Final February SALE! 👏 25% off your digital cert or diploma!Ends in  : : :

Claim your Discount!

How to become An Exercise Physiologist

Health Science

In this age when health and fitness reign supreme worldwide, Exercise Physiologists use their vast knowledge of human biomechanical movement and exercise programs to help people recover from chronic illness, surgery and injury while making sure the rest do not succumb to such medical disorders. Continue Reading

Skills a career as an Exercise Physiologist requires: Nutrition Fitness Sports Management Leadership Skills Sports Psychology View more skills
Exercise Physiologist salary
$49,170
USAUSA
£34,105
UKUK
Explore Career
  • Introduction - Exercise Physiologist
  • What does an Exercise Physiologist do?
  • Exercise Physiologist Work Environment
  • Skills for an Exercise Physiologist
  • Work Experience for an Exercise Physiologist
  • Recommended Qualifications for an Exercise Physiologist
  • Exercise Physiologist Career Path
  • Exercise Physiologist Professional Development
  • Learn More
  • Conclusion

Introduction - Exercise Physiologist

In this age when health and fitness reign supreme worldwide, Exercise Physiologists use their vast knowledge of human biomechanical movement and exercise programs to help people recover from chronic illness, surgery and injury while making sure the rest do not succumb to such medical disorders.

Similar Job Titles Job Description
  • Clinician
  • Sports Director
  • Wellness Director
  • Exercise Manager
  • Program Coordinator
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Certified Exercise Physiologist
  • Kinesiotherapist

 

What does an Exercise Physiologist do?

What are the typical responsibilities of an Exercise Physiologist?

An Exercise Physiologist would typically need to:

  • Help their clients prevent/treat illness or improve their performance and fitness levels to reach their athletic performance goals
  • Work with amateur and professional athletes to help them enhance their physical strength and improve their athletic performance
  • Expedite the recovery and flexibility of patients suffering from a wide range of chronic or short-term illnesses, disabilities and injuries
  • Collect relevant information through the observation of the client or interviews of all relevant sources
  • Administer exercise stress tests and study how the client responds and adapts to muscular activity
  • Develop fitness training programs based on accurate physiological profiles to scientifically support single-sport and multi-sport athletes
  • Use their skills and knowledge to interpret the test results and recommend ways in which the client can optimise their physical activity
  • Demonstrate the correct use of exercise equipment or execution of customised exercise/conditioning routines in accordance with regulatory and credentialing requirements
  • Measure and assess respiration, metabolism as well as nervous, pulmonary and cardiovascular functions to monitor athletic training 
  • Evaluate the effects of a customised exercise/conditioning program on the client and make changes, if necessary, on a regular basis
  • Provide proper medical care, personal assistance and emotional support to a client displaying symptoms of physical distress
  • Establish and maintain successful working relationships with colleagues and clients through open communication
  • Contribute crucial physiological information and collaborate with coaching staff to enable long-term athletic performance
  • Educate and guide all stakeholders on heart rate monitoring, recovery techniques, hydration strategies, over training and acclimatisation
  • Use manual/electronic/magnetic files to enter, transcribe, record, store or maintain information and longitudinal studies
  • Offer health and wellness guidance to the client or their caregivers in a bid to raise their awareness and promote the benefits of sport and exercise
  • Teach students about exercise physiology, if employed by an educational institution

Exercise Physiologist Work Environment

Exercise Physiologists may work in diverse settings, ranging from brightly lit, comfortable rooms devoted to physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises to a client’s private hospital/nursing homeroom. You may also need to work out of an office or cubicle to create care plans or complete charting and other essential paperwork.

 

 

Depending on the nature of the job, you will find yourself working with physiotherapists, dietitians, strength and conditioning coaches and sports psychologists. Again, your specific job will dictate the amount of travel you must undertake. Consultants with sports teams may need to travel along with the team.

Work Schedule

The work schedule may vary based on your employer and place of work. Exercise Physiologists who focus on hospital therapy sessions may have a typical 9-5, Monday to Friday schedule. Still, you may need to work longer hours if your employer offers rehab therapy in the evenings or on weekends and public holidays.

 

On a similar note, professionals who work with athletes or sports teams have extended hours, while those employed by fitness centres or health clubs will have a flexible work schedule based on their clients’ needs.

Employers

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Exercise Physiologists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Full-time work is most preferred, with part-time work a close second; consultancy and self-employment are also feasible options.

