History

The NC State Adult Fitness Program began as a cardiovascular clinical study in 1961for men aged 40+ years . A 1979 article in The Leader Newsweekly gives a synopsis of the program to that date and discusses the program's association with Dr. Kenneth Cooper of the Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas. Throughout the past 45 years, the program has evolved into a basic fitness class for men and women of all ages. Structured fitness classes that adhere to the American College of Sports Medicine [ACSM] training guidelines are held each Monday (4:45 to 5:45pm) and Thursday (4:35 to 5:20 pm). An informal yoga class is offered on Wednesday (4:45 to 5:45pm) for those who wish to participate. Our emphasis is to enhance conditioning in all five areas of physical fitness (cardiorespiratory, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition) by establishing a balanced and consistent program for our students. Pre – post fitness measurements are taken in August and May. There are various health and wellness lectures scheduled throughout the year. We encourage our students to learn the fitness fundamentals in our class and apply that knowledge to an individual workout schedule that fits his/her needs.

The diversity of the A.F. program gives justification to the use of "student" for our class members. Teaching topics include various health subjects (exercise physiology, nutrition, training, CPR certification, etc.) and activities (weight training [see weight training study article], swimming, running, aerobics, calisthenics). Special events include archery, self-defense, yoga, pilates, biathlons, prediction runs, and group socials. See the NC State Department of Physical Education webpage link for more information about course offerings, faculty, and facilities.

Past Program Instructors:

Dr. Chauncey Royster
Dr. Bill Smith
Dr. Tom Roberts
Bill Sonner
Larry Brown
Jim DeWitt

Current Program Instructors (NC State Faculty):

Kristine Clark
Peggy Domingue
Joy Kagendo-Charles
Angie Montcalm
Wayne Pollard
Matt Rever
Ritchie Shuford
Arlene Tharrington
Gary Wall