The Department of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Dance is a diverse group of professional educators dedicated to provide Dutchess Community College students with the knowledge and skills that will improve their overall quality of life.  

ESW 100 -- Exercise Science and Wellness Seminar
This course introduces students to the field of Exercise Science and Wellness and assists them in making decisions leading to a successful career in the field of Exercise Science and Wellness.  It provides an overview of the education and training needed, preparation for certification examinations, career opportunities and possible transfer options.

ESW  101 -- Intro to Exercise Science
This course provides an examination of how the body functions under conditions of exercise stress.  Students will study the practical implications of muscle function, cardio respiratory function, training techniques, and the effect of the environment.

ESW 201 --  Exercise Testing
This course will introduce students to the process of assessing cardiorespiratory endurance, body fat, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, pulmonary function, and blood pressure, and evaluating the results of such tests. Students will be instructed on how to perform a complete health history on a client, the legal issues they would be presented with and how to interpret these results for the client.  Prerequisite:  ESW 101

ESW 202 -- Exercise Prescription
This course is designed to increase the student's knowledge of the effects of exercise on special populations and to modify exercise based on age and medical conditions.  It will also focus on training the student to utilize many pieces of equipment and how to keep the client motivated.  The special populations discussed will include those with coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, obesity, pregnancy, arthritis, and low back pain as well as seniors, women, children and the physically impaired.   Prerequisite: ESW 201