MIT PHYSICAL EDUCATION


Students register on WebSIS Non-students waitlist Get current quarter PDF


 
Note: This is a list of activities offered by the Physical Education Program.

Many classes are seasonal or are not not offered every quarter.

For a current class schedule view the Course Schedule

Aquatics-Beginner Swimming
Class is for those who are at ease in shallow water but are not safe in deep water.

 

Aquatics-Advanced Beginner Swimming
Class is for those who have some swimming ability but cannot pass the swim test.

 

Aquatics-Intermediate Swimming
Conducted in the deep pool for those who wish to gain proficiency in the various strokes.

 

Aquatics-Advanced Techniques
For students who wish to learn the competitive strokes or improve their technique.

 

Aquatics-Diving
A basic course for those with limited experience, but the desire to learn the fundamentals of springboard diving. Dives that are taught include forward, backward, half twist, forward and backward somersaults in the various diving positions (layout, pike, tuck). Dives with more difficulty may be taught dependent upon the skill level of the class.

 

Aquatics-SCUBA Diving
Special instruction encompassing a full semester of lecture, pool work, and 5 ocean dives leads to internationally recognized SSI SCUBA Diver Certification. Fee of $300 covers instruction, text, rentals, log book, dive tables, and use of all necessary equipment.

Prerequisites include passing the SCUBA swim test (swim 100 yards, tread water for 10 minutes and swim underwater for 20 yards) and filling out and signing an enrollment form and a health questionnaire.

 

Aquatics-Swimming in Single-gender Setting
This is an opportunity to learn how to swim in a single-gender class. Please dress in a manner in which you feel comfortable. Instructors and lifeguards will be same gender as class. This class is offered during IAP with male and female classes offered in alternate years. (In 2007, Women's only class will be offered and, in 2008, Men's only class will be offered.)

 

Aikido
This class is recommended for those who desire a good aerobic workout while working on the concepts involved in dealing with conflict without aggression. The work-outs have been described as "moving Yoga."

 

Archery
A basic course in fundamentals of target shooting. Class will be conducted indoors. $10 lab fee.

 

Badminton
A basic course for beginners covering the fundamentals of this fast moving indoor game. All necessary equipment is provided.

 

Baseball: How to Hit
Learn the fundamentals of how to hit a baseball which is considered to be one of the most difficult hand-eye coordination skills.

 

Basketball
This is an instructional course covering the basic fundamentals of basketball for those with little or no previous experience. Various drills will be utilized leading up to game scrimmaging.

Body SMARTS
Mission Possible: Turning Geeks into Athletes in Three Short Weeks

Coordination, agility, kinesthetic awareness, balance, strength, flexibility - What makes for a smart body? And, how do we train to achieve this? By taking on the Mission Possible IAP intensive, you will learn about the various components of a physically "intelligent" body, and work hard to achieve this. Over IAP you will get stronger, more agile, more flexible and learn how to keep the system in optimal shape and balance for a lifetime.

 

Climbing - Indoor Bouldering
Introduction to climbing technique and safety. This class is intended for those who have had no previous climbing experience, and will prepare students to pass the belay test and climb on their own at indoor rock gyms. Intermediate and advanced climbers are strongly discouraged from taking this course. Unless you already own climbing shoes, shoe rental is required on the first class. There is a $15 fee. Attendance in all classes is mandatory since students are partnered for reasons of safety. Enrollment is very limited, so you are encouraged to sign up only if you can participate in every class. You must be present on time on first day to keep your spot on the roster. If you were not assigned this course in the PE lottery, your chances of enrolling in the class through the wait list are extremely small. However, if you want to put yourself on the wait list, please show up at least half an hour before the first class starts. More info and wall hours are posted on the MITOC webpage.

 

Dance-Intro
Introduction to the basic techniques to give the student an awareness of body placement and carriage in developing movement coordination. No previous experience necessary.

 

Dance - Ballroom
Introdution to basic steps, framing with your partner and dance traditions.

