1. Chapter 12: Fitness- and Health-related
Careers in Physical Education and Sport
What are the responsibilities of a fitness or
exercise specialist?
What are the opportunities available for
someone pursuing a therapy-related career?
How does one increase their marketability for
fitness-, health-, and therapy-related careers?
2. Fitness- and Exercise-related
Careers
Preventive programs
Specialists work with healthy adults to increase their level of fitness.
Corporate fitness centers, commercial fitness centers, and community
agencies (YMCA/YWCA)
Rehabilitative programs
Specialists work with individuals who exhibit the effects of coronary
heart disease focusing on attaining a functional state of living and an
enhanced quality of life.
Most often found in hospitals, medical clinics or community agencies
affiliated with corporate fitness centers.
4. Program Aspects
(Institute of Aerobics Research)
Medical screening
Fitness and lifestyle assessment
Goal setting
Supervised group programs
Educational classes
Motivation and reinforcement
Why should these aspects be included?
How could you implement each of these aspects?
5. Exercise Program Specialist Responsibilities
Direct program
Train and supervise staff
Budget responsibilities
Facility management
Marketing
Evaluation
Individual exercise
prescriptions
Evaluate and counsel on
lifestyle
Data collection and
analysis
6. Worksite Health Programs
46% of all worksites offer programs
38% of small corporations
68% of large corporations
Potential to reach over 110 million adults
Convenient for employees
Offers peer and social support
Economic benefits to corporations
Reduced injury rates, lower workman’s compensation costs,
and reduced health care costs
Enhancement of workplace morale, retaining employees
7. Top 10 Worksite Health Promotion Activities
Job hazard/injury
prevention
Exercise/physical
fitness
Smoking control
Stress management
Alcohol/other drugs
Back care
Nutrition
High blood pressure
AIDS education
Cholesterol screening
8. Program Suggestions
Voluntary participation
Continuous marketing
Sensitivity to individual differences
Frequent evaluation
Modeling of healthy behavior by staff
Recognition and reward
Record-keeping
Balance between fun and clinically significant
programs
Personalize the program
9. Commercial and Community Fitness
Programs
IHRSCA
Club membership has increased by 51% from 1987 to 1996.
In 2000, there were nearly 33 million club members.
Growth of community programs
Programs for all ages
» Toddlers and preschool programs have increased.
Programs for all abilities
» For example, The Fitness Clinic for Physically Disabled at
San Diego State University
The addition of wellness centers have allowed
hospitals to take more preventative approach!
10. Personal Trainers
Work in private and public settings:
Conducting fitness assessments.
Developing specific goals with clients.
Designing programs for goal attainment.
Coaching clients through workouts.
Monitoring progress of goals.
New use of the Internet, email, and phone to hire
personal trainers and report results for convenience.
11. Strength and Conditioning
Professionals
“Assess, motivate, educate, and train athletes for the
primary goal of improving sport performance.”
(NSCA)
Competencies necessary in the areas of:
Scientific foundations of sport/exercise and
nutrition
Exercise leadership and program design
Techniques of sport psychology to maximize
performance
Risks of performance-enhancing substances
12. Rehabilitation Programs
Clinical exercise physiologists work mainly in
hospitals and clinics.
Work closely with physicians to meet the needs of
diverse clients.
To plan rehabilitation programs, they must be familiar
with:
Medical aspects of clients disease or condition
Limitations faced by clients
Drugs commonly used to treat the disease/condition and
their effects
Psychological aspects of exercise on the clients
13. Career Preparation
Education
Undergraduate and graduate education in exercise science,
fitness and cardiac rehabilitation, etc.
Various certifications offered by:
ACSM
YMCA
AFAA
NSCA
Practical experience
Professional involvement
14. Athletic Training
Prevention of Injuries
Supervision of conditioning programs
Advising coaches and athletes
Assist with preseason physicals
Checking equipment and facilities for safety
Rehabilitation
Administers therapeutic treatments and monitors progress.
Motivate and encourage throughout recovery
Record-keeping of injury status and history of injury
Certification - NATA
15. Health and Weight-Control Clubs & Spas
Found at resorts, hotels, mineral springs, and cruise
ships.
Are they only seeking your money?
Offer fitness activities, graded exercise tests,
instruction in sport activities, exercise classes
Diet and nutritional counseling, stress management,
massages
Growth of commercial diet centers focused on weight
reduction.
16. Therapy-Related Careers
Dance therapy (ADTA)
Clients have freedom of movement and gains a sense of identity.
Encourages individuals to recognize and express their emotions.
Used with all segments of the population.
Recreational therapy (AAHPERD)
Concerned with problems of physically, emotionally, and socially
disabled persons and with the elderly.
Using the techniques of play, it helps achieve appropriate goals for
those in community and institutional settings.
Kinesiotherapy (AKA)
“…under the direction of a physician, treats the effects of disease,
injury, and congenital disorders, through the use of therapeutic
exercise and eduucation.”
17. Increasing Professional Marketability
Additional courses in health and related areas
Certification
ACSM, First Aid/CPR, NATA
Build on one’s interests and strengths
Develop areas of expertise that interest you.
Practical experience
Internships, fieldwork, and volunteering
Gain diverse experiences in settings and clients.
