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Physical Activity Program

  • Male student kayaking
  • Two female students jogging
  • A female student pulling a exercise band

 

The Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport (HKS) coordinates the Physical Activity Course Program as a non-degree service program for all University of South Alabama students with the knowledge and experience to make appropriate decisions regarding present and future physically active lifestyles. We help individuals develop an appreciation and commitment to physical activity so they have the opportunity to live healthy lives.

About the Physical Activity Program

Recognizing individual interests and abilities, the program provides courses covering a wide variety of physical activities. We make an effort to address contemporary trends and student interests. The courses may provide instruction in rules, terminology, strategy, and skill and fitness development. Physical activity courses are an excellent way to improve physical fitness, enhance well-being, and reduce stress while earning academic credit.

Academic Credit

Students receive one academic credit for successful completion of a Physical Activity Course and take the class for a letter grade. Department of HKS students are required to complete activity courses as part of their degree requirements and should consult their academic advisor to determine which and how many activity courses are required in their academic program.

Instructors

Physical Activity courses are taught by full time faculty in the Department of Health, Kinesiology and Sport, part time instructors, graduate assistants, athletic coaches, and professionals in the community.

Course Numbering

Some courses share the same course number (i.e. PE 101). As long as the title of the course is different, courses with the same course number can be applied to your transcript for credit (they do not count as repeating a course). It might require a note to the records specialist to have it applied to your transcript as it might not process on its own.  Also, it is possible to take two courses with the same course number during the same semester if they are different courses.  You will likely need to request a duplicate course override to be able to register.

For example, you can take PE 101 - PE Activity: e-Fitness and PE 101 - PE Activity: Fitness Bootcamp during the same semester. In order to register for both, you may have to request a duplicate course override. As mentioned above, if you take more than one PE 101 (or other) course, whether it is during the same semester or during different semesters, they will count as separate courses on your transcript (this might require a message to the records specialist to apply the additional courses with the same number because it might not do it automatically).

Activity Course Offerings - Not all courses offered every semester

This course utilizes the Nintendo Switch system to deliver various fitness- and activity-related games to improve balance and coordination. Other games are also incorporated to promote leisure and relaxation.
This course is designed to promote awareness and knowledge of techniques for self defense. The course covers technical information and strategies to empower safety. Some hands-on practice of physical self-defense techniques is required.
This course is designed to promote well-being and physical fitness in a fun group environment. The course instructor will incorporate various exercises and activities that can be performed in a group setting. This setting allows for social engagement while also enhancing physical fitness. The exercise intensity during this course is usually low to moderate. 
This course is designed to promote well-being and physical fitness in a fun group environment similar to the Group Fitness course. In contrast to Group Fitness, this course will generally involve more advanced exercises at a moderate to high intensity. The instructor may incorporate more difficult movements than what is involved with the Group Fitness or Aerobics courses.

Pickleball is an exciting and rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Played on a small court with a net, it's an easy-to-learn game suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. Pickleball provides a fun way to stay active and improve your physical fitness. It's a great cardiovascular workout that also helps with agility, balance, and hand-eye coordination. Pickleball is relatively easy to pick up, making it accessible for beginners. You don't need extensive athletic experience to enjoy the course.

This course is designed to help you transform your leisure time into a powerful tool for fitness and well-being while also earning course credit! We've re-imagined how students can earn credit while enhancing their physical fitness and overall wellness. You'll embark on a journey of self-improvement, mastering the art of balancing academics with a vibrant, active lifestyle.

Here's what makes this course truly special:

  • Flexible Schedule: We understand that your academic commitments can be demanding. That's why this course is tailored to your needs. You're required to visit the Student Recreation Center just twice a week, for 75 minutes each session, giving you a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes per week to sweat it out and have fun.
  • Variety: Say goodbye to boring routines! The Student Recreation Center is equipped for a diverse range of workouts, from exhilarating group fitness classes to swimming laps. You'll never get bored, and you'll have the opportunity to explore different forms of physical activity, ensuring that you stay motivated and engaged.
  • Holistic Wellness: This course isn't just about building muscles; it's about cultivating a holistic sense of well-being and learning to incorporate physical activity and leisure into your busy lifestyle.
  • Academic Credit: This course is your opportunity to earn academic credit in a way that seamlessly fits into your schedule while transforming your leisure time into a productive and enjoyable pursuit. 

The scheduled meeting times are for the first week only. The course expectations and details will be explained during the first course meeting.

This course is a progressive resistance training course designed to improve muscular strength and endurance. The course takes place in the HKS Weight Room which has equipment suitable for all levels of experience. The instructor is able to guide class members in the appropriate selection of exercises and give advice on proper form. The course is suitable for people of all weight training experience levels.
Also known as frisbee golf, this course involves leisurely practice of disc golf on the USA disc golf course or other local disc golf courses. Disc golf is a sport in which players throw a disc (frisbee) at a target. Rules and scoring are similar to golf.
This course involves incorporation of a physical fitness program utilizing low-impact exercises in water. The course aims to increase physical fitness while also reducing impact on the body and joints. 
Instruction and practice in gymnastic skills. Suitable for all skill levels in gymnastics. 
Knowledge, skills, and techniques associated with various forms of ballroom dancing through demonstration, practice and partnering.
Instruction and practice in a combination of dance genres. Includes many different types of dance including, but not limited to, social, folk, square, and dance performance.
Knowledge, skills, and techniques associated with various forms of Latin dancing through demonstration, practice, and partnering.
This course incorporates a physical fitness program that offers complete and effective conditioning. It involves jogging, jumping, lunging, kicking, and stretching to music.
Instruction and practice in ballet. A varying content course treating the different skill levels of ballet with emphasis on correct body placement through barre and centre exercises.
This course provides instruction and practice in beginning swimming and water safety. This course is suitable for individuals looking to improve their swimming technique. This course is also applicable to individuals with no prior swimming experience. 
The purpose of this course is to introduce the basic concepts of yoga theory, to teach safe yoga posture, and to help participants in developing balance and fitness, as well as manage stress wisely.
Practice and development of volleyball-related skills. The course will include individual drills and recreational team games.
Practice and development of basketball-related skills. The course will include individual drills and recreational team games.
Instruction and practice in the activity of jogging designed to improve cardiovascular endurance. The course is appropriate for people of all fitness levels.