Exercise Science new certificate program
SE-based classes beginning this spring over Internet
by Diana De Leon, feature editor

    Exercise science, a new program, is now open to students who wish to become personal trainers, aerobic, yoga or pilates instructors.

   The one-year certification program is still under construction, but students on all campuses can start their academic classes now over the Internet.

   “These classes will allow you to work with the average person or the athlete,” Dave Williams, professor of physical education on SE Campus, said.

   Currently running is Exercise Science, a class that will also be offered in the spring over the Internet.

   This class covers different aspects of exercise including motor development, exercise physiology, kinesiology, the science of movement and athletic injuries.

   “There are only five programs in the whole country like this; we will be the sixth,” he said.

   The program is currently centered on the SE Campus; plans are under way to offer from 30 to 36 hours of classes on all campuses.

   “We are still working the bugs out; students may have to come here for certain lab requirements,” he said.

   Though many schools offer programs through the internet that provide graduates with a certificate upon completion, Williams believes that these are just pay-and-play certificates.

   “You pretty much pay your money and you pass,” he said.

   With programs like those, there is no guarantee that the person really knows the material.

   Many recreation centers all over the Metroplex hire people with certificates from the Internet.

   “Most trainers and instructors out there don’t know what they are doing,” he said. “There is a lot of misinformation out there.”

   The exercise science program was talked about for a long time, and Williams, who recently stepped down as director of the SE physical education department, said a need obviously exists in the community.

   Students can take a course over the Internet with one of many companies and organizations who offer it, but Williams thinks those with college courses are better informed.

   “College students just blow them away,” he said. “We teach people correctly.”

   Although students in the exercise science program currently take the course over the Internet, faculty members maintain interaction with them.

   “We know our students and see them for labs,” he said. “We are much more in-depth.”

   Students come in for tests and labs, and phone calls provide other means of interaction with faculty.

   The courses that will be offered in the full program in the fall will train students for yoga, Pilates, aerobics and personal trainer certification, among others.

   “You will be a better personal trainer,” he said.

   Personal trainers and people like them are in great demand right now with gyms popping up all over the area, Williams said.

   People want results without injury and a program that is fun and that they can stick to, Williams said.

   “This program will teach you how to make physical and health goals happen for people,” he said.

   The program also offers to help students achieve certification from two of the most recognized names in physical fitness and health.

   The American Council on Exercise and the American College of Sports Medicine have a certificate program that Williams believes would be easy for his students to pass after completing his program.

   “You won’t pass these tests if not from our program,” he said.

   The exercise science class is listed in the spring class schedule under Internet offerings as FITT 1313, section 46676. Although the section is listed for SE Campus, students on all campuses can enroll.

   For more information, call Dave Williams at 515-3602 or e-mail him at david.williams @tccd.edu.