Fitness and Health Promotion

Select start date and campus

Menu
Close

Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Apply now: Canadian applicant

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online.
Apply now: international applicants
Close

Campus tours

Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.

Book your tour

Virtual tours

If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.

View our Virtual tour

Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

Career Pathways and Skills for Fitness and Health Promotion
CDEV1530

Description:

This course is intended to help fitness and health promotion students build foundational and professional skills required to be successful in the program, field placement, and future career pathways in the fitness and health promotion industry. Students will become familiar with successful study skills, program policies, and resources available to them including college services, academic pathways, and certification options. Through self-reflection, students will explore placement and career skills such as resume writing and interviewing skills.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Group Fitness Leadership I
FIT1045

Description:

This course focuses on applying the principles of group fitness instruction through practical demonstrations that incorporate the professional skills and expectations required of group fitness leaders. Topics include class design, music, cueing and effective leadership as well as safety concepts in relation to group exercise. Students will practice and demonstrate effective group fitness leadership skills by conducting group fitness classes. Completion of this course prepares students to challenge the OFC and Canfitpro Fitness Instructor Certification exam.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Exercise Science I
HEAL1045

Description: This course focuses on anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical concepts as a foundation for fitness and health programming. Students will learn how body systems work independently and collectively in preparation for understanding the body’s adaptation to exercise and human movement. Emphasis will be placed on the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription I
HEAL1055

Description:

This course introduces students to the principles of physical fitness, assessment, and exercise prescription. Students will learn the practical skills necessary to conduct introductory client fitness assessments and apply the results to design basic exercise programs. Emphasis will also be placed on a client-centered approach between the practitioner and the client. Topics will include principles of assessment and training, exercise monitoring, correct exercise execution and program design specific to the primary fitness components.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Introduction to Nutrition for Fitness and Health Promotion
NUTR1020

Description:

This course is an introduction to nutrition with a focus on nutrients including dietary sources, functions, guidelines, and recommendations. Students will learn how nutrients affect our bodies as they examine the relationship between nutrition and health. Throughout the course, application of nutrition concepts for personal well-being and healthy nutrition habits will be emphasized.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 2

Course details

Group Fitness Leadership II
FIT1111

Description:

This course extends application of concepts learned in Group Fitness Leadership I with a focus on integrating current trends in group exercise. Students will discuss, practice and perform group fitness principles in relation to a variety of specialized class formats with small group fitness equipment. Application of effective, safe and professional leadership skills for diverse populations will also be emphasized. Students will continue to practice, apply and refine their group leadership skills in preparation to challenge the OFC and/or Canfitpro Fitness Instructor Certification exam.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: FIT1045 AND HEAL1045
  • CoRequisites:

Exercise Science II
HEAL1065

Description: This course builds on Exercise Science I and continues to develop anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical concepts as a foundation for fitness and health programming. Students will learn how body systems work independently and collectively in preparation for understanding the body’s adaptation to exercise and human movement. Emphasis will be placed on digestive, urinary, endocrine, nervous, lymphatic and immune systems. Further, students will examine biomechanics in relation to efficient movement patterns and exercise.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: HEAL1045
  • CoRequisites:

Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription II
HEAL1076

Description:

Building on Introduction to Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription, students will assess client fitness levels using industry standards. Further, students will apply appropriate exercise prescription principles and communication skills (listening, speaking, thinking, and non-verbal) necessary to construct effective exercise programming based on clients’ goals, needs and assessment results. Emphasis will be placed on the utilization of the client-centred approach; students will apply coaching tools to motivate clients towards active, healthy lifestyles.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: FIT1045 AND HEAL1045 AND HEAL1055
  • CoRequisites:

Lifestyle Psychology and Behaviour Change
HEAL1086

Description:

This course focuses on the exploration of lifestyle psychology and common characteristics of lifestyle behaviours. Emphasis will be placed on health behaviour change and modification theories. Additionally, specific lifestyle choices will be examined such as: physical activity, healthy eating, and others. Students will also consider the role of behaviour change and its uses in health promotion practices, policies, and programs.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: HEAL1055 AND NUTR1020
  • CoRequisites:

Nutrition for Health and Performance
HEAL2081

Description: This course will examine the importance of nutrition as applied to health and performance. Topics will focus on the role of macro and micronutrients in relation to physical activity, weight management, dieting and training needs for health and performance. Examining reliable nutrition information, diet planning for weight management, exercise and disordered eating patterns in the health, fitness and performance industry will also be explored. Throughout the course, practical applications of information are emphasized.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: HEAL1055 AND NUTR1020
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Entrepreneurship and Business Practices of Fitness and Health Promotion
ENTR2100

Description:

This course focuses on entrepreneurial and small business concepts within the fitness and health industry. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of the elements necessary in managing a successful business. Concepts such as leadership skills, personnel supervision, and health, safety, and risk management will be explored. Innovation and creativity will be integrated throughout and demonstrated in group assignments.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Exercise Science III: Adaptations and Biomechanics for Exercise
FIT2000

Description:

Building on concepts from Exercise Science I & II, students will examine physiological adaptations to body systems with physical activity. Systems that will be discussed are bioenergetics, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems. Furthermore, students will build connections between systems and how they work together to function optimally during exercise and at rest. Finally, students will apply a qualitative biomechanics lens to analyze various exercises for the prescription of safe and effective training programs.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: HEAL1065 AND HEAL1075 OR HEAL1076
  • CoRequisites:

Personal Training and Program Design
FIT2010

Description:

