Putting Learning to the Test

College of Coastal Georgia exercise science students are transforming classroom theory into real-world practice by hosting Fitness Field Day, a series of physical activities designed to assess students’ strength, speed, mobility, endurance and more.

Fitness Field Day serves as the lab component of the HESC 3204 Exercise Testing and Prescription course, which focuses on administering tests and measurements used in fitness assessments across varied client populations. For the events, students apply what they are learning by designing physical assessments similar to those used in athletic combines. The hands-on approach not only evaluates physical performance but also tests exercise science students’ ability to apply principles, communicate effectively and think critically in a dynamic, professional setting.

This semester, exercise science students led four Fitness Field Day events in the Campus Center, offering student participants the opportunity to be assessed and see how their fitness levels compare with others. The first event focused on functional movement, including balance testing. The second assessed aerobic and anaerobic capacity, while the third centered on strength and power. The fourth Fitness Field Day, scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, will test speed and agility.

Dr. Christine Brown, program coordinator of health sciences and assistant professor of health science and anatomy and physiology, said students were responsible for every aspect of the events, from developing the tests to managing documentation and marketing efforts.

“Students are able to compete against each other and have a little bit of fun,” Brown said. “Plus, we’re able to see how physically active we are, how strong we are, and identify areas where people might improve. It’s also a way to encourage people to get more active and involved on campus.”

The third Fitness Field Day, also known as the Iron Combine, featured activities such as a vertical jump, sit-and-reach test, the Jackson Strength Evaluation System assessment, and additional strength exercises. Daniel Woodbury, a junior from Marietta, Ga., served as the lead student for the Iron Combine. He said the group collaborated to determine which tests would appeal most to students.

“We’ve learned a lot about testing,” Woodbury said. “There are a lot more tests than just the simple ones, like max reps. When I started learning these tests and how to incorporate them in a clinical setting, it was pretty cool.”

Woodbury, who aspires to become a strength and conditioning coach for athletes, said initial results show many students scoring in the average or below-average range. He believes the findings reflect sedentary habits and sees the combine as a way to motivate students to become more active on campus.

Brown added that exercise science students are also participating in service-learning projects across campus, working with clubs and groups to promote physical activity. One group, for example, is partnering with the golf team. There’s also an Exercise Science Club, open to any student interested in promoting health and wellness. The health science program also participates in the Exercise Is Medicine On Campus initiative through the American College of Sports Medicine. The initiative encourages colleges and universities to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health by engaging students, faculty and staff in improving campus well-being. Coastal currently holds bronze-level status.

Looking Ahead

Next academic year, the health sciences program will introduce a new strength and conditioning concentration. The concentration will allow the program to pursue accreditation through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and connect students to a global network of certified professionals advancing best practices in exercise science.

A new course, Foundations of Personal Training, will also be introduced, giving students the opportunity to sit for a certification exam at the end of the course to become certified personal trainers. Brown said she also hopes to partner with the college’s Recreation and Wellness department to launch a program offering personal training services to the campus community.

The health sciences program continues to grow at Coastal Georgia with new initiatives, courses and concentrations. These developments provide students with increased experiential learning opportunities, clearer career pathways and more chances to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

The Exercise Science Club also operates an online storefront, with proceeds benefiting the organization, at https://ccgaexercisescienceclub.itemorder.com/shop/home/.

The last Fitness Field Day event will be on Tuesday, April 21, starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Campus Center.

Photography by Seth Jones ’26