Indiana University Bloomington

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Fitness Specialist

Soon to be renamed Health Fitness Specialist effective Summer 2012

Overview

The Fitness Specialist Program has been developed to provide specialized educational and practical experiences to those interested in a career in the emerging fitness/health/wellness industry. The Fitness Specialist Degree Program was endorsed by the Committee on Certification and REgistry Boards of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as having fulfilled the educational program requirements expected of an ASCM Health/Fitness Specialist. This four-year degree is a combination of general education and core course work, as well as on- and off-campus field experiences that prepares students for a variety of work environments. The degree culminates with a professional practice internship that allows the student the opportunity to improve learned skills in an area of career interest.

Quick Links

Academic Advising Information PDF or Word
For advising appointments, contact Tammy Nichols: Phone: 812-855-5523; Email: tmnichol@indiana.edu.

Research Updates!

IDEA Health and Fitness Journal - September 2011 - Quote from faculty member Carol Kennedy-Armbruster:
Offer Internships. “Future fitness professionals often need to perform internship hours,” says Kennedy-Armbruster. “They can assist current fitness professionals and learn from them at the same time.” Having a student intern is beneficial in many ways. First, lending your expertise will help elevate the emerging professional and, by association, the fitness industry. Second, your intern will become your biggest on-campus advocate.
See Entire article on "tapping the college market: at:
http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/tapping-the-college-market. Read Matrix article here.

Download and read Carol Kennedy-Armbruster and colleagues' True Time article on improving older adult's functional fitness through technology.

Fitness Specialist Program Coordinator, Michelle Miller, encourages older adults to participate in balance training to improve quality of life. Read more here.

Read Michelle Miller's article about the best ways to handle walking in snow and ice.


Textbook in Second Edition

Methods of Group Exercise Instruction in 2nd Edition by Carol Kennedy-Armbruster and Mary Yoke. Read more a the book Website.


Navy SHAPE

Senior Health Assessment Program Enterprise (SHAPE) was developed to improve the fitness and quality of life of our service members. Indiana University's Fitness Specialist program developed a working relationship with Command Navy Installation Command (CNIC) in 2007 to hire, train and supervise fitness specialists to be located at three Navy installations: Norfolk, Pearl Harbor and San Diego.

Photo of: Faculty members, Carol Kennedy-Armbruster and Kelly Jo Baute Photo of: IU Fitness Specialist alumni, Thersa Collison, training with Navy SHAPE client. Photo of: IU Fitness Specialist alumni, Thersa Collison, training with Navy SHAPE client.
Faculty members, Carol Kennedy-Armbruster and Kelly Jo Baute
utilitzing SHAPE fitness testing equipment. IU Fitness Specialist alumni, Thersa Collison, training with Navy SHAPE client.

Read online article about Navy SHAPE on HPER Career Services Website

Matrix Challenge Winners

Photo of the Matrix Challenge 2011 Winners: Caption: Congratulations to Suit Up members (Cari Hillenburg, Dylan George, Tara Fuller, Jake Alexander & Brianna Wieclaw) for winning the Matrix Challenge in the P416 Fitness Management class spring 2011. Judges for the project included: Doug Marquette, Craig Samsky, Jessica McIntire, Jordan Marquette and Scott Catanzaro. The winning team solved the Matrix/Livestrong question “Create an idea for how Matrix can integrate the Livestrong fitness, diet and nutrition products into their fitness equipment.” Their “Suit Up” solution won $500.00 donated by the Matrix Fitness Equipment manufacturing company. Matrix is a full service commercial fitness equipment brand for Johnson Health Tech based out of Madison, WI.
Congratulations to Suit Up members (Cari Hillenburg, Dylan George, Tara Fuller, Jake Alexander & Brianna Wieclaw) for winning the Matrix Challenge in the P416 Fitness Management class spring 2011. Judges for the project included: Doug Marquette, Craig Samsky, Jessica McIntire, Jordan Marquette and Scott Catanzaro. The winning team solved the Matrix/Livestrong question “Create an idea for how Matrix can integrate the Livestrong fitness, diet and nutrition products into their fitness equipment.” Their “Suit Up” solution won $500.00 donated by the Matrix Fitness Equipment manufacturing company. Matrix is a full service commercial fitness equipment brand for Johnson Health Tech based out of Madison, WI.

Career Opportunities

Students who graduate with the Department of Kinesiology Fitness Specialist major will be able to select work in the following settings:

  • Community wellness program director;
  • Medically-based facilities (post-rehabilitation specialist);
  • Worksite fitness/wellness center directors;
  • Health coaches;
  • Private and commercial health clubs as directors, general manager, owner or consultant.

Individuals in this field of work will find a continuum of salaries based upon the position and the geographical location. Salaried positions may range from $25,000 to $75,000. Hourly positions range from $10.50/hr to $75.00/hr. In many instances, salaries will be determined by experience, certification and quality of service.

Students earning this degree will leave Indiana University with thethe possibility of securing the following nationally recognized certifications:

For information about internships, please visit our Internships & Careers page.

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Degree Requirements

Major emphasis in the core coursework includes:

  • Basic fitness programming;
  • Methods of group exercise and personal training instruction;
  • Sport psychology;
  • Fitness management;
  • Biomechanics;
  • Anatomy;
  • Structural Kinesiology;
  • Exercise physiology;
  • Fitness testing and interpretation; and
  • Exercise prescription and program design for apparently healthy and special populations.

In addition, students will have a vast array of minor and elective options to supplement their interest in the areas of: business management, sport marketing, nutrition and health education.

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Major in Fitness Specialist
124 credit hours with a minimum 2.0 GPA required for graduation

Older Requirement Lists - Note Dates:

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Faculty

Michelle Miller, MS, Coordinator of Fitness Specialist Program
HPER 296
812-855-8167
michmill@indiana.edu
HPER Profile Page

Carol Kennedy-Armbruster, PhD(c)
HPER 296
812-855-6083
cakenned@indiana.edu
IU Navy SHAPE Website: www.navyfitness.org/shape/
Carol Kennedy-Armbruster won the 2004 and 2009 HPER Teaching Award.
HPER Profile Page

Kelly Jo Baute, MS
Ergonomics Lab
Showers Building, Suite 111
812-855-2505
kjbaute@indiana.edu
IU Navy SHAPE Website: www.navyfitness.org/shape/

Mary Yoke, M.A., M.M.
HPER 296
812 855 7926
mmyoke@indiana.edu
Mary Yoke won a 2003 award for Excellence in Teaching and Outstanding Service to the Profession
HPER Profile Page

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Additional Information

For additional information contact:

Michelle Miller, Coordinator of Fitness Specialist Program
HPER 296
812-855-8167
michmill@indiana.edu

Advisor: Tammy Nichols
HPER 112L
812-855-5523
tmnichol@indiana.edu

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