Exercise Physiologists are generally employed by: 

  • Sports Organisations, Clubs & Camps
  • Institutes of Sport
  • National Sport Governing Bodies
  • Health & Fitness Facilities 
  • Athletic Training Programs at Colleges & Universities
  • Cardiology Clinics
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing Homes
  • Doctors’ Offices
  • Rehabilitation Clinics
  • Sports Medicine Clinics
  • Physical Therapy Clinics
  • Military Training Centres
  • Corporate Wellness Programs
  • Commercial Sports Companies
  • Exercise & Electrophysiology Research Centres
Unions / Professional Organizations

Healthcare associations such as The American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) provide unparalleled networking and educational opportunities. They offer all the certification courses members will need throughout their professional careers.

 

Affiliated Exercise Physiologists may attend conventions, seminars, and dinners frequented by peers, mentors, and other industry leaders. The events help them learn about the latest breakthroughs and developments, including plum jobs.

Workplace Challenges
  • Emotional stress from being held responsible for the client’s health and safety
  • Errors which may lead to lack of improvement or deterioration in client’s health
  • Clients whose health conditions drive them to be disrespectful or non-cooperative
  • High probability of exposure to infectious diseases and illnesses
  • Repetitive work
  • A competitive work environment that includes tight deadlines
  • Lack of work-life balance if working evenings and weekends

 

Work Experience for an Exercise Physiologist

Prospective Exercise Physiologists with work experience in their local hospital, doctor's surgery, nursing home, or mental health trust will better understand some of the physical and emotional demands of their chosen career. Some teaching hospitals offer work experience in their exercise physiology departments to help secondary school students gain this insight.

 

Most post-secondary academic programs include a well-defined clinical component that provides practical skills. Moreover, accredited certifications require 400 to 600 hours of supervised clinical experience.

 

Undertake research and voluntary work in a sports or fitness setting to have real-life experience of the role. Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in exercise physiology to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.  It helps document any such experiences on letters of recommendation to be submitted with job applications.

Recommended Qualifications for an Exercise Physiologist

A master’s degree in sport and exercise physiology, sports science, exercise science, physical therapy or biology will improve your job prospects. However, a four-year bachelor’s degree in the aforementioned fields is also common among Exercise Physiologists. Intense competition in the job market prompts a few aspirants to acquire a relevant PhD.

 

Employers prefer applicants with adequate knowledge of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, anatomical and mechanical kinesiology, psychology, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, exercise prescription and nutrition. 

 

A grasp of critical areas such as customer and personal service, education and training, community health, computer applications, human development, medical ethics, along with therapy, rehabilitation and counselling, will be helpful.

 

Focus on biology, anatomy, physiology, physics, chemistry, physical health education, psychology and English in high school.

Certifications, Licenses and Registration

Although it is not mandated, certification in clinical exercise physiology, sports medicine, physical fitness and conditioning, personal training, nutrition, youth or elderly exercise from an objective and reputed organisation can increase your chances of advancement and allow you to become an independent consultant.

 

Additional certifications in business, research methods, safety and first aid/CPR, statistics and world languages will prove advantageous.

 

Certification validates an Exercise Physiologist's proficiency in a skill area, often through a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree, supervised clinical experience and passing a test; their weightage and prerequisites may differ from one region to another. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

 

Proper licensure is becoming increasingly popular in this profession. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience. Check with relevant organisations and prospective employers whether you need licensure.

Exercise Physiologist Career Path

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Exercise Physiologists. The usual routes involve opening your own practice or working as a Consultant after putting in at least 10 years as a Supervisor.

 

Research and applied/clinical support work or moving into related areas such as sports development are also attractive propositions. Experience as a Coach or Fitness Trainer in a particular sport will allow you to specialise in that field.

 

Apart from those obvious options, it is also possible to teach students in sport and exercise science, physical education, medicine and nursing fields about exercise physiology, applied human physiology, environmental physiology, exercise biochemistry and nutrition.

 

Those who have chosen to specialise as Clinical Exercise Physiologists can concentrate on cardiac rehabilitation or respiratory physiology, while those in a sports setting might focus on strength and conditioning.

Job Prospects

Candidates with considerable interpersonal skills and real-time knowledge of the various medical and fitness programs available to help the patients have the best job prospects. 

