Chapter 1

An Introduction to Exercise Science

Introduction

The purpose of Chapter 1 is to give students a broad overview of the field of exercise science. This chapter begins by defining the focus of exercise science as “how and why the human body responds to physical activity.” Next, the authors describe the various fields of academic inquiry pertinent to a study of exercise science, provide an historical perspective of exercise science, and give an overview of curricula commonly found in exercise science programs; students are given an outline of the knowledge base and related experiences they should have to be adequately prepared for their future careers.

Chapter Objectives

After studying this chapter, students will be able to do the following:

Define exercise science.
Explain what exercise scientists study.
Understand the historical context of the development of exercise science
List potential career opportunities in exercise science.
Describe a typical undergraduate curriculum in exercise science.
Explain why so many students are majoring in exercise science.

Study Questions

Define exercise science.
List the various fields of knowledge that contribute to the area of exercise science.
Discuss the career opportunities available in exercise science.

Student Activities

Have class break up into small groups. Have each group choose a physical activity (alternatively, assign an activity to each group). Each group should discuss how professionals in various disciplines (physiologists, nutritionists, etc.) would analyze the activity from different perspectives and then share their ideas with the class.
Using the information in Exhibit 1.1—showing potential careers for exercise science students—have each student (or small group) select a different career and research what activities are part of a typical day for a professional in that area. Have the student (or group) present the findings to the class.
Have each student visit a person who is working in the field of exercise science at that professional’s place of employment. This could include anything from visiting the athletic training table to attending a cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation class.

Lab

Preparticipation Health Screening, Medical Clearance, and Informed Consent

Download

Quizzes

Suggested Readings
American College of Sports Medicine. (2014). ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription (9th ed.). Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Chandler, T. J., & Brown, L. E. (2008). Conditioning for strength and human performance. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Howley, E. T., & Franks, B. D. (2007). Fitness professional’s handbook (5th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.