Courses

PHED BC1004 Physical Education Courses  

The Barnard Physical Education Department offers a diverse range of course activities to accommodate student interests and abilities.  Barnard students must complete one Physical Education course during their designated semester in their First Year.  Transfer students must complete one semester of Physical Education by the end of the Junior Year (if their transfer credit evaluation necessitates a PE course).  There are no exemptions from the PE requirement.  Dance technique courses, intercollegiate athletic teams, and some Columbia clubs also fulfill the Physical Education requirement and have different registration procedures.  Students should contact the Physical Education Department Chair with any questions.

Students may choose from a variety of topics that focus on mind/body, muscular strength/endurance, outdoor fitness, and setting health behavior change goals. See topic descriptions for details.

MIND/BODY 

Beginning Yoga:
An introduction to Hatha Yoga focusing on the development of the physical body to increase flexibility and strength. Breathing practices and meditation techniques that relax and revitalize the mind and body are included.

Pilates Mat:
A combination of Pilates-based mat exercises class to strengthen core and sculpting techniques for the entire body using various equipment. Emphasis on proper breathing and alignment.

Tai Chi:
This series of classes will provide the practice of T'ai Chi Chuan as a moving meditation and health maintenance exercise. This process involves both physical and nonphysical work and introduces T'ai Chi as an exercise of consciousness. There will also be recommended reading selections in the history and philosophical underpinnings of T'ai Chi. No pre-requisite for this course. Each class will consist of physical practice of the T'ai Chi sequence of movements / postures, also discussion including history of and principles of T'ai Chi.

Yoga and Ayurveda:
Ayurveda derives from ancient India and means the "science of life."  Ayurveda consists of diet and lifestyle practices to support harmony.  Yoga and Ayurveda is a course that combines the traditional yoga practices (i.e. postures, breathing, and meditation) with basic teachings from the Ayurvedic tradition.

Yoga/Meditation:
This course includes an introduction to Hatha Yoga, which focuses on the development of the physical body through asanas, or poses, and classic meditation and relaxation techniques.  Regular meditation practice at home is required.

MUSCULAR STRENGTH/ENDURANCE 

Body Sculpting:
This course focuses on strength and endurance exercises using hand weights, resistance bands, body bars, gliding discs and balls. Muscle toning exercises are discussed and practiced in detail to develop muscle definition for the upper and lower body. Emphasis is placed on correct body placement. Informative coloring sessions enhance physical learning. Instruction in stretching technique included

Cardio Circuits:
A studio-based course designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and overall health. Through a variety of high-energy workouts, participants will utilize dumbbells, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises to enhance their cardiovascular training. This course features dynamic routines, including aerobic workouts, interval and circuit training, and strength-infused cardio sessions, all tailored to accommodate varying fitness levels.

Strength Training:
Introduction to the principles of strength training and conditioning. Instruction on the use of free weights, resistance machines and cardiovascular equipment for the development of muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular conditioning and flexibility. Program tailored to individual needs with an emphasis on lifetime fitness.

Total Body Fitness:
A fitness course to increase total body fitness through cardio and strength training. Course includes proper form and usage on all types of cardio equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, arc trainers, stationary bicycles, and rowers plus a variety of muscular strength exercises. This course is designed for all fitness levels with variations and progressions so that all students can safely move through classes which will have both a cardio and strength component.

SPECIAL TOPICS:

Fitness Outside:
A fitness course based on outdoor workouts. Includes walking, jogging and basic body weight training for cardiovascular, core, and muscular endurance. Students will visit locations both on and off campus for a variety of fitness activities. This course is designed for all fitness levels. Must be willing to workout in public spaces.

Health Coaching:
This course is designed to teach students the process of identifying, setting, and achieving a specific health behavior change goal within the Wheel of Health. The course will consist of short lectures, discussions, and individual health coaching sessions. Action steps towards the health goal will be expected each week outside of class meeting times.

Independent Study (PHED BC2799)  
Enrollment in a college level course of instruction not offered by the Barnard or Columbia Physical Education Departments. Department approval required prior to the first day of the Physical Education registration period.

Cross-Listed Courses

There are currently no cross-listed courses for your department.