Life Fitness Program

Life Fitness (Fitness and sports skills classes for non-majors)

The Kinesiology and Health Promotion (KHP) Life Fitness Program provides an essential service to the students at the University of Kentucky. In this program students have the opportunity to learn individual and team sports skills and/or improve their level of fitness.

Currently 27 different courses are offered each year and over 1,200 students participate in the program. The classes are taught by members of the KHP Department and Department Graduate Teaching Assistants who possess expertise in the areas of health and physical education. The dance classes we offer are listed below under courses. For performing arts dance classes, contact the Department of Theatre at (859) 257-3297.

For further information, contact Marilyn Nehls, Ph.D., Director of the Lifetime Fitness Program at 859-257-5826 or marilyn.nehls@uky.edu.

Program Objectives

The KHP Life Fitness Program seeks to:

Provide participants of all levels (beginning, intermediate, and advanced) with physical fitness opportunities through general exercise, calisthenics and suitable conditioning to enable them to pursue a physically active lifestyle.
Acquaint participants with the history of an activity, the equipment used and its proper care; acquaint students with the physical, social, mental, emotional and recreational values inherent in the activity.
Develop a positive attitude toward participation in sport or exercise programs on a regular basis and throughout life.
Develop fundamental skills, tactics and strategies regarding the activity to enable the participant to play, appreciate, and enjoy it now and in later years.

Grading

In each course, a midterm (10%) and a final (25%) will be given. The remaining 65% of the student grade will be based on demonstrated skills.

Since the skills component is crucial to the student grade, all the Life Fitness Program courses have an attendance policy. The number of absences permitted without affecting the final grade and the number of points deducted from the final numerical grade are based on the class length and the number of class meetings. If you audit a class, you must attend on a regular basis. (Life Fitness Curriculum Grading/Informed Consent in PDF)

Required Materials

Most Life Fitness Courses do not require the purchase of a textbook. However, there are other fees and/or requirements associated with some of the courses.

All racquetball and tennis courses require students to purchase at least two cans of balls for class use. Students enrolled in any swimming classes will be required to purchase goggles.

Additional equipment and/or fees may be required for other courses, but they will be fully explained in the course syllabi.

Attire

Since students will be physically active in all courses, proper workout attire is expected. During any court activities (i.e., tennis, racquetball, or basketball) students must wear appropriate shoes that have clean soles. Be prepared to dress in proper clothing when participating in outdoor classes. For all activities in the Lancaster Aquatics Center, appropriate swimsuits are required. No cut-offs or bikinis will be permitted. Additional dress requirements for specific classes will be explained in the course syllabi.

Courses

The Life Fitness Program offers a wide variety of courses for students. All courses are for one hour credit except First Aid & Emergency Care which is two credits. They include:

Fitness Courses

Awesome Abs
Body Sculpture
Cardio Body Blast
Cardio Hip Hop
Fitness Walking
Intermediate Weight Training
Kickboxing
Training for a 5K
Walk/Jog
Weight Training
Pilates
Tai Chi
Yoga

Team Sports

Competitive Basketball
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball

Individual/Dual Sports

Badminton
Beginning Tennis
Intermediate Tennis
Preparing for a Half Marathon
Racquetball

In the Water

Aerobic Lap Swim
Beginning Swimming

Dance

Ballroom Dance
Advanced Ballroom Dance
Zumba

Other Courses

First Aid & Emergency Care (2 credits)