Exercise has been shown to relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and help manage various diseases, yet only one in four Americans is meeting the recommended levels of physical activity.

The Exercise Physiology online short course from the Stanford Center for Health Education (SCHE), part of Stanford Medicine, explores the fundamentals of physiology and builds on this foundation to foster a holistic, scientific knowledge of exercise and wellness. Over the course of six weeks, learners will gain an understanding of exercise science and the impact that physical activity has on slowing the trajectory of aging and improving general health. Throughout the course, learners will gain the skills needed to critique training programs, and suggest improvements to various physical environments, such as work spaces, schools, and cities, to improve health and wellness.

The nature of this course ensures that it’s applicable to professionals working within both the wellness and healthcare sectors. Learners will discover methods for improving the health and athletic performance of individuals, no matter their age, through an understanding of how different bodies react and adapt to the stresses of exercise. Professionals within the healthcare industry will learn about the impact that physical activity has on disease management. Those within the health and wellness industries will gain the tools needed to help their customers and patients achieve their fitness goals, whether that be weight loss, physical strength, enhanced performance, or healthy aging.