Workout your future. Master the essentials of health, exercise, and overall wellness.

Are you interested in health and how exercise can help you be healthier? Have you wondered how the body works and the testing practices used to identify and treat diseases? Gain hands-on experience in the health and exercise science field and insight into the many career opportunities available in the different disciplines of exercise science. Students will learn from Wake Forest faculty about the different systems in the body, practice using technology for health procedures like blood pressure and electromyography (EMG), and tour on and off-campus facilities dedicated to health and fitness.

At a Glance


2024 Dates: Week of June 16 – 21 and week of June 23 – 28

Waitlists have been implemented for both sessions of the 2024 Health and Exercise Science Institute. Students may still apply, register for different institute sessions, or apply to the Online Immersion Program – study online with Wake Forest anywhere, anytime, at your own pace.

Program Length: Sunday – Friday

Who Can Apply?Current 9th – 12th grade students

Tuition: $3,000

Location: Winston-Salem, NC – Wake Forest University Campus

*Courses carry no secondary school or college credit. Upon completion of the program, an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion will be awarded to all Health and Exercise Science Institute participants.


What You’ll Experience

Topics Covered:

  • Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Anatomy and Health
  • Careers in Health and Exercise Science
  • Muscle Function
  • Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Strength Conditioning and Sports Nutrition

Hands-On Experiences:

  • Heart rate and blood pressure lab
  • Muscle function testing
  • Pulmonary testing
  • Strength and fitness conditioning
  • Cardio-Respiratory evaluation

*Hands-on experiences are subject to change.


A Day in the Life

  • 8:00 am – Morning Meeting and Breakfast
  • 9:00 am – Welcome from Dr. Eaves and Program Ambassadors
  • 9:30 am – Pulmonary Function Testing
  • 10:30 am – Measuring PFTs
  • 12:00 pm – Lunch
  • 1:00 pm – Tour of Strength and Conditioning Center at WFU Football Center
  • 3:00 pm – Strength and Agility Tests/Drills with WFU Director of Sports Performance
  • 5:00 pm – Debrief of the Day
  • 5:30 pm – Dinner
  • 6:30 pm – Evening Activities
  • 7:30 pm – Free Time
  • 9:00 pm – Prepare for Bed
  • 10:00 pm – Lights Out

*The “A Day in the Life” sample schedule is subject to change.


Meet the Academic Leader

Ted Eaves

Ted Eaves, EdD, LAT, ATC, CSCS

Academic Leader, Health and Exercise Science Institute

Dr. Eaves received his Bachelor of Science from the College of William & Mary. He then earned his Master of Science from Michigan State University and his Doctorate in Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Dr. Eaves teaches Biomechanics of Human Movement and Human Anatomy, as well as Human Physiology and Exercise Physiology at Wake Forest. Dr. Eaves has authored the textbook The Practical Guide to Athletic Training, and his research interests include the use of spit tobacco in high school baseball coaches.