Fitness and Exercise
Prairie State College provides real-world training beyond the classroom in the growing
health and fitness industry.
Students receive hands-on training with professional equipment and knowledgeable instructors. To gain practical experience, students participate in internships, with over 90 percent of Personal Training certificate graduates being hired by their internship sites. It is important to note that internship sites may have requirements such as immunizations and background checks.
Programs
Fitness and Exercise (A.A.S. Degree)
The Fitness and Exercise program provides students with the necessary skills for careers
in the fitness and exercise industry. It offers a comprehensive academic foundation
covering the basics of exercise and nutrition, human anatomy and physiology, and principles
of fitness. Practical training focuses on fitness assessment, designing effective
health and fitness programs, using proper exercise techniques, and implementing training
methods. Students also learn about lifestyle change strategies, leadership in personalized
exercise, and business practices. The program includes courses in English, math, communication,
exercise physiology, working with special populations, and managing exercise facilities
to ensure students are well-rounded and qualified fitness professionals.
| Course Number | Course Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | 101 Composition I - with a grade of C or better | 3 |
| COMM 101 | Principles of Communication | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 | |
| Mathematics (demonstrated competence required) Placement into MATH 095 or completion of MATH 090- with a grade of C or better | ||
| BIOL 111 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| PSYCH 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Course Number | Course Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 108 | Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| BUS 101 | Introduction to Modern Business | 3 |
| FRESP 101 | First Responder | 3 |
| HLTH 101 | Health and Wellness | 2 |
| PES 210 | Lifestyle Fitness Coaching | 2 |
| PES 215 | Group Fitness Instructor Training | 3 |
| PES 220 | Fitness Assessment / Exercise Program Design I | 3 |
| PES 225 | Weight Training: Theory and Application | 2 |
| PES 230 | Nutrition for Sports and Exercise | 3 |
| PES 235 | Athletic Training Techniques | 3 |
| PES 250 | Kinesiology | 3 |
| PES 255 | Special Populations | 3 |
| PES 260 | Fitness/Exercise Facility Management | 3 |
| PES 265 | Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| PES 298 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| PES 299 | Internship for Personal Trainers | 3 |
| PSYCH | Select one course from PSYCH 102, 212 | 3 |
| Course Number | Couse Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PE 105 | Aerobics I | 1 |
| Aerobics III | Aerobics II | 1 |
| PE 107 | Aerobics III | 1 |
| PE 108 | Aerobics IV | 1 |
| PE 202 | Cultural Dance I | 2 |
Group Fitness Instructor (Certificate)
Group Fitness Instructor prepares students to provide group fitness instruction. They
gain knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and nutrition related to weight management.
They also receive training in first aid, CPR, and AED, and learn various instructional
strategies to effectively motivate students.
| Course Number | Course Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 108 | Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| FRESP 101 | First Responder | 3 |
| PES 215 | Group Fitness Instructor Training | 3 |
| PES 230 | Nutrition for Sports and Exercise | 3 |
| Course Number | Course Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PE 105 | Aerobics I | 1 |
| PE 106 | Aerobics II | 1 |
| PE 107 | Aerobics III | 1 |
| PE 108 | Aerobics IV | 1 |
Personal Trainer (Certificate)
Personal trainers acquire an academic foundation in exercise principles, nutrition,
human anatomy, and physiology. They also gain practical skills in fitness assessment,
creating personalized fitness programs, using proper exercise techniques, training
methods, prescribing lifestyle changes, leading personalized exercise sessions, and
managing their business.
| Course Number | Course Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 108 | Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology. | 4 |
| BUS 101 | Introduction to Modern Business | 3 |
| FRESP 101 | First Responder | 3 |
| HLTH 101 | Health and Wellness | 2 |
| PE 210 | Lifestyle Fitness Coaching | 2 |
| PE 215 | Group Fitness Instructor Training | 3 |
| PE 220 | Fitness Assessment / Exercise Program Design I | 3 |
| PE 225 | Weight Training: Theory and Application | 2 |
| PE 230 | Nutrition for Sports and Exercise | 3 |
| PE 235 | Athletic Training Techniques | 3 |
| PE 250 | Introduction to Kinesiology | 3 |
| PE 298 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| PE 299 | Internship for Personal Trainers | 3 |
For more information,
Contact Us
Marie Hansel, Interim Dean of Allied Health and Emergency Services
Email: mhansel@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708) 709-2947