Science of Exercise
- Created by Robert Mazzeo, Ph.D.
- Course Duration 1-4 weeks
- Price USD$Free
- User Rating 4.8
- Platform Coursera
- Course Link Explore Course
Learners who complete Science of Exercise will have an improved physiological understanding of how your body responds to exercise, and will be able to identify behaviors, choices, and environments that impact your health and training. You will explore a number of significant adjustments required by your body in order to properly respond to the physical stress of exercise, including changes in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, nutritional considerations, causes of muscle soreness & fatigue, and the effectiveness and dangers of performance enhancing drugs. Active learning assessments will challenge you to apply this new knowledge via nutrition logs, heart rate monitoring, calculations of your total daily caloric expenditure and body mass index (BMI). Finally, learners will examine the scientific evidence for the health benefits of exercise including the prevention and treatment of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity (weight loss), depression, and dementia.
Unlock the Secrets to a Healthier You!
Introduction
Are you curious about how your body responds to exercise? Do you want to understand the physiological changes that occur during physical activities? If you’ve ever wondered about the science behind exercise and its impact on your overall health, our Science of Exercise online course is perfect for you. In this course, we delve deep into the fascinating world of exercise physiology, nutrition, and the many health benefits associated with an active lifestyle. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just starting on your wellness journey, this course will empower you with valuable knowledge to make informed decisions about your health.
Course Overview
The Science of Exercise course is designed to provide you with comprehensive insights into the mechanisms behind the body’s response to exercise. Led by the esteemed instructor, Dr. Robert Mazzeo, who holds a Ph.D. in the field, this course offers a well-structured and engaging learning experience. With a beginner-friendly approach, you don’t need any prior experience to get started. The course is included with Coursera Plus, granting you access to a vast library of courses, making it an excellent value for your learning journey.
What You’ll Gain
By enrolling in the Science of Exercise course, you’ll embark on a transformative journey of knowledge and self-discovery. Through active learning assessments, including nutrition logs and heart rate monitoring, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how exercise impacts your body. You’ll explore significant adjustments required by your body to respond to physical stress, such as changes in metabolism and nutritional considerations. Moreover, you’ll identify the causes of muscle soreness and fatigue, as well as the effectiveness and dangers of performance-enhancing drugs.
Who This Course is For
The Science of Exercise course is for anyone curious about the science behind physical activity and its effects on the body. It caters to a diverse audience, including:
- Fitness enthusiasts who want to enhance their understanding of exercise physiology and optimize their training.
- Health-conscious individuals seeking to make informed decisions about their lifestyle and well-being.
- Coaches, trainers, and healthcare professionals looking to expand their knowledge and better assist their clients.
- Students and researchers interested in delving into the exciting field of exercise science.
Understanding Exercise Physiology
In this module, we delve into the various metabolic pathways that supply the necessary energy required for skeletal muscle work during exercise. From carbohydrates and fats to proteins, you’ll learn how these pathways are regulated and assessed. Additionally, we’ll discuss the critical role of ATP, the chemical energy source for muscular work, and how it influences physical performance.
What’s included:
- 8 videos
- 1 reading
- 1 quiz
Embark on a journey to understand the intricacies of exercise physiology and the energy systems that power your movements!
Regulating Physiological Systems During Exercise
To ensure homeostasis during exercise, several key physiological systems come into play, including muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems. In this module, we explore how these systems adapt to maintain balance during physical activity. You’ll discover how the respiratory system delivers oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from active muscles, how the cardiovascular system ensures adequate blood flow, and how the endocrine system regulates biochemical responses to exercise. Additionally, we’ll discuss exercise’s impact on the immune system and your body’s ability to fight infections.
What’s included:
- 7 videos
- 2 readings
- 1 quiz
Uncover the intricate web of adjustments your body makes to keep you going during exercise, and discover the wonders of physiological adaptability!
Optimizing Endurance and Strength Training
Are you looking to optimize your endurance and strength training? This module is your key to success. Learn about the essential training guidelines that will enhance your body’s adaptability to exercise. We’ll address the vital nutritional requirements for both endurance and strength training, and explain the causes of muscle soreness and fatigue. Additionally, gain insights into the effectiveness and mechanisms of performance-enhancing drugs.
What’s included:
- 7 videos
- 2 readings
- 1 quiz
Equip yourself with the knowledge to achieve your fitness goals by understanding the science behind endurance and strength training!
Exercise as Medicine: Prevention and Treatment of Diseases
In this final module, we explore the remarkable role of exercise as medicine in preventing and treating various diseases. Discover how diet and exercise contribute to weight control and the prevention of obesity. We’ll also delve into the health benefits of regular exercise, including its impact on heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression, and dementia. Lastly, we’ll discuss how exercise plays a crucial role in healthy aging and brain function.
What’s included:
- 7 videos
- 5 readings
- 1 quiz
Uncover the healing power of exercise and learn how to harness it to lead a healthier, happier life!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve completed the Science of Exercise online course, and now you possess a wealth of knowledge about exercise physiology, nutrition, and its profound impact on your health. Armed with this newfound understanding, you can make informed decisions to optimize your well-being and lead an active lifestyle. Remember, the journey doesn’t end here; it’s a continuous process of growth and discovery. Keep exploring, keep moving, and embrace the wonders of the science of exercise!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Is the Science of Exercise course suitable for beginners?
- Absolutely! The course is designed with a beginner-friendly approach, and no previous experience is required.
- How long does it take to complete the course?
- The course takes approximately 9 hours to complete over 3 weeks, with a flexible schedule to accommodate your pace.
- Can I access other courses with Coursera Plus?
- Yes, by enrolling in the Science of Exercise course, you gain access to an extensive library of courses through Coursera Plus.
- Will the course cover nutrition-related aspects of exercise?
- Yes, the course addresses important nutritional requirements for both endurance and strength training.
- Are there any prerequisites for enrollment?
- No, there are no prerequisites. The course is open to all individuals interested in understanding exercise science.