TEORIA TECNICA E METODICA DEL FITNESS 1
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: LUCA CARMELO MARIA SCANDURAExpected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will have acquired theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to the principles, methods, and techniques of fitness activities aimed at improving health, wellness, and physical performance. They will also be able to design, organize, and deliver individual and group training programmes in accordance with established training principles and safety guidelines.
Knowledge and Understanding
Students will acquire knowledge of the physiological and methodological principles of fitness training, the health- and performance-related components of fitness, the main exercises commonly used in cardio-fitness facilities, and the primary training methods for developing strength, endurance, joint mobility, and core stability.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to apply exercise programming principles according to participants’ characteristics, needs, and goals. They will be able to select and correctly perform appropriate exercises, apply the main fitness training methodologies, and design individual and group training sessions in different fitness settings.
Making Judgements
Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate fitness training programmes, protocols, and methodologies, identifying the most appropriate solutions according to training objectives, participants’ fitness levels, and safety requirements.
Communication Skills
Students will be able to communicate effectively with individuals and groups, provide accurate technical instruction, and use appropriate scientific and technical terminology related to fitness and exercise science.
Learning Skills
Students will acquire methodological and practical tools that support continuous professional development and independent learning in the fields of fitness, exercise science, and physical training.
Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD: To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the department
Course Structure
Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD: To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the department
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
THEORY TECHNIQUES AND METHODOLOGY OF FITNESS
Theoretical Activities (7 hours)
* Evolution of the concepts of fitness and wellness.
* The role of the trainer within the cardio-fitness area.
* The role of the trainer within the group fitness and music-based fitness environment.
* Success strategies and organization of group fitness classes in music-based fitness activities.
* Health-related and performance-related components of fitness.
* Methodological principles of fitness training.
* Organization and planning of physical exercise in the fitness industry.
* Structure and design of a training session.
* Physiological adaptations to exercise.
* Safety and injury prevention in fitness activities.
* Communication skills in the fitness environment.
Practical Activities (24 hours)
* Fundamental bodyweight exercises.
* Warm-up techniques and neuromuscular activation.
* Fundamentals of Functional Training: principles, methodologies, and applications.
* Core training and stabilization techniques.
* Circuit Training: HIIT Postural methodology.
* Music-Based Fitness: Aerobics Method.
* Music-Based Fitness: Choreographed Step Method.
* Music-Based Fitness: Fit-Beat Method.
* Applied biomechanics in fitness: analysis and instruction of exercises targeting all major muscle groups.
* Strength and muscular endurance training.
* Methodological and instructional use of small fitness equipment (resistance bands, fitballs, medicine balls, kettlebells, light dumbbells, suspension trainers).
* Exercise progressions and adaptations according to participants’ fitness levels.
* Planning and delivery of individual and group training sessions.
* Practical workshops on fitness training design and coaching.
* Practical approach to client management and general principles for designing beginner training programs in the cardio-fitness area.
Textbook Information
* Roncari A., Project Exercise – Biomeccanica applicata al fitness e al bodybuilding, Vol. 1, Project Editions, 2ª ed., 2022.
* Roncari A., Project Exercise – Biomeccanica applicata al fitness e al bodybuilding, Vol. 2, Project Editions, 2ª ed., 2022.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evolution of fitness and role of the trainer | lecture slides |
| 2 | Principles and methodologies of fitness training | lecture slides |
| 3 | Training programming and session structure | lecture slides |
| 4 | Physiological adaptations, safety and injury prevention | Lecture slides |
| 5 | Communication in fitness and client relationship | Lecture slides |
| 6 | Bodyweight exercises and basic techniques | Lab activities / lecture slides |
| 7 | Functional, core and circuit/HIIT training | Lab activities / lecture slides |
| 8 | Group fitness (aerobic, step, Fit-Beat) | Lab sessions |
| 9 | Applied biomechanics and exercise analysis | Lab sessions / lecture slides |
| 10 | Strength and muscular endurance training | Lab sessions |
| 11 | Small equipment and exercise progressions | Lab sessions |
| 12 | Design and delivery of individual and group sessions | Lab sessions |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The final assessment consists of an oral examination during which students will be asked 2–4 questions covering both the theoretical and practical topics addressed throughout the course.
The examination aims to assess:
1) the level of knowledge and understanding of fitness, wellness, and training methodologies;
2) the ability to apply acquired knowledge to the design and delivery of individual and group training programmes, as well as to solve practical issues commonly encountered in the fitness environment;
3) the ability to exercise independent judgement when analysing practical situations and selecting appropriate training methodologies;
4) clarity of presentation and the correct use of technical terminology related to fitness and exercise science.
Grading Criteria
29–30 cum laude (with honours)
The student demonstrates comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the course topics and is able to critically integrate theoretical and practical concepts. The student independently analyses complex situations and proposes appropriate solutions. Communication is clear, accurate, and supported by excellent use of technical terminology.
26–28
The student demonstrates a good knowledge of the course topics and is able to apply acquired knowledge correctly and critically analyse the situations presented. Communication is clear and technical terminology is used appropriately.
22–25
The student demonstrates satisfactory knowledge of the course topics, mainly focused on the fundamental aspects. The student shows a fair ability to apply knowledge and analyse practical situations. Communication is generally clear and appropriate.
18–21
The student demonstrates the minimum level of knowledge required for the course topics. The ability to apply knowledge and critically analyse situations is limited. Communication is sufficiently clear, although some inaccuracies in technical terminology may be present.
Fail
The student does not demonstrate the minimum knowledge required for the course topics and is unable to apply acquired competencies appropriately or use the technical terminology of the fitness field correctly. <Questo messaggio è stato modificato>
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Theoretical Questions
1. Define the concept of fitness and describe its main components.
2. Explain the methodological principles of training as applied to fitness.
3. Describe the structure of a fitness training session.
4. What are the physiological adaptations induced by regular physical exercise?
5. What are the main exercises for the different muscle groups using bodyweight, small equipment, dumbbells, and barbells?
6. Describe the main circuit training methodologies.
7. Explain the role of core training in physical conditioning.
8. Describe the main safety principles for conducting fitness activities.
9. Explain the methods of load progression in fitness training.
10. Describe the characteristics and applications of the main types of small equipment used in fitness training.
Practical Exercises
1. Design a training session for a cardio-fitness facility.
2. Demonstrate and provide a technical explanation of bodyweight exercises, as well as exercises using small equipment, dumbbells, and barbells.
3. Demonstrate the correct use of resistance bands, kettlebells, fitballs, and medicine balls.
4. Demonstrate the main core stability exercises.
5. Adapt a training program to participants with different levels of physical fitness and conditioning.