This course builds on the Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription stream in year 1. Students will expand on their understanding around the science of resistance training and how to apply it in designing safe and effective training programs. Students will build resistance training programs through the manipulation of training variables to target the various goals, abilities, interests, and limitations of clients. All training programming in this course will be individualized and built through the lens of a client-centered approach.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: HEAL1065 AND HEAL1075 OR HEAL1076 AND HEAL1085 OR HEAL1086 AND HEAL2080 OR HEAL2081
  • CoRequisites:

Motivational Interviewing and Coaching
HEAL2060

Description:

Using behaviour change and modification theory, this course focuses on applying theoretical concepts of motivational interviewing and lifestyle coaching for clients who are ambivalent about making healthy lifestyle choices. Students will practice and develop introductory motivational interviewing skills, as well as focus on developing client change plans.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: HEAL1085 OR HEAL1086
  • CoRequisites:

Health Promotion I
HEAL2070

Description: This introductory course in Health Promotion will address the field of health promotion from an individual and population based perspective. Students will learn how to plan, implement and evaluate quality health promotion programs. Emphasis will be placed on utilizing health promotion models, theories, and the stages of the health promotion planning cycle to create an effective evidence-based program.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: HEAL1085 OR HEAL1086
  • CoRequisites:

Aging Well Across the Lifespan
HEAL2200

Description:

Taking an inclusive approach, students will examine the health and wellness needs of a variety of clients from across the lifespan including but not limited to children/youth, pregnancy, and older adults. Students will take a holistic approach to supporting the well-being and fitness needs of these populations. Applying appropriate assessment and exercise prescription guidelines as well as environmental and social factors will also be examined.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: HEAL1065 AND HEAL1085 OR HEAL1086 AND HEAL2080 OR HEAL2081
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Athletic Training and Therapeutics
FIT2040

Description:

This course focuses on the consolidation, application, and extension of the concepts learned in Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription and Exercise Science streams. To expand their knowledge and skills, students will build periodized training programs for athletes and conduct advanced training sessions in line with specific training demands of various sports. In addition, students will build therapeutic training programs to broaden their understanding of the diverse needs of athletes who are injured and need rehabilitation. All training programming in this course will be individualized and built through the lens of a client-centered approach.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: FIT2010
  • CoRequisites:

Exercise Prescription for Diverse Populations
FIT2080

Description:

This course extends foundational fitness assessment and exercise prescription concepts to diverse groups of individuals who exhibit physiological conditions that impair health and functional ability. Based on a client-centered approach, students will use pathophysiological concepts as well as adapt fitness assessment and exercise protocols to meet specific client needs for a variety of chronic condition

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: FIT2000 AND FIT2010 AND HEAL2200
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement (Fitness and Health Promotion)
FPLT2150

Description: Field placement provides students with the opportunity to broaden, deepen, and apply skills and understanding of the fitness and health promotion industry. Through a combination of field experience and clinical/practice immersive simulation students will be exposed to the broad range of practice encountered in Fitness and Health Promotion field. This may include practice in facilities providing a variety of fitness, wellness and health promotion services and programs. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to various agency activities that allow the student to consolidate and demonstrate theory, practical skills, professional practice and leadership qualities. Through guided reflections students will examine their field placement experiences and professional development.
  • Hours: 140
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: FIT2000 AND FIT2010 AND HEAL2060 AND HEAL2070 AND HEAL2200 AND OHS1320
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Motivational Interviewing and Coaching
HEAL2100

Description: This course builds on the concepts applied in Motivational Interviewing & Coaching. Students will integrate theoretical foundations and motivational interviewing processes for building effective interviewing skills. In addition, students will cultivate their motivational interviewing skills through practice and preparation of client change plans to encourage strong commitment to behaviour change goals.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: HEAL2060
  • CoRequisites:

Health Promotion II
HEAL2130

Description:

In this course, students will be required to extend their learning of the health promotion planning cycle methodology to create effective and evidence-based programs for workplace settings with an emphasis on data and the application of workplace health promotion theory. Students will also reflect on the use of health promotion theory for other potential settings such as schools and specific communities.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: HEAL2070
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Health and Wellness Programming for Fitness & Health Promotion
HEAL2210

Description:

This course consolidates student skills and knowledge through application and self-reflection. Through a variety of projects and events, students will create and implement health and wellness programs/services for various populations. With support from program faculty, emphasis will be placed on autonomous skill development and practice, as well as appraising personal goals and professional development in preparation for industry success.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: FIT2000 AND FIT2010 AND HEAL2060 AND HEAL2070 AND HEAL2200 AND OHS1320
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Conduct an assessment of the physical fitness, activity level and lifestyle of the client using standardized protocols, to build an individualized exercise program.
  2. Develop, implement and evaluate safe training programs grounded in fundamentals of anatomy, bio-mechanics, cardiorespiratory physiology, and nutrition to support the fitness and wellness goals of clients.
  3. Instruct individual clients and groups in the correct techniques for executing fitness and training programs to achieve results that meet their goals for fitness, active living, and wellness.
  4. Select and apply interview tools and coaching strategies that will enable clients and groups to improve their fitness, and wellness in sustainable ways.
  5. Develop business plans for a fitness and/or training business organization to ensure sustainability and viability while mitigating risks.
  6. Support community health promotion strategies for active healthy living in the general population.
  7. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, staff, allied health professionals and volunteers in the delivery of programs, activities, and the use of facilities.
  8. Provide positive reinforcement to empower clients and help them sustain their efforts.
  9. Develop plans and implement strategies for ongoing professional growth and development.
  10. Communicate information persuasively and accurately in oral, written, and other media formats.