Originally founded by Professor T.K. Cureton, the University of Illinois Adult Fitness Program has the distinction of being the first University-based adult fitness program in the world.

Professor Cureton established the Physical Fitness Research Laboratory in 1944 and the Adult Fitness Program was established shortly afterwards in order to examine the effects of exercise and physical activity on health and effective functioning.

Since Dr. Cureton’s retirement, the Adult Fitness Program has continued to support the Department of Kinesiology’s research, teaching, and service mission. Now known as the Lifetime Fitness Program, the program is directed by Professors Jack Senefeld and Emerson Sebastião.