Mission Statement
The mission of the Physical Activity Program within the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Maryland, College Park is to inspire students to integrate physical activity into their lives. We foster a welcoming community that encourages participation across all fitness levels, teaching essential skills for leisure activities and lifelong wellness. Our safe and supportive environment equips students with the ability, confidence and desire to lead active, healthy lives.
Aquatics
Make a splash and enjoy the benefits of water-based exercise through our aquatics course offerings. Boost your fitness with AquaHIIT, earn your RedCross certification through Lifeguarding, or master the basics in Beginning Swimming.
Martial Arts
Discover the discipline of Martial Arts. Build a foundation in Beginning Martial Arts, refine your techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or gain practical skills in Self Defense.
Fitness and Conditioning
Whether you're looking to unwind and strengthen with Yoga, boost your endurance through Fitness Walking, or challenge yourself with Strength Training, embrace a holistic approach to wellness through these lower impact courses.
Sports
Enjoy friendly competition in our individual and team-based sport course offerings, where the camaraderie is sure to be a highlight of the experience! Partner up for pickleball, perfect your put in golf, or intercept a pass in flag football.
What current students say about their experience:
Taking pickleball was the highlight of my semester! It was incredible to have an assigned time where I had to be outside, socializing, and moving my body. It was a great way to meet professors and create other KNES connections while learning a new sport!
Alyssa Palagano
B.S. '26
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I am not a Kinesiology student but I want to register for a physical activity class. How can I enroll?
A: Non-KNES majors can join the holdfile for any of the physical activity courses that are restricted to KNES majors. If seats are available on the first day of classes for the semester, those on the holdfile will roll into the seats available. As a non-major, this is your only way into the course.
Q: Are activity classes the full semester or half semester?
A: Some of our courses are offered in the full semester format while others are in the 8 week format. Check the Registrar’s Office website for non-standard course information.
Q: It says I have to pay a $40 course fee for an activity class. What does that money go towards?
A: The $40 course fee for our physical activity classes is designed to ensure a high-quality learning experience for all students. This fee covers essential resources, including the equipment needed for instruction, access to the spaces where classes are held, and any necessary first aid supplies. By supporting these elements, the fee helps maintain a safe and well-equipped environment, allowing students to fully engage in their physical activity courses.
Q: Can I take an activity course over the summer or winter?
A: Yes! Our department provides a variety of activity classes available both in person and online during the summer and winter sessions. Check out the link below to explore the offerings. These courses are not restricted to Kinesiology majors.
Q: Who teaches physical activity courses?
A combination of tenure track, professional track, adjunct faculty members and graduate students teach the physical activity courses.
Q: The class I want to enroll in is full. Is there anything I can do to secure a seat?
A: If a class is full, please add yourself to the waitlist or holdfile as this is the only way to earn a seat in the courses. However, we cannot guarantee you will earn a seat from the waitlist nor do we know the possibility of earning a seat.
Ready to Register?
Search "KNES1" to find Physical Activities Program Courses in Testudo. You can find full descriptions for each of our courses in the Schedule of Classes.