What does an Exercise Physiologist do?
Published 3 min read
An Exercise Physiologist is a health professional who specializes in physical activity and exercise. They work with people of all ages and abilities to promote health and well-being through exercise.
Exercise Physiologist job duties include:
- Design and implement exercise programs for patients
- Educate patients on the importance of exercise
- Monitor patients during exercise to ensure safety
- Modify exercise programs as needed to accommodate individual needs
- Keep accurate records of patient progress
- Communicate with other members of the healthcare team to coordinate care
- Perform fitness assessments to determine starting point for exercise programs
- Develop individualized goals for each patient
- Progressively challenge patients to help them reach their full potential
Exercise Physiologist Job Requirements
An Exercise Physiologist typically has a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or a related field. Some states require certification, and most employers prefer candidates with experience working in a fitness or healthcare setting. Exercise Physiologists typically work full-time, and some jobs may require evening or weekend hours.
Exercise Physiologist Skills
- Motivational interviewing
- Health promotion
- Exercise prescription
- Cardiovascular assessment
- Pulmonary function testing
- Exercise testing
- Electrocardiography
- Body composition analysis
- Nutritional counseling
- Stress management
- Behaviour change
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How to become an Exercise Physiologist
There are many reasons why people may want to become an Exercise Physiologist. Maybe they were always active in sports and want to help others improve their performance. Maybe they have a personal interest in health and fitness and want to help people achieve their goals. Whatever the reason, becoming an Exercise Physiologist can be a very rewarding career.
Here are a few steps to take if you’re interested in becoming an Exercise Physiologist:
1. Get a degree in Exercise Science or a related field. This will give you the foundation you need to understand how the body works during exercise.
2. Get certified as a personal trainer. This will allow you to work with clients one-on-one to help them reach their fitness goals.
3. Consider getting certified as an exercise physiologist. This credential will allow you to work with clients who have medical conditions that require special attention when exercising.
4. Find a job working with clients that interest you. You can work in a gym, hospital, or even start your own business.
5. Continuously learn and stay up-to-date on the latest research in the field of exercise physiology. This will help you provide the best possible care for your clients.
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