CONTACT
Nancy Naternicola
E-mail: Nancy.Naternicola@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-3295 ext. 5208
Nancy's web page
The West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences' Department of Coaching and Teaching Studies is now offering a Group Fitness Instructor Minor. The Group Fitness Instructor Minor is designed to prepare students for a professional career in designing and conducting comprehensive group fitness exercise programs.
Students will demonstrate the necessary professional competencies to design and teach group fitness exercise classes in step, hi/lo, interval, and use of resistance equipment using appropriate music tempo and progressive choreography. In addition students will specialize in three of the following: Fitness Yoga, Indoor Cycling, Mat Pilates, Kickboxing, and Aqua Fitness.
More specifically, students will design safe and effective group fitness exercise programs that adhere to all codes, laws, regulations, and procedures within the recognized scope of practice for group fitness instructors set by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise.
No pre-requisites are required. This minor is open to all WVU students. Required and elective courses for the Group Fitness Minor are 3 weeks long, or 2-day weekends, and are offered during the summer months only. An internship course is mandatory when all courses below are completed and can be completed any time throughout the year.
Curriculum
RECQUIRED COURSE OF STUDY (3 week courses)
ACE 460 FITNESS MANAGEMENT – 3 hr credit (SUMMER May 19 – June 6)
Course Goal: To provide content knowledge, and practical experiences in the management and operations of health-fitness facilities and aerobic studios..
ACE 470 METHODS OF AEROBIC INSTR – 3 hr credit (SUMMER May 19 – June 6)
Course Goal : To provide theoretical framework, content knowledge, practical experiences, and leadership skills needed to teach group-led exercise classes including step, hi/lo, interval, and the use of resistance equipment. The course will include basic analysis and application of safe and effective exercise procedures for all fitness levels.
ACE 464 LIFESTYLE & WT MANAGEMENT – 3 hr credit (SUMMER July 21 – Aug 8)
Course Goals: To provide content knowledge, and practical experiences in a weight management program including exercise, nutrition, basics of behavior change, and health psychology.
ACE 476 FITNESS INTERNSHIP – 3-6 credit hrs (Fall/Spring/Summer)
(Prerequisites: ACE 460,464, 470, and 3hrs electives)
Course Goal: Supervised professional experience in fitness environment under the direction of a professional at the site.
ELECTIVE COURSE OF STUDY (1 weekend course)
(Minimum 3 credit hours)
ACE FITNESS YOGA INSTR – 1 credit hour (1 weekend SUMMER June 14/15)
(Prerequisite: ACE 470)
Course Goal: To provide content knowledge and practical experience in teaching a group-led Yoga class.
ACE PILATES MAT INSTR – 1 credit hour (1 weekend SUMMER July 26/27)
(Prerequisite: ACE 470)
Course Goal: To provide content knowledge and practical experience in teaching a group-led Pilates mat class.
ACE 474 AQUATIC FITNESS INSTR – 1 credit hour (1 weekend SUMMER June 28/29)
(Prerequisite: ACE 470)
Course Goal: To provide content knowledge and practical experience in teaching a group-led Aquatic class.
ACE GROUP CYCLING INSTR – 1 credit hour (1 weekend SUMMER June 21/22)
(Prerequisite: ACE 470)
Course Goal: To provide content knowledge and practical experience in teaching a group-led Cycling class.
ACE KICKBOXING INSTR – 1 credit hour (1 weekend SUMMER July 19/20)
(Prerequisite: ACE 470)
Course Goal: To provide content knowledge and practical experience in teaching a group-led Kickboxing class.
Links
WVU Ahletic Coaching Education (ACE) Home
Bachelor of Science Degree in ACE
Master of Science Degree in ACE
Updated 06/13/08 sb