OHIO has many majors inspired by health and fitness

Photo courtesy of: University Communications and MarketingPersonal training with an OHIO student is one way to improve your fitness

Groups across the country will participate in health and fitness events Wednesday, Sept. 26, in honor of Women’s Health & Fitness Day. The health promotion focuses on the importance of regular physical activity and health awareness for women.

Ohio University offers several exercise majors for students interested in fitness, dance, dance performance and choreography, sport and lifestyle studies, sports management, sports coaching and exercise physiology. 

"Almost everyone knows the weight control, muscle strength, disease control, anxiety reduction and cognitive benefits of exercise, but students who choose exercise physiology as their major understand these benefits in a deeper and more meaningful way,” said Robert Galbreath, associate professor of exercise physiology, OHIO Eastern campus. “This deeper understanding helps them better incorporate fitness into their daily lives and therefore, get the most out of life."

The exercise physiology program at OHIO allows students to develop the skills to evaluate physical fitness and to design and administer exercise programs for diverse populations. Students develop an understanding of how the body responds and adapts to exercise.

This degree includes coursework in basic sciences and science-based classes specific to exercise, exercise prescription, resistance training, motor development and biomechanics.

Three areas of focus are offered:

• Exercise Physiology Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration – Provides students with a background in life sciences and applied exercise sciences.
• Exercise Physiology Research – Prepares students for a career in a research environment, such as academia. A greater emphasis on biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology is involved.
• Exercise Physiology Applications – Prepares students to work with individuals or groups to promote physical fitness, health and performance including clinical, rehabilitation and athletic performance.

Many exercise physiology students use their degree to prepare for graduate level professional programs as a physician assistant, chiropractor, occupational therapist or medical school student.