Exercise Specialist Careers

You may consider joining the field of exercise science if you are fascinated by how the body moves and you are committed to living a physically fit life. Specializing in exercise science involves studying how the body responds to sports and physical activity and using your knowledge to help others achieve optimum health.

Exercise Specialist

Exercise specialists certified by the American College of Sports Medicine, or ACSM, work with patients who are at risk for or currently have pulmonary, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. ACSM Exercise Specialists perform exercise assessments, rehabilitate patients, identify risk factors and help manage the lifestyles of such patients. They can also offer consultations for public health, research and other services and programs. Beginning January 1, 2011, requirements for certification include a bachelor's degree in an exercise-related field such as exercise science or kinesiology, at least 400 hours of practical experience in a program accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences or at least 500 hours of experience in a non-accredited program, certification in basic life support or CPR, and passing a certification exam.

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Clinical exercise physiologists commonly work with patients who have health issues such as cardiovascular, orthopedic and neuromuscular diseases. If you become a clinical exercise physiologist, your duties might include performing exercise tests, interpreting the resulting data, developing exercise prescriptions and counseling patients in exercise methods. To become an ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist you would need to earn a master's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology or movements science be certified in basic life support or CPR, and be an ACSM Exercise Specialist or have at least 600 hours of clinical experience.

Physical or Occupational Therapist

Physical therapists aid patients in recovering from diseases or injuries of the bones, nerves, joints and muscles and occupational therapists aid patients in developing fine motor skills and dexterity, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. If you became either type of therapist, you would likely incorporate exercise and physical modalities such as electrical stimulation to improve patients' movement abilities. To become a physical or occupational therapist you would need to complete a four-year undergraduate degree, go through at least two or three years of specialized training and pass a national examination.

Personal Trainer

Personal trainers generally work directly with individual clients or small groups and are paid either by the hour or by the session. Personal trainer are familiar with multiple types of exercises and know how to apply them to improve and maintain their clients' health and physical fitness. They also lead and demonstrate effective, safe methods of exercising and motivate clients to accomplish their goals, according to the American Medical Association. To become a personal trainer you generally need at least an undergraduate degree and you may also need certification such as that from the ACSM.