Background/Purpose: Many universities have significantly reduced or eliminated fitness education included in general education programs while obesity rates in the age group has increased dramatically. Strengthening fitness education in higher education might help public health groups address obesity. The purpose of the study is to examine content domains covered by university fitness education courses.
Method: Once a working definition of fitness education was created, textbooks and online class syllabi used for undergraduate fitness/wellness courses were examined. A list of textbooks (n=24) was generated by searching the university library catalog, and major publisher's websites using keywords of fitness/ wellness. Online fitness and/or wellness class syllabi with a list of content topics (n = 33) were selected.
Analysis/Results: The frequencies of content domains/topics included in textbooks and class syllabi were computed. The most often included content domains were basic concepts of fitness (97%), weight management (93.9%), health-related fitness assessment (87%), and nutrition assessment (84%). Frequencies for physical activity prescription and assessment, and building social support were all below 80%.
Conclusions: The content of fitness education in higher education focused on weight management, fitness and nutrition assessment, which is in line with the public health call for combating obesity. Content related to physical activity participation, however, has been neglected.
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