An exercise specialist is a person who has been specially trained to identify specific physical health problems and to provide advice on exercise techniques and routines that can be used to eliminate or reduce the causes and symptoms. His examination usually includes a review of a patient’s medical history, current general health status, and physical condition. The specialist is particularly interested in major medical issues or restrictions. He is typically expected to use all of this information to determine which physical fitness tests to administer in order to determine which exercise program would be most beneficial to the patient.
Following the completion of the tests, the specialist usually meets with the client to discuss the results. He might advise them to change their fitness training routine in order to improve their physical condition. He usually recommends several exercise training options if no training program is in place.
After deciding on a training program, an exercise specialist is often required to teach the person how to use specific pieces of exercise equipment in order to achieve the best results. He usually consults with the client at this point about program guidelines, as well as frequency and motion repetition options. If the client has any questions or concerns, they are usually addressed the specialist at this time.
If the exercise specialist works for a company that specializes in group exercise programs and therapies, he may conduct interviews with the participants and divide them into groups with similar health issues and improvement goals. This type of screening usually entails a variety of fitness assessments. The proposed participants may also be subjected to non-invasive cardiopulmonary testing.
The exercise specialist usually develops programs and goals for each category after the groups are divided into low, medium, and high-risk categories. Exercise progression plans are common, and they are designed to gradually increase exercise expectations as the program progresses. Exercise regimens usually include both land-based and water-based exercises.
An exercise specialist is usually required to educate clients on how to reduce health risk factors in addition to planning and administering exercise programs. He regularly instructs them on how to recognize and manage stress. He frequently discusses diet habits and suggests healthier eating options.
In most cases, an exercise specialist must be trained to recognize health problems that are commonly associated with strenuous exercise. Heart failure, heat exhaustion, and dehydration are common examples. He has received basic CPR and first-aid training in the past.
A bachelor’s degree in exercise science or health and wellness promotion is the minimum educational requirement for this position. Some establishments demand a master’s degree in the same or related fields. Additional certifications are required in some areas.