Health and Fitness students gain a psychological edge

A recent article in Health Club Management magazine highlights what staff at Solent University have known for a long time - that there is a need for a knowledge of exercise psychology in the fitness industry.  Professor Jimenez, chair of the European Health & Fitness Association (EHFA) Standard's Council has called for more emphasis to be put on psychology in the training of exercise professionals.  Jimenez states "Physiological knowledge is important, but we need staff with psychological know-how too.  We need people who can engage with individuals and lead behaviour change".  He also states that the fitness industry must play a critical role in governments' Public Health agenda but warns that being able to understand the mental state of customers is key to this.

Solent University's Health and Fitness degree courses do exactly what Professor Jimenez is highlighting, making us a leading force in the training of first class fitness professionals.  All students on the Health and Fitness courses cover an introduction to exercise psychology in their first year where they learn about the psychological benefits and barriers to exercise including exercise as a treatment for stress and depression, the negative impacts of exercise such as exercise dependence and muscle dysmorphia, as well as common barriers and adherence issues.  In the second year, students on the BSc  Fitness and Personal Training and the BSc Health, Exercise and Physical Activity go on to study behaviour change, including how to use psychological skills such as goal setting, motivational interviewing and imagery to help clients to begin and maintain an exercise programme.  Students on the BSc Health, Exercise and Physical Activity then progress to the study of health psychology in their final year.   

Dr Marie Stopforth who leads the exercise psychology units said, "It's essential that students have a good understanding of the link between the body and the mind.  We know that 50% of people drop out of an exercise programme within 6 months, so in order to help them to adhere, we must try to understand why this is and how we can prevent it.  There are many strategies and techniques that can be used, it's just about knowing what these are and how to use them.  I believe that our students are ahead of the competition in the workplace as health and fitness professionals due to this emphasis on exercise psychology". 

Solent University's BSc Health, Exercise and Physical Activity also reflects Professor Jimenez's comments.  The aim of the degree is to bridge the gap between the fitness profession and public health.  Students not only gain Register of Exercise Professionals endorsed fitness qualifications, but also learn about physical activity and public health.  This includes guest lectures from those working in the industry, as well as work experience working within a physical activity intervention in the Southampton area.