Careers in health and fitness Chapter 12 Careers in health and fitness Warren D. Franke (with acknowledgments to Sandra Minor Bulmer and Jeremy Howell)

Chapter Objectives Introduce you to a variety of professional opportunities in the sphere of health and fitness. Explain the purpose and types of work done by health and fitness professionals. Explore how the sphere of health and fitness is changing on the basis of public policies, societal trends, and research in kinesiology and public health. (continued)

Chapter Objectives (continued) Summarize the educational requirements and experiences necessary for becoming an active, competent professional in health and fitness. Help you determine whether one of these professions fits your skills, aptitudes, and professional interests.

Professions in Health and Fitness Group fitness instructor Health and fitness specialist Wellness coach Personal trainer Health and fitness director Specialist positions Public health educator Clinical exercise physiologist Many more (with emphasis on health increasing)

Expanding Scope of Health and Fitness Profession The core goal of these professions is to improve physical functioning and physical health of individuals and communities. This improvement is based on a multifaceted view of health and fitness, including physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. These professions traditionally practiced in worksite, clinical, commercial, and community settings. The lines between these settings have blurred, creating a variety of career opportunities for kinesiology graduates.

1996 Surgeon General’s Report Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General (1996), differed from previous surgeon general reports in an important way: It reflected a dramatic shift in focus from primarily communicable diseases to noncommunicable ones. Later reports built on that knowledge. Physical activity is no longer merely a recreational endeavor. This shift created an enormous opportunity for kinesiology professionals.

Settings for Health and Fitness Worksite Commercial (sale-based and retention-based) Clinical Community Public health–oriented (population-based programs; local health departments, state agencies, volunteer health) Lines increasingly blurred Focus: increasing fitness, reducing risk of noncommunicable diseases, or both

Rise of Noncommunicable Diseases Result is continued growth in health and fitness industry A global problem (especially low- and middle-income nations) NCDs kill 38 million people each year (World Health Organization (2016)) The leading killers, in order Cardiovascular disease (46 percent of NCD deaths) Cancer Respiratory disease Diabetes

Roles for Health and Fitness Professionals Evolution of these jobs is in response to public policy, social forces, and market demands. The most important element of this evolution may be the fact that most health and fitness positions now require some expertise in multiple areas. Important to be a professional and be knowledgeable and skilled across as many areas as possible.

Group Exercise Instructor Leader of aerobic exercise classes, outdoor activities, aquatic fitness classes, exercise classes for specific populations (older adults, pregnant women, children) Degree in kinesiology or another health- and fitness-related discipline recommended Competent with current trends (e.g., Pilates, yoga, tai chi) Certified (e.g., ACSM exercise leader, ACE group fitness instructor) Knowledgeable and dynamic, have excellent leadership skills, and enjoy working in a group setting

Personal Trainer Bachelor’s or master’s degree in kinesiology or another health- and fitness-related discipline Certified; may specialize with certain populations “Artists” of the health and fitness profession Understands weight management, stress management, physical fitness, and sport conditioning Works independently or is employed at a facility Business-savvy Aesthetic or performance objectives

Health and Fitness Specialist Other common terms are health fitness instructor and exercise physiologist (though the latter is controversial because it traditionally refers to university instructor) Requires degree in kinesiology or another health- and fitness-related discipline; often with certifications Conducts fitness and functional assessments and designs comprehensive individualized exercise programs that incorporate strength, flexibility, and aerobic fitness components and maximize safety and long-term results Works with special populations (e.g., elderly, children)

Health and Wellness Coach Relatively new career option Requires minimum of bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or another health- and fitness-related discipline Helps others change their lifestyle to move toward a state of optimal health by focusing on behavior change, stress management, relaxation techniques, time management, smoking cessation, weight management, and exercise prescription Goal is to guide client to make his or her own decisions Broader scope than personal trainer

Specialty Positions Many health and fitness settings incorporate specialty positions (see also chapter 13) Clinical exercise physiologist Physical therapist Athletic trainer Sport coach Registered dietitian Population specialist (e.g., elderly, chronic disease) public health educator Many are licensed professions that require graduate education or additional qualifications

Public Health-Oriented Careers There’s been significant growth in the last two decades. Many kinesiology programs have returned to their health promotion roots by focusing on public health aspect of physical activity. Master of public health (with specialization in physical activity); more than 160 master of public health programs now accredited by Council on Education for Public Health.

Health and Fitness Director Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology; may require graduate degree Experience as health and fitness counselor or personal trainer Visionary who keeps current with field of health and fitness Manages facility’s services and programs Hires, trains, and provides support