Human Performance is an introductory course geared towards incoming Stanford student-athletes. The course explores how the human body responds and adapts to the stress of training and competition while introducing students to the physiological, psychological, nutritional, and social aspects of athletic performance. Students will learn how muscles generate force, how the cardiovascular system delivers oxygen during exercise, how metabolism fuels movement, and how training leads to adaptation. The course will also address recovery, sleep, injury prevention, mental health, teamwork, leadership, and the unique challenges faced by collegiate athletes. Equally important, the class is designed to help incoming student-athletes build community across teams and sports. Through interactive activities, small group discussions, and collaborative projects, students will have the opportunity to connect with peers from different athletic backgrounds while learning about their own bodies and performance. At times, participation in physical movement, such as estimates of VO2max and strength measurements, will be requested in class. Priority given to first year students. No prerequisites.
3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
Human Performance is an introductory course geared towards incoming Stanford student-athletes. The course explores how the human body responds and adapts to the stress of training and competition while introducing students to the physiological, psychological, nutritional, and social aspects of athletic performance. Students will learn how muscles generate force, how the cardiovascular system delivers oxygen during exercise, how metabolism fuels movement, and how training leads to adaptation. The course will also address recovery, sleep, injury prevention, mental health, teamwork, leadership, and the unique challenges faced by collegiate athletes. Equally important, the class is designed to help incoming student-athletes build community across teams and sports. Through interactive activities, small group discussions, and collaborative projects, students will have the opportunity to connect with peers from different athletic backgrounds while learning about their own bodies and performance. At times, participation in physical movement, such as estimates of VO2max and strength measurements, will be requested in class. Priority given to first year students. No prerequisites.
Offered in Autumn 2026 at Stanford University.