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For Thomas Loveys, the Fitness and Health Promotion (FIT) program at Durham College (DC) was more than a stepping stone — it was a transformative experience that reshaped his academic journey and career goals.
“I had a great experience in FIT,” said Loveys. “The program helped shape me into the person I am today. I learned just how beneficial exercise can be and how to better incorporate it into my life and the lives of others.”
The two-year diploma program equipped Loveys with hands-on experience, industry insight, and the confidence to thrive in a university setting. It also helped him find his voice.
“FIT really brought me out of my shell,” he recalled. “There were so many in-class activities where you’d practice movements with classmates or even build your communication skills with exercises like motivational interviewing. It was the social part of the program that had the biggest impact on me.”
Supportive faculty, practical volunteer opportunities — including VO2 max testing with Pre-Fire students — and a close-knit community made the experience even more meaningful.
“The professors were always kind and went the extra mile to make sure we understood the material,” he said. “It created a warm and welcoming vibe where I felt like I could grow.”
Graduating in June 2023 with highest distinction, Loveys took full advantage of the bridging pathway from DC’s FIT program to Ontario Tech University’s Kinesiology degree. The transition, he says, was seamless — and incredibly valuable.
“Thanks to my time at DC, I came into Kinesiology with a strong foundation. I already knew my study habits and had basic knowledge of complex topics. That made a huge difference,” Loveys explained. “The most valuable part of the pathway was being able to work as a personal trainer while studying. I was able to land a job early in university doing something I love — and making money at the same time.”
To students considering the same route, Thomas is clear: start with the Fitness and Health promotion program.
“You gain a ton of practical skills that you wouldn’t get from university alone,” he said. “Two years is enough time to mature and really appreciate your education. And FIT will also help you decide if Kinesiology is really for you. Courses such as exercise physiology and fitness assessment are quite similar to what you would experience in Kinesiology, so if you enjoy those courses and want to learn more, this pathway is for you.”
Looking back on his time at DC, it’s the community that stands out most.
“Whether it was in the gym, cafeteria, or walking to class, you could talk to anyone,” he said. “There was always something going on. My years at DC were some of the best of my life, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
If you are passionate about health and fitness and ready to turn that passion into a career, the Fitness and Health Promotion program is your first step toward professional success. Students are prepared for certification with nationally recognized organizations like the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), the Ontario Fitness Council, and others. These credentials are highly respected across Canada and open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in fitness, wellness, and health promotion and gives students a competitive edge and the confidence to succeed in the bridge program and after graduation.
