Fitness- and Exercise-Related Careers Chapter 12

Fitness- and Health-Related Careers 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?

Program Areas Preventive programs Rehabilitative programs Specialists work with healthy adults to increase their level of fitness. Sites: Corporate fitness centers, commercial fitness centers, and community agencies (YMCA/YWCA) Rehabilitative programs 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. Sites: Hospitals, medical clinics or community agencies affiliated with corporate fitness centers.

Wellness Program Components Fitness development and maintenance Educational efforts Health promotion Lifestyle modification Recreational sport opportunities

Program Aspects (Institute of Aerobics Research) Medical screening Fitness and lifestyle assessment Goal setting Supervised group programs Educational classes Motivation and reinforcement

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

Worksite Health Programs 46% of all worksites offer programs 38% of small corporations 68% of large corporations Potential to reach over 142 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

Core Programs Worksite Wellness Back care and injury prevention Exercise/Physical fitness Stress management Smoking control Substance abuse Weight management Medical self-care Consumer health education Cholesterol reduction Nutritional intervention Select biometrics screening Hypertension management

WELCOA Program Suggestions Recognition and reward Record-keeping Balance between fun and clinically significant programs Personalize the program Voluntary participation Continuous marketing Sensitivity to individual differences Frequent evaluation Modeling of healthy behavior by staff

Commercial and Community Fitness Programs (IHRSA) 29,069 clubs 41.3 million members 18-34 years comprise 35% of membership 35-54 years comprise 33% of membership Females make up the majority of membership 50% membership has income over $75,000/year U.S. health club revenues $15.9 billion

Top Club Programs Program % Personal Training 94 Strength Training 85 Step/Bench Aerobics 90 Lo Impact Aerobics 83 Fitness Evaluation 89 High Impact Aerobics 77 Cardio Kickboxing or similar program 86 Group Cycling Class 70 Yoga

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. Growing use of the Internet, email, and phone to hire personal trainers and report results for convenience.

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 Sport psychology to maximize performance Risks of performance-enhancing substances

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

Career Preparation Education Various certifications offered by: Undergraduate and graduate education in exercise science, fitness and cardiac rehabilitation, etc. Various certifications offered by: ACSM YMCA AFAA NSCA Practical experience Professional involvement

Athletic Training Prevention of Injuries Rehabilitation 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

Health and Weight-Management 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.

Therapy-Related Careers Dance therapy Recreational therapy Kinesiotherapy Physical Therapy Chiropractor Prerequisites may be required prior to admission for advanced study Volunteer hours may be required for program admission

Increasing Professional Marketability Additional courses in health and related areas Certification ACSM, First Aid/CPR, NATA, NSCA Build on one’s interests and strengths Practical experience Internships, fieldwork, and volunteering Gain diverse experiences