment findings

  5. Implement individualized plans using evidence-based coaching practices
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Response, Case Study, and/or Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Demonstrate active listening
    Demonstrate non-verbal cues (eye contact, posture)
    Apply evidence-based coaching (e.g., SMART goals)
    Adjust the session pace based on client feedback
    Coach participants on proper movements using physical demonstration
    Use verbal and nonverbal communication
    Implementation improves participant technique and form, reduces risk of injury, and improves performance

  6. Evaluate plan effectiveness in collaboration with clients to monitor outcomes and support progress toward goals
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Response, Case Study, and/or Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Accept constructive feedback
    Metrics are tracked consistently
    Incremental progress is documented
    Progress is compared to specific behavioral goals established in the baseline plan
    Behaviors are executed within targeted range from the baseline plan
    Barriers are identified
    Plan is adjusted, goals are scaled up or down

  7. Adhere to legal requirements, the ACE Code of Ethics, and scope-of-practice guidelines
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Response, Case Study, and/or Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Relate legal requirements, ethics, and scope-of-practice guidelines to client protection and risk management
    Coaching activities and documentation adhere to the ACE Code of Ethics and legal requirements
    Defend professional boundaries by operating within the defined role’s scope of practice to manage risk

  8. Examine strategies and resources to stay current in technology and industry standards for health and wellness professionals
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Response, Case Study, and/or Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Evaluate wellness practices against current evidence-based standards, organizational policies, and legal procedures to ensure client safety
    Analyze industry information to distinguish between scientifically backed facts and wellness myths, citing credible research sources
    Explore industry-standard digital platforms and assessment tools to design, implement, and track individualized client programming

  9. Use evidence-based coaching strategies
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Response, Case Study, and/or Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Strategies align with the client’s current psychological readiness and stated wellness goals
    Use motivational interviewing strategies
    Use the SMART goal framework