NCJ Number
106872
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 56 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1987) Pages: 16-21
Date Published
1987
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The FBI Academy in Quantico, Va., has developed and implemented a unique training course that uses both the holistic approach and principles of adult education to meet the health and fitness needs of all law enforcement personnel.
Abstract
Students graduate knowing not only how to maintain and increase their own newly developed level of health and fitness but also how to stimulate the interest of their peers in health and fitness. They learn to develop a holistic program that uses proven techniques for safely teaching others how to become healthy and fit and to incorporate the holistic approach into existing departmental fitness programs. The 44-hour course includes 38 hours on health and fitness and 6 hours on educational concepts. A physical training instructor teaches the relationships among all aspects of health and fitness and explains the concept of lifestyle modification to improve health. Smoking, lack of exercise, excessive fat or salt intake, excessive alcohol intake, and lack of fiber in the diet are discussed in terms of the specific health threats they pose. An education instructor joins the class to teach the principles and theories of adult education and learning, using audiovisual materials, charts, graphs, and life experiences. The course's six units cover the following topics: (1) anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, (2) aerobics, (3) stress reduction, (4) diet and nutrition, (5) fitness testing, exercise consultation, and gym practicum; and (6) equipment, legal implications, and new concepts. The course has proved beneficial in helping students develop and implement successful programs on both personal and agency levels. 2 footnotes.