Dance - Tango (Agentine)

This is the original form of tango that developed in Argentina in the early 20 th century. It is characterized by elegant and sensual leg movements, in combination with a still and quiet upper body,. Argentine tango is an improvisational dance in the sense that dancers themselves connect the elements, thus create their own dance. The focus of the class is on proper walking technique, posture, and figures that will enable the students to enjoy tango dance events (milongas).

Dance-Technique and Choreography
A dance class based on the building of modern technique and choreographic repertoire. Choreographer/teacher will teach an intermediate/advanced technique class, focusing on developing strong skills in anatomical and rhythmical awareness, dance vocabulary, creative thinking and qualitative movement skills. Original choreography will be developed over the course of the session, with a focus on developing strong technique and innovation.


Dance-Contra American Folk
Join Folk Dance Club members for a swing and other moves with a partner. It's modernized American roots dance using easy walking steps to exciting, jazzy, LIVE New England music from a variety of bands every time. Dance with a partner and the other couples in your line, then change partners for the next dance. Various Callers will teach by way of 'walk-throughs' and prompt you during the dance to make it especially accessible to all. No Prerequisites

Dance - Folk Dance for Everyone
Dance - Folk Dance for All, Three Styles
1. Contra dancing is a modernized American folk dance using easy walking steps, set to exciting, live music.
2. International folk dancing consists of circle dances, and a few partner dances, set to the complex rhythms and music
3. Israeli dance session, you'll learn the basic steps, as well
as a variety of classic and modern dances.Today's
choreographers have mixed in elements of salsa, hip hop, and other styles.
No partner and absolutely no experience necessary.

Dance-Middle Eastern
This tradition is vivacious, supple, graceful, and sublime. Classes consist of warm-ups, exercises focusing on isolation and coordination, followed by dance combinations. All WOMEN regardless of age and figure are welcome. Wear leotard, tights, or loose-fitting clothes to class.

Dance- Modern Squares
This challenging class teaches you Plus level square dancing set to a wide range of modern music. We begin by teaching you the calls which make up each level of dancing, which you then apply throughout the class. A group of eight dancers works together in this unique form of American dance. Focus is on fast and rigorous learning, reaction time, and flow. No experience or partner necessary. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Location changes: first class in Lobdell.


Dance - Tap
Learn the fundamental moves of this classic American dance form. Develop strength and agility and get a good workout as well. Start with the basic elements and add new combinations every week as you dance to the best of swing, blues, soul, zydeco and dixieland. Keep the beat with your feet and have a great time. Please wear comfortable clothing and tap shoes. For beginners and those who have had previous elementary classes.

 

Fencing - Foil & Sabre
Instruction in the basic fundamentals includes footwork, attacks and parries. After learning the rules, including scoring, students will participate in competitive bouts.

 

Field Hockey-Indoor
This is a coed class for players of all skill levels. Individual techniques covered will include stickhandling, passing, shooting, tackling, offensive and defensive tactics and the testing of game strategies through scrimmage situations.

 

Figure Skating
This class builds on the skills taught in the general skating class. It is assumed that you will already know how to skate backwards and forwards. This class will improve your style of skating, and you will learn a variety of figure skating moves, including forward and backward edges, mohawk and three turns, spirals, lunges, spins, and a variety of jumps (bunny hops, waltz jumps, toe-loops, mazurkas, salchows, etc.). You must have figure skates. (Hockey skates are unsuitable for this class.) Rentals are available at the rink.

 

Golf
This is a basic course which includes the fundamentals of grip, stance, and swing. The short, middle, long irons are practiced plus specialized skills of pitching, chipping, putting as well as a basic understanding of rules and scoring. Classes take place outdoors on the west end of the athletic fields. Golf pdf

 

Group X Aerobics - Step 1 and Step 2
This class offers a mix of Hi/Low aerobics and step. It's a complete cardio blast, perfect for all levels.

 

Group X Aerobics - Cardio Kickboxing
This invigorating workout combines aerobic style kickboxing with aerobic strength training. Tone your arms, abs, and legs as you kick and punch without even picking up a dumbbell!

