Hands-on project in Health Assessment and Exercise Prescription helps students turn classroom knowledge into real-world wellness coaching.
At Mount St. Joseph University, learning extends beyond the classroom—and in ESC 323: Health Assessment and Exercise Prescription, students are putting evidence-based exercise programming into action through the Basecamp to Better Health initiative.
Over the past five weeks, students in ESC 323 partnered directly with campus and community clients to apply what they’ve learned in class through the Basecamp to Better Health project. Working in teams, students assessed baseline health status, practiced motivational interviewing and goal setting, evaluated strength, endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness, and designed individualized exercise programs tailored to each client’s unique needs.
The project connected students with a diverse group of participants, reflecting the real-world variety they will encounter in future health and clinical settings. Clients included a staff member returning to exercise after pregnancy, an older adult managing a chronic inflammatory condition, a young alumna preparing for a half-marathon, and a staff member rebuilding physical activity following surgery.
As the project progressed, students adjusted exercise plans based on client feedback, symptoms, confidence, available equipment, and measurable progress. One client shared experiencing “an increase in mood, better sleep habits, and an overall increased feeling in health and wellness” after beginning the program. Another documented milestones including completing strength sessions, increasing repetitions, walking more than two miles, and tracking heart rate responses during exercise.
Beyond measurable outcomes, many clients highlighted the personal connections formed throughout the experience. One participant reflected, “I am so glad and thankful I was selected to be part of your group and this process. Each of you have demonstrated active listening, kindness, and patience with me over these past few weeks. Your caring and supportive behavior have been motivating and meaningful to me.”
For students, the experience became far more than a classroom assignment—it was an opportunity to strengthen clinical reasoning, communication, and client-centered care. By adapting programs to individual goals, symptoms, and lifestyles, students gained valuable insight into how exercise prescription works in practice.
“I have also been able to apply concepts from class, such as progressive overload and exercise progression into a real-world setting, which has strengthened my understanding of these principles,” shared junior Health and Exercise Science major Brook Shelton, concentrating in Sports Performance and Active Aging.
Sophomore Alayna Walcott, a student in the Clinical Exercise Science concentration, described the experience as learning “how to adapt to your client, how to build your program to the client’s wants and needs, and how to connect with the client.”
According to Dr. BC Charles-Liscombe, Department Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Integrative Health, the project is designed to deepen students’ practical and interpersonal skills.
“This project enables students to engage deeply in the process of motivational interviewing, goal setting, and exercise programming,” said Dr. Charles-Liscombe. “Students develop the skills to connect on a personal level with clients, support them along the journey toward improved health, and expand their ability to apply concepts discussed in class.”
Basecamp to Better Health is one of several initiatives supporting the Mount’s continued recognition as an Exercise is Medicine® On Campus Silver-level institution. By combining assessment, evidence-based programming, and relationship-centered coaching, the project helps students build confidence while empowering clients to take meaningful steps toward improved health, fitness, and well-being.
To learn more about the Department of Exercise Science and Integrative Health, the Health and Exercise Science major, the Basecamp to Better Health initiative, and Exercise is Medicine® On Campus programs, visit msj.edu/exscihealth or contact exercise.integrativehealth@msj.edu.
