About this course
Physical activity is a powerful medicine but, in the modern world, we have drifted away from incorporating activity into our lives. As the barriers to daily movement have gotten stronger, the burden to exercise has gotten greater. These challenges are made worse for individuals in midlife and beyond who experience physical impairments or who are new to regular physical activity. As scientists learn more about the pathways of disease, the causes of aging and the mechanisms by which exercise exerts its benefits, better strategies to slow (i.e. “hack”) the aging process have also emerged. The benefits of exercise impact nearly every area of health and disease that older individuals are concerned about including the risk for dementia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, musculoskeletal disorders, obesity, diabetes and more. Through a series of informative lectures, you will learn how your body normally changes with age and how physical activity can be used to slow that trajectory of aging. The science of exercise will be explained in combination with practical tips (such as how much and what kind), so that you can harness the power of physical activity to optimize healthy aging.Show less
At a glance
- Institution: StanfordOnline
- Subject: Biology & Life Sciences
- Level: Introductory
- Prerequisites:An excitement for learning about the human body!The course aims to be accessible to everyone. However, it is still challenging. A background in basic human physiology will prepare you to get the most out of this experience. However, for those non-scientists in the bunch, don’t fret. We have added glossaries and additional resources that will help you get through the material.
- Language: English
- Video Transcript: English
- Associated skills: Exercise Physiology, Optometry, Physiology, Aging Processes, Human Musculoskeletal Systems, Dementia, Lecturing, Cardiovascular Disease, Information Sciences, Diabetes Mellitus
What you’ll learn
You will learn about the physiology of aging and how your body adapts to physical activity in the following categories.
- Lifestyle Activities – Like the lettuce in your salad, lifestyle activities will provide the foundation for your healthy lifestyle. Whether it is walking the dog or carrying your groceries, small changes throughout the day can make a difference in your overall health and function.
- Cardiovascular System – Your heart, vessels and blood provide a network that delivers oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products, essentially keeping you alive. Optimizing the function of the cardiovascular system throughout your life will provide you with more energy, reduce your risk for disease and help you live longer.
- Muscles – Preventing muscle loss as you age is critical to maintaining function and independence. Using your muscles regularly at all ages also reduces the risk for disease and premature mortality.
- Bones – Often considered a “dead” tissue, bones are surprisingly responsive to the loads that are placed upon them. Keeping a healthy skeleton through physical activity can reduce the risk of debilitating fractures and osteoporosis later in life.
- Joints – Smooth, pain free joints are critical to continued movement throughout the lifespan, so keeping them functioning should be a priority. In contrast to what many people believe, moderate physical activity can help optimally maintain joints and actually reduce the risk for osteoarthritis.
- Brain – One of the best things you can do to maintain your brain as you age is to engage in regular physical activity. New information is emerging every day as to how your brain and body are intimately connected through a bi-directional communication network. What is good for your body is good for your brain.
- Cellular Aging – Many of the benefits you see from physical activity at the whole body level are results of what is happening down in the individual cells. Physical activity can improve repair mechanisms, lengthen telomeres (an indicator of aging) and even reduce cell death. In essence, physical activity can make your cells appear and behave younger!
Exercise Classes Free: Unleashing Your Inner Athlete
Exercise classes are a fantastic way to get active and stay in shape without breaking the bank. In today’s digital age, finding free exercise classes has never been easier. Many fitness gurus and professionals offer online sessions that cater to a wide range of interests and fitness levels. Whether you’re into high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, dance workouts, or strength training, there’s something for everyone. These classes can be found on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and specialized fitness websites. So, dust off your workout gear and take advantage of these free resources to kickstart your fitness journey.
Can You Get an Exercise Science Degree Online?
As the world of online education continues to expand, more opportunities are available for individuals interested in obtaining an exercise science degree without setting foot on a physical campus. The short answer is yes, you can get an exercise science degree online. Numerous accredited institutions offer bachelor’s and even master’s degree programs in exercise science that can be completed entirely online. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, and sports psychology. Pursuing an online degree in exercise science allows you to work at your own pace while maintaining a flexible schedule. This flexibility is especially appealing for those with full-time jobs or family responsibilities.
Exercise Physiology Online Masters: Advancing Your Career from Home
For those who already have a background in exercise science and want to further their education, pursuing a master’s degree in exercise physiology online is a viable option. An online master’s program provides an opportunity to deepen your understanding of exercise science, physiology, and research, all without needing to relocate or attend physical classes. These programs typically offer advanced coursework and research opportunities, enabling students to specialize in areas like cardiac rehabilitation, sports performance, or clinical exercise physiology. Earning an online master’s degree in exercise physiology can open doors to higher-paying positions and leadership roles in the fitness and healthcare industries.
Anatomy and Physiology 1 Free Online Course: Laying the Foundation
Understanding the human body’s intricacies is essential for anyone interested in exercise science. Fortunately, several free online courses cover the basics of anatomy and physiology. These courses provide a strong foundation for those looking to explore exercise science further. Topics may include the skeletal system, muscular system, cardiovascular system, and much more. Open educational resources (OER) platforms, such as Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy, offer free courses that allow learners to study at their own pace. By mastering anatomy and physiology basics, you’ll be better prepared to delve into exercise science and its applications.
Physiology Free Online Course: Exploring the Mechanisms of the Body
Physiology, the study of how the body functions at a cellular and molecular level, is a crucial component of exercise science. For those who want a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the human body, free online courses in physiology are readily available. These courses cover topics such as cellular respiration, muscle contraction, and neural control, which are all relevant to exercise and physical performance. Much like anatomy and physiology courses, physiology courses can be found on various online learning platforms, making it easier than ever to gain knowledge in this critical field.
In conclusion, the digital age has revolutionized the accessibility of exercise education. With a plethora of free exercise classes, online exercise science degrees, master’s programs in exercise physiology, and free courses in anatomy and physiology, as well as physiology itself, aspiring exercise scientists and fitness enthusiasts have numerous avenues to explore. The convenience and flexibility of online learning mean that you can pave your own path towards a rewarding career in exercise science without the constraints of a traditional classroom. So, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned fitness professional, the world of online exercise education is waiting for you to explore and excel.