 

Group X Aerobics -Boot Camp 1 and Boot Camp 2
Looking to get into shape fast? Combining intense cardio work with strength training circuits and quick bouts of rest time, this class leaves you with no other choice than to improve your level of health and fitness!

 

Group X Aerobics - Kickbox
Basic techniques and fundamentals of kicking and punching; half cardiovascular exercises and half interval training; focuses on dynamic movement, isolated limbic movement, muscle strengthening, overall conditioning, agility and reaction; stretching; sit-ups/push-ups; high intensity fast paced workout; no previous experience necessary; for both men and women.

 

Group X Aerobics Intro to Kickboxing I
Based on martial arts style of kickboxing, learn the proper form for kicks and punches while strengthening entire body.

 

Group X Aerobics-Kickbox Interval Training II
Continuation of the basic course Kickbox - Interval Training I. Requirement: Must have completed Kickboxing - Interval Training course or have permission of the instructor.

 

Group X Aerobics Kickbox - Interval Training III
Continuation of Kickbox - Interval Training II. More advanced techniques, fight strategies, and ring management will be introduced. Requirement: Must have completed Kickbox - Interval Training II or have permission of the instructor.

 

Group X Aerobics Kickbox - Interval Training IV
Continuation of Kickbox - Interval Training III. Supervised and controlled free sparring with padded equipment will be introduced. Requirement: Must have completed Kickbox - Interval Training III or have permission of the instructor.

 

Group X Aerobics-Pilates
This amazing workout focuses on the body's core creating strong, lean and flexible muscles. Pilates builds our body's core come try this unique workout that offers benefits not found in traditional strength and stretching programs.

Group X Aerobics-Pilates 1
This amazing workout focuses on the body's core creating strong, lean and flexible muscles. Pilates builds our body's core come try this unique workout that offers benefits not found in traditional strength and stretching programs.

Group X Aerobics- Pilates 2
This class emphasizes movements that build strong abdominal and back muscles to enhance strength, muscular symmetry, alignment, flexibility, grace and coordination.

Group X Aerobics -Intro to Step
Experience an intense cardio workout while learning the basic step movements without feeling lost.

Group X Aerobics - Step
Utilizing an adjustable step, bring your cardio workout to new heights. A cardio workout with choreography!

Group X Aerobics - Advanced Step
Looking for a challenge? This class incorporates creative step combos to provide a whole lot of sweat mixed with a whole lot of variety.

Group X Aerobics -Step Variety
This step class introduces a variety of formats perfect for those looking to add some fun to their workout. Class formats include various positions of the step, using several steps side by side, and moving across all steps in the room. Perfect for all fitness levels.

Group X - Yoga
Energy, peak performance, and relaxation provide a practical toolbox of techniques and experiences. It is designed to empower you to concentrate, remember, generate energy, and sleep well. The meditations give you perspective and help balance the competing demands of a fast-paced life.

Ice Hockey - Beginning
This course is designed for the beginning hockey player. The fundamentals of passing, shooting, stick-handling, as well as positional play, are taught. As the course progresses, students are given the opportunity to experience game-like situations through drills and scrimmages. Skates, stick, etc. required.

Ice Hockey - Intermediate
Course play is for players who have some previous ice hockey experience (taken beginning hockey class, played "C" league or higher in intramural hockey). Skates, stick, etc required.

Juggling
In this class, students will learn the basics of both toss juggling and diabolo (Chinese yo-yo). We will cover techniques including three, four and more balls, passing, tricks that impress audiences and tricks that impress jugglers. The class is geared toward beginners, but students with previous experience are welcome to come and learn more advanced techniques.

