A fitness studies professor teaches exercise science, recreation, and fitness courses at colleges and universities, and often does research too. Most people in this job hold a PhD (74%) and some hold a master's (21%), so this is a long road, but each step builds on the last. You start by learning the science of the body and how to read research. Next you get a master's degree, gain teaching experience (adjunct or graduate teaching assistant), and build hands-on fitness credentials. Finally you earn a doctorate, publish, and compete for faculty jobs. Community colleges often hire with a master'
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Stage 1 of 3 · about 16 weeks
Understand the science behind exercise and learn how to read research, so you are ready for graduate study.
Anatomy and exercise physiology
Every course you will teach, from conditioning theory to anatomy, rests on how the body moves and adapts. If you cannot explain why heart rate rises or how muscle grows, you cannot teach it.
Basic statistics and math for fitness
You will calculate and interpret numbers daily: VO2, heart rate zones, one-rep max estimates, grades. Research also depends on statistics.
Reading and summarizing research
Professors keep up with the field by reading journal articles, and you will need to judge which claims are solid. This is also the base skill for your own research later.
Psychology of motivation and behavior change
Recreation and fitness teaching is about people sticking with activity. Theories like self-determination theory and the transtheoretical model explain why students and clients quit or continue.
Clear writing and speaking
Speaking and writing top the skill list for this job. Lectures, syllabi, feedback, and grant proposals all depend on clear communication.
Then 2 more stages (about 328 weeks in all) with lessons, drills, projects, 6 interview questions with strong answers and free resources.