The fitness trend began in the 1970s and never ended. As more people jumped on the exercise bandwagon, the need for qualified instruction became apparent. Organizations like the American Council on Exercise jumped into the fitness scene in the 1980s and set up conferences, workshops and certification programs. Basic training and certification programs are now available for aspiring personal trainers and group exercise instructors. Anyone wishing to link with the medical profession must undergo exercise specialist training.
Identification
An exercise specialist delivers post-rehabilitation, risk factor identification and lifestyle management programs to individuals at risk for cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic disorders, as well as pregnant women and injured athletes. The training therefore requires advanced exercise assessment training and an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, exercise physiology and biomechanics. Training is available only to instructors who have a basic personal trainer certification. Some programs, such as the one offered by the American College of Sports Medicine, accept only participants with bachelor's degrees in allied health professions, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physical education and nursing. An up-to-date CPR card is required for all certifications. Programs may require candidates to have 300 to 600 hours of experience in the field prior to admission.
Function
An exercise specialist works as a personal trainer, a manager at a hospital-based fitness center or a researcher. The desired position influences the course of training. A person interested in managing a facility would take a medical exercise program director program, such as the one offered by the American Academy of Health, Fitness and Rehab Professionals. This type of program offers facility layout and marketing training. Aspiring exercise research specialists must complete a degree program. Teachers College at Columbia University has a two-year program, which trains students to design and conduct studies and interpret the results.
Features
An exercise specialist interested in general personal training has a number of training programs to choose from, but those who want to specialize have other options. The National Academy of Sports Medicine offers a Corrective Exercise Specialist certification, which prepares the trainer to work with athletes. Candidates train in movement analysis, postural assessment and post-rehabilitation exercise. Case studies are an essential part of the exam. The American College of Sports Medicine exercise specialist certification emphasizes cardiovascular wellness. This type of program emphasizes maximal and sub-maximal stress-testing techniques, heart rate monitoring and risk assessment. Prenatal exercise specialists can take the Healthy Moms Advanced Perinatal Fitness Instructor Training Course, which presents an overview of the research on prenatal exercise. This program has special licensing opportunities.
Time Frame
The time frames of the different programs vary, and depend on the candidate's existing knowledge about the subject matter. The American Council on Exercise, for example, recommends three to six months of study prior to the exam. All programs include study materials, and most offer a one to four-day precertification workshop. Most have online diagnostic practice tests and some have ongoing study support.
Considerations
Continuing education is part of the exercise specialist training process. Most programs require you to re-certify every two years. You must present proof of approved courses, which you can attend at live or online events. Websites such as Personal Training on the Net have memberships that allow you to read monthly articles, take exams and earn continuing education credits.
Warning
Exercise specialists often deal with complex medical issues, which frequently have a high liability risk. Many training programs offer optional courses in liability insurance issues. These courses are advisable for anyone interested in becoming an exercise specialist.
References
- American College of Sports Medicine: ACSM Exercise Specialist
- American Council on Exercise: Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist Certification
- National Academy of Sports Medicine: Corrective Exercise Specialist
- Post Rehab: Medical Exercise Program Director
- Teachers College: Applied Physiology Program Description
- Healthy Moms: Healthy Moms® Advanced Perinatal Fitness Instructor Training Course
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