The Fitness (FITS and FITV) designations cover two areas of activities many students participate in for credit during their tenure at Willamette University: Fitness Courses and Varsity Sports. No more than 8 semester hours from a combination of Fitness Courses (FITS) or Varsity Sports (FITV) can count toward graduation.
Fitness Courses (FITS)
Many of these courses are offered each semester and will on occasion have multiple sections or a suffix of I or II (novice or a more advanced level, respectively). Fitness classes are co-ed unless otherwise specified. Course offerings include: step aerobics, fencing, tennis, skiing, total body conditioning, and yoga. A student may pre-register for a maximum of one FITS course per semester. If the student has taken less than an average of one FITS/FITV course for their previous Willamette semesters, a maximum of one additional FITS course may be added on the first day of classes on a space available basis.
Varsity Sports (FITV)
Credit can be earned by students participating in the following varsity sports: baseball (m), basketball (m/w), cross country (m/w), football (m), golf (m/w), lacrosse (w), soccer (m/w), softball (w), swimming (m/w), tennis (m/w), track and field (m/w), triathlon (w) and volleyball (w).Students must participate in a minimum of 30 activity days during the traditional season in which the credit is earned. Lack of participation due to injury or prolonged illness will be taken into account. Lack of participation for other reasons will be evaluated, on an individual basis, by the Associate Director of Athletics. Credit will be awarded at the end of the season, if the student has not exceeded an average of one FITS/FITV course per semester at Willamette. No more than 8 semester hours from a combination of activity (FITS) or Varsity Sports (FITV) courses can count toward graduation. More information about Varsity Sports can be found in the Athletics pages.
Course Listings
FITS 053X Tennis I (1)
Tennis 1 is an 8-week class that meets for 2 hours twice a week. The class is open to all skill levels--beginner to advanced. The basic strokes and rules will be reviewed including serve, ground strokes, volleys, lobs and scoring. Drills are incorporated with ball machines and practice partners. Rackets and balls are provided during class. Taught by the Women's Tennis head coach.
- Offering: Fall
- Instructor: Roberts
FITS 059X Skiing (1)
The Willamette University ski course occurs at the beginning of the Spring semester through Mt. Hood Meadows. Ski lessons are available in Alpine, Nordic (Cross Country), Telemark and Snowboarding, each with levels from beginning to expert courses. Mt. Hood Meadows has over 115 PSIA (Professional Ski Instructor Association) Certified Ski Instructors and 45 Snowboard Instructors that teach by ATS (American Teaching System). Students will have "lab time" to ski or snowboard before and after each lesson period in order to meet the Fitness requirement.
- Offering: Spring
- Instructor: Stewart
FITS 063X Celtic Cardio (1)
Celtic Cardio is a 60 minute class focusing on cardiovascular endurance, foot speed, agility, and overall functional strength using a bench and risers, hand weights, and resist-a-balls. All movement is based on Irish Dance and Highland Games events with contemporary and classic Celtic music driving the beat.
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Staff
FITS 064X Basic Functional Interval Training (1)
Basic Functional Interval Training alternates segments of power cardio movements with resistance training. Hand weights as well as one's own body weight will be used to overload the muscles during the resistance option. Focus will be on creating imbalance as to strengthen the core muscle groups. The class will also include an abdominal workout as well as a 10 minute cool down.
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Staff
FITS 065X Pilates (1)
Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit. Pilates is great for any sport, especially rotational sports like tennis and golf. Pilates will enhance your sport performance. Use of Pilates magic circles, balls, hand weights, and bands are incorporated into this workout.
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Staff
FITS 066X Cardio Strength and Endurance (1)
A course designed to improve endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Includes elements of step and floor aerobics, kick-boxing, hand weights and other light equipment.
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Staff
FITS 069X Core Body Conditioning/ABS (1)
This 45-minute, twice a week, mat-type class takes a functional approach to lengthening and strengthening muscles. This invigorating workout utilizes active/passive stretching as well as core body strengthening. It is based on the principles of Yoga, Pilates and basic strength training. We will use our own body weight as well as dumbbells for resistance and "physioballs" for isometric contractions and balance.
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Staff
FITS 070X CrossFit (1)
CrossFit is offered twice a week for one hour.
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Staff
FITS 081X Fencing (1)
Foils, masks, and protective jackets are provided by the University. Basic foot work and blade work is taught and the general concepts of form, balance and self-control are developed. Good sportsmanship is stressed and the formal code of etiquette for fencing is introduced. Participants in this course are eligible to join the University's fencing club, the Willamette University Foil Fencers (WUFF) after the sixth week of class.
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Staff
FITS 084X Tai Chi (1)
Tai Chi is a flowing, graceful moving meditation which cultivates a calm, focused and centered mind. It is also an ancient exercise system for developing a vibrant, strong and supple body. Finally, Tai Chi is a highly effective internal martial art for confidence and self-defense. The class is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to solely pursue the meditative and health aspects as well as students interested in its martial applications.
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Staff
FITS 085X Yoga (1)
Yoga is a system of exercise, breath awareness and concentration used to promote individual growth. This course focuses on physical postures and breathing exercises to develop strength, flexibility and balance.
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Staff
FITV 001X-029X Varsity Sports (1 semester hour each)
Credit can be earned by students participating in the following varsity sports: baseball (m), basketball (m/w), cross country (m/w), football (m), golf (m/w), lacrosse (w), soccer (m/w), softball (w), swimming (m/w), tennis (m/w), track and field (m/w), triathlon (w) and volleyball (w).Students must participate in a minimum of 30 activity days during the traditional season in which the credit is earned. Lack of participation due to injury or prolonged illness will be taken into account. Lack of participation for other reasons will be evaluated, on an individual basis, by the Associate Director of Athletics. Credit will be awarded at the end of the season, if the student has not exceeded an average of one FITS/FITV course per semester at Willamette. No more than 8 semester hours from a combination of activity (FITS) or Varsity Sports (FITV) courses can count toward graduation.
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Staff