To create custom exercise regimens, exercise specialists assess the physical fitness and medical histories of patients with health problems. To ensure that patients engage in safe, effective exercise, they rely on their expert knowledge of physiology, nursing, and personal training. To work as an exercise specialist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, supervised experience in a clinical exercise program, and passing regional and national certification exams. An individual with the necessary training and credentials can work as an exercise specialist in a physical rehabilitation clinic or a public gym.
Anyone interested in pursuing a career as an exercise specialist can enroll in a four-year bachelor’s degree program at an accredited university. Exercise science degrees are offered by some schools, and they are particularly useful in preparing future exercise specialists. If an exercise science major is not available, a student can learn the necessary knowledge and skills in a nursing, physical therapy, or physiology program. An undergraduate learns why exercise is important for people who are at risk of developing health problems like diabetes and heart disease. He or she will learn about the physiology of the heart and lungs, as well as how a healthy diet and exercise routine can help to reduce risk factors.
Many schools provide successful students with internship or career placement opportunities to help them get started in the field after graduation. An exercise specialist typically begins his or her career as an assistant at a clinical rehabilitation facility, where he or she learns about the profession firsthand from experienced professionals. An assistant is usually required to complete training courses and obtain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid, and basic life support before working with actual patients.
The requirements for becoming an exercise specialist vary by region and country, but most professionals must complete three to one year of supervised work experience before taking certification exams. Professional governing bodies, such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in the United States, offer certification. The ACSM website, or the website of a similar organization in another country, can provide information on prerequisites and testing dates.
After earning exercise specialist credentials, a person is qualified to work with patients on their own. For a practicing exercise specialist to stay up to date on the latest techniques, continuing education and refresher training courses are essential. Most exercise specialists love what they do, and their services bring hope and health to millions of people around the world.