The basic components of good nutrition are studied along with the special nutrition demands associated with exercise performance. A special emphasis is placed upon the chemical and biochemical nature of nutrition and exercise.
Students also study the efficacy of some of the current nutritional fads.
These topics are framed by discussions from a Christian perspective on the importance of fitness and good nutrition. Using a bike as a vehicle J to promote lifetime fitness is particularly attractive because the equipment is relatively inexpensive and this form of exercise is low impact making it ideal for lifelong participation. Biking in Australia also gives students an opportunity to gain insights and appreciation for another culture. Students compare the exercise and nutritional attitudes and habits of two cultures and determine if there is any correlation with incidences of diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Students are expected to attend several evening classes during the fall in preparation for the interim and to spend several hours researching a topic that they will present to the class during the bike tour in Australia.