Exercise Physiologist Professional Development

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential in the healthcare sector for public wellbeing and career progression. It embraces new learning objectives, methodologies, and novel technological developments, especially in education, management, and IT. CPD also helps with the regular renewal of desirable certifications and licences.

 

Reflective learning, interaction with peer groups, comprehensive inclusion, workshops, and professional publications educate, influence, support, and foster lifelong enlightenment in all career-grade Exercise Physiologists.

 

Furthermore, if you wish to specialise in a specific sport, you will need to acquire experience as a coach or fitness trainer in that particular sport.

 

Exercise Physiologists who know the value of the latest research can expect support and additional training from their academic institution or from Vitae, a non-profit global leader with over 50 years of experience in enhancing the skills of researchers.

 

In partnership with governments, funders of research, professional bodies, trusts & foundations, universities, and research institutes, Vitae offers training, resources, events, consultancy, and membership.

Learn More

Neither A Personal Trainer Nor A Physiotherapist

 

Personal Trainers are certified fitness professionals who help clients identify their health and fitness goals and design exercise and fitness programs that help them reach those goals safely and effectively.

 

Physiotherapists specialise in diagnosing, treating, and managing acute injuries or acute flare-ups, using manual therapy and acute exercise prescription.

 

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist is an allied health professional who uses exercise and movement to prevent and manage chronic diseases and injuries.

 

Tools Of The Trade

 

Exercise Physiologists use aqua pacers and electronic timing systems to achieve their client’s health and fitness goals.

 

Aqua Pacers are underwater treadmills that help with joint and muscle relaxation, gait training, cardiovascular stamina, flexibility and muscle strengthening.

Conclusion

The inherent long hours and taxing challenges come with an immense sense of satisfaction from helping clients move and feel better while spreading awareness about health and wellness. It’s what makes the job of an Exercise Physiologist highly rewarding.

Advice from the Wise

Use active listening,  positive affirmation and wholesome compliments to encourage the client’s achievement of the prescribed health and fitness goals.

Did you know?

Regular exercise helps boost one’s immune system, so you fall sick less often than those who don’t exercise.

Introduction - Exercise Physiologist
What does an Exercise Physiologist do?

What do Exercise Physiologists do?

An Exercise Physiologist would typically need to:

  • Help their clients prevent/treat illness or improve their performance and fitness levels to reach their athletic performance goals
  • Work with amateur and professional athletes to help them enhance their physical strength and improve their athletic performance
  • Expedite the recovery and flexibility of patients suffering from a wide range of chronic or short-term illnesses, disabilities and injuries
  • Collect relevant information through the observation of the client or interviews of all relevant sources
  • Administer exercise stress tests and study how the client responds and adapts to muscular activity
  • Develop fitness training programs based on accurate physiological profiles to scientifically support single-sport and multi-sport athletes
  • Use their skills and knowledge to interpret the test results and recommend ways in which the client can optimise their physical activity
  • Demonstrate the correct use of exercise equipment or execution of customised exercise/conditioning routines in accordance with regulatory and credentialing requirements
  • Measure and assess respiration, metabolism as well as nervous, pulmonary and cardiovascular functions to monitor athletic training 
  • Evaluate the effects of a customised exercise/conditioning program on the client and make changes, if necessary, on a regular basis
  • Provide proper medical care, personal assistance and emotional support to a client displaying symptoms of physical distress
  • Establish and maintain successful working relationships with colleagues and clients through open communication
  • Contribute crucial physiological information and collaborate with coaching staff to enable long-term athletic performance
  • Educate and guide all stakeholders on heart rate monitoring, recovery techniques, hydration strategies, over training and acclimatisation
  • Use manual/electronic/magnetic files to enter, transcribe, record, store or maintain information and longitudinal studies
  • Offer health and wellness guidance to the client or their caregivers in a bid to raise their awareness and promote the benefits of sport and exercise
  • Teach students about exercise physiology, if employed by an educational institution
Exercise Physiologist Work Environment
Work Experience for an Exercise Physiologist
Recommended Qualifications for an Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Physiologist Career Path
Exercise Physiologist Professional Development
Learn More
Did you know?
Conclusion

Holland Codes, people in this career generally possess the following traits
  • R Realistic
  • I Investigative
  • A Artistic
  • S Social
  • E Enterprising
  • C Conventional
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals that this career profile addresses
No Poverty Good Health and Well-being Decent Work and Economic Growth