Jiu-Jitsu
An introduction to self-defense utilizing the American Jiu Jitsu system of self-defense. The types of techniques we practice include joint locks, throws, chokes, defense from stick and knife attacks, kicks, punches and much more. Jiu Jitsu can be utilized by people of any size and strength. Jiu Jitsu does not rely upon brute force, but instead utilizes anatomical knowledge and mental conditioning to control and subdue an attacker. A more comprehensive description of the PE class can be found at: American Jiu-Jitsu @ MIT

Karate - Shokotan
This class is an introduction into Shotokan Karate. Shotokan is the oldest and most popular Karate style. Enlightenment is its basic goal. Training entails stretching, basic techniques, Katas and sparring. Techniques include deep stances, punches and kicking, blocks and sidewards movements. The class is taught by Tabata Sensei, an 8th degree black belt and former US national coach.

Lacrosse
A basic course covering the skills of passing, catching, cradling as used in this game of native American origin. Offensive and defensive drills will lead up to competitive scrimmaging toward the end of the course.

Physical Intelligence
For all of the bodies attached to the many great minds that walk the Institute's halls, in the work that goes on at M.I.T. the body is present as an object of study, but is all but unrecognized as an important dimension of our experience and intelligence. Yet, the body is the basis of our experience in the world; it is the very foundation on which cognitive intelligence is built. Using the M.I.T. gymnastics gym as our laboratory, Physical Intelligence will take an innovative, hands-on approach to explore the kinesthetic intelligence of the body as applicable to a wide range of disciplines. Via exercises, activities, readings and discussions designed to excavate our physical experience, we will not only develop balance, agility, flexibility and strength, but a deep appreciation for the inherent unity of mind and body that suggests physical intelligence as a powerful complement to cognitive intelligence.


Basic Pistol: Lessons on gun safety, range orientation, and shooting technique comprise the first four classes, which must be attended. Continued emphasis on safety continues throughout the course, and shooting technique gets refined. Shooting starts with a two-handed hold and progresses to one-handed. Target scoring is taught, and the course concludes with a fired match for score.
There is a $15 range fee required. Bldg. W32 Pistol Range.

Advanced Pistol: Prerequisite is Basic Pistol. Continued emphasis on handgun safety, and one-handed shooting is refined, and rules, timing, and technique are studied. Students are introduced to three courses of fire:
gallery match course, standard pistol and sport pistol. After each course of fire is trained, a match in that course is fired and scored. Course concludes with a fired match. $15 range fee required. Bldg. W32 Pistol Range.

Jogging/Running
For athletes of all levels who want to improve their fitness in a motivating environment. Workouts will include technique, aerobic base, stamina and speed.

Ropes Adventure
Ropes is an experiential leadership, confidence and team building program which includes group games, trust activities, problem-solving initiatives, and concludes with participation on the indoor high ropes course. $15 lab fee.

Sailing
Introduction to the basic fundamentals of sailing with theory and practice. Take advantage of MIT's fine sailing facility on the Charles River . Students must present a boating swim test certificate at the first class.

Sailing - Advanced / Intro to Sailboat Racing
Learn to skipper and crew a variety of boats fast upwind and downwind. Other topics covered are: starting, tactics, strategy, right of way rules. Participants must be proficient sailors and have completed the basic sailing course or its equivalent.

Self-Defense for Everyone
An introduction to the fundamentals of physical and mental self defense. Approximately half of this course is dedicated to violence prevention, de-escalation, confrontation avoidance, and how criminals select victims; the other half is dedicated to the development of physical self-defense skills. This class covers the four stages of a potential
altercation: Developing Pre-Altercation Awareness and Avoidance, Learning to Perform Pre-Altercation Assessment and De-escalation, Developing Physical Techniques to Quickly End an Altercation, Learning What to do Afterwards.

Physical techniques include: defense from grabbing-type attacks, defense from attempted muggings (armed, unarmed, or implied), defense from attempted abduction, defense if we end up on the ground, and defense from coercive-type attacks. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothes, appropriate for working out. This class is open to both men and women.

Self Defense RAD
Rape Aggression Defense for women teaches practical defense techniques, as well as providing basic information on personal safety, awareness, risk reduction and avoidance. Specially trained officers of the MIT Campus Police will instruct the class. $20 fee.

Skating
The basic fundamentals are taught which include forward and backward skating and stopping, skating in circles both forward and backward. Students are generally divided according to ability utilizing multiple instructors. Students can rent skates for this class at the rink.

Skiing-Downhill / Snowboarding
All levels are accommodated in this course, which is offered only during IAP. The course consists of six meetings, leaving MIT at 5:30pm and returning at approximately 11:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Package includes transportation, lesson, and lift ticket. Equipment rentals are available. For more information, including prices, pick up an information sheet at the PE Office W35-297X. Classes held at Nashoba Valley Ski Area. See Ski/Snowboard FAQ's

Soccer-Indoor
This course will introduce you to the basic and intermediate skills of soccer, including passing, dribbling, feinting, shooting, juggling, collecting, and positional play. Small-sided games will be practiced to incorporate these skills to lead up to an 11-sided indoor game.

Sport Taekwondo
Come and learn about Sport Taekwondo. Basic kicking techniques used in Sport Taekwondo competition are taught, as well as traditional forms and stances. Class is dynamic and upbeat, and students will get a good workout.

Squash
Introduction of the basic skills for beginners who wish to learn this fast moving indoor racquet sport. All necessary equipment is provided.

Tai Chi
A martial art from the north of China , this class will help you identify with your inner strength. Experience how power comes from internal energy and the natural tenacity of the body's bones, sinews and muscles. For more information contact Bede Bidlack, 617-441-3524.

Table Tennis
Instruction of the basic fundamentals will get the beginner into the game and those with "Ping-Pong" experience to the next level.

 

Tae Kwon Do
We welcome you to try the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do. You'll learn to execute powerful hand strikes, blocks, and kicks. Practicing brings many benefits -- self-discipline, physical conditioning, reduced stress, self-knowledge, and respect. P.E. classes are challenging -- each student is encouraged to push him- or herself to their limit, and then strive to move beyond. Classes will focus on callisthenic warm-ups, stretching, basic kicks and hand techniques, and learning the first Tae Kwon Do form (pattern of movements). The final classes will give students the opportunity for safe, controlled sparring with members of The MIT Tae Kwon Do Club.

Tennis
An introductory course for those with limited or no playing experience. Instruction will include the basic strokes, serve, volley, rules and scoring. Students must bring their own racquets. Outdoor Courts (or Johnson Indoor Courts for inclement weather)

 

Tennis - Intermediate
This course is for students that have had previous playing experience. The main pre-requisites are the ability to serve and sustain a rally. Outdoor Courts (or Johnson Indoor Courts for inclement weather)

 

Tennis - Advanced
For those with above average or high intermediate skills derived from several years of play. You must be competitive with other intermediate players. Having taken beginner class does not necessarily qualify you for this class.

Unihoc
A fast moving, hockey-type game of Swedish origin played in a gymnasium. Individual skills and team play will be covered during the course.

Upgrade your Health and Happiness in 7 Short Days

* Healthy Diet

* Physical Activity

*Enough Sleep

* Stress Management

* Healthy Relationships

Alright, maybe you can't have it all , but you can have more .

In seven days you can pick up good habits and tools that will boost your productivity. Developing personalized fitness, nutrition, time management, and stress reduction plans makes it simple for all participants to surpass current levels of efficiency and reach your potential. $10 fee.

 

Volleyball
An introductory course for those with limited or no playing experience. Instruction will include techniques for serving, passing, setting, spiking. There will be team play during the second half of the course.

 

Volleyball - Intermediate
This course is for students that have had previous playing experience. Basic fundamentals will be reviewed prior to the introduction of basic offensive and defensive strategies.

 

Weight Training
Teaches students proper techniques of lifting and spotting. Provides information for putting together individual workout programs. Course is taught as a lifetime activity as an integral part of overall fitness. Proper gym etiquette is taught and expected. Weight Training Documents TRAIN - 1 TRAIN - 2



Contact us at physedoffice@mit.edu or use our Contact Form.
Telephone us at 617-253-4291. We are located at W35-297X

Fine Print

Copyright MITDAPER All Rights Reserved
For general inquiries, please contact athletics@mit.edu

Site Navigation

Just a counter!