Fitness and cultural values of future specialists in physical education: the role of the national educational standards and course syllabi

In the article the problem of formation of common cultural competences in future Physical Education specialists and also the role of fitness in this process is considered. Recent Russian and overseas research papers have highlighted the constant growth of interest in fitness techniques as a way of maintaining one’s wellbeing. Moreover, rapid development of both market relations and fitness industry has led to new requirements for higher education in this field. The authors claim that teaching future specialists in fitness and health should always follow modern trends in sport. The analysis of research papers for 2000-2017 as well as the study of theoretical and methodological foundation of developing cultural values in final-year students has shown the effectiveness of yoga classes within the academic curriculum. The article provides a detailed exam of papers on general policies of developing cultural values from the point of the National Educational Standards and various syllabi guidelines. The authors underline the possibility of using yoga techniques as a pedagogical model of teaching cultural norms and values. Conclusion: The authors give the analysis of educational syllabi taught in state universities with on-site facilities and equipment and private classes. It has demonstrated that due to a highly theoretical and methodological approach, the government-aided courses provide the most efficient and beneficial basis for meeting the requirements of the National Educational Standards of Physical Education and Sport. It means that graduating students will be competitive enough to demonstrate both professional skills and cultural values in any sphere of the labour market including fitness industry.