Abstract
The insufficient extent of physical activities in our lifestyle shows also in university students. This results in a low level of physical fitness, the increase of the number of overweight or even obese individuals, and the risk of lifestyle diseases.
As an incentive to change appropriately the lifestyle of students - and particularly female students - during their studies at a university, a new educational course Aerobics instructor has been opened. This is a gymnastic program of exercises to music, fulfilling the needs and expectations of this specific population group and enabling them to compensate the great mental strain of their studies.
Another motivation is an opportunity to acquire a certificate of a licensed aerobics instructor applicable after completing the course. The aim of the present contribution is to establish the most important starting points affecting the definition of the educational program's content.
We focus on the problem of fitness training, the issues of linking physical activities with music, and the specifics of physical activities for girls and women. As opposed to the commercial sector, the implementation of aerobics programs at universities is of a different character.
It concentrates more on education, on understanding the significance of physical activities for personal growth, on establishing a positive attitude towards physical activities and towards the acquired ability, which contributes considerably to motivating people to participate in lifelong physical activities. Combining obligatory and elective courses with the course plan enables it to have a systematic, long-term effect on female students while letting them share and jointly experience physical activities in a group of gymnasts sharing the same interests; expand their self-knowledge via physical activities; boost their self-confidence; promote their mental toughness; and fulfill their need for social contacts.
The accredited educational course Aerobics Instructor implemented at the Faculty of Science, Charles University is a unique contribution expanding the options of lifelong learning in physical education. After completing the course, the students are able to extend their future professional activities.
The physical activities they choose and undertake at the university can become their lifelong hobby and lead to self-fulfillment.