Exercise science major combines a passion for people, exercise and service
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Garrett Rowland and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Christian Kessenich demonstrate proper lifting form.
Photo by John David Clark, Photography Editor
Since its debut in 2015, the exercise science major has drawn in students who are eager to share their own passion for exercise and pour it into the lives of those who want a change to occur in their habits and health.
While the exercise science major itself is relatively new to Lee, the foundation of the program has existed for years. Originally labeled as exercise physiology, the major went through a makeover three years ago in order to better prepare students to go into the exercise science field upon graduation.
Chair of the Department of Health, Exercise Science and Secondary Education Mike Iosia explained that the school is still improving the program as they integrate more interactive teaching methods.
“The majority of our classes are lecture, but we are moving to hands-on teaching,” Iosia said. “Our seniors partner with HealthQuest and the Cleveland Fire Department to help provide fitness and hydration testing.”
The development of the program has increased the career options for students, ranging from cardiac rehabilitation to traditional physical education teaching. In pursuit of their degree, students have the opportunity to put their knowledge to work in the McKenzie Athletic Building with Strength and Conditioning Coach Garrett Rowland.
“When students first intern, we lay down expectations and teach setup and tear down. Then students can begin coaching athletes after observing [my] practices,” Rowland said. “A typical day for me begins when I get to the school at 5:15, coach from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., [take] a two-hour break and more coaching from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. I want students to get a feel of what this career is like.”
Beyond strength and conditioning, the major prepares students to pursue many different avenues after graduation. Additionally, Lee's sports give exercise science students diverse opportunities to apply their learning while still in school.
Senior exercise science major Collin Bowen is preparing to start chiropractic school in the summer. Bowen has played volleyball at Lee for the past three years, and the combination of the sport and her coursework has prepared her for a career as a chiropractor.
Iosia asserted that the major goes even beyond fitness. He explained that the Christian faith compels the passion behind exercise science: the desire to teach others about the power of exercise.
“At Lee, we have a great emphasis on spiritual and intellectual aspects, but not as much [on] the body and how it is a vessel,” Iosia said. “Most people exercise for a purpose over connecting all three aspects of the temple God has given us, to answer His call. We want to bring all three together for long-term benefits.”
These benefits expand beyond any surface-level reasons for exercising. Prevention of chronic diseases, stress relief and mental health support are all prevalent benefits of exercise. Rowland expressed that he is working to support athletes in these aspects in ways that will “help, not hurt.”
“I help manage stress, but in the weight room we add stress to the body [for] a positive outcome,” Rowland said.
In light of the benefits that surpass physicality, the major may serve as an unlikely mission field. Students have the opportunity to bring their own enjoyment of exercise to others to help them discover that same mindset.
“My ultimate goal is to [work for] Doctors Without Borders,” Bowen said. “I want to help people feel better on their own, and through that, I want to love others and let them see that something is different.”
This unconventional understanding of using exercise as a form of service allows students to use their passion for health and fitness for an even greater cause.
For more information on this major, contact Department Chair Mike Iosia at miosia@leeuniversity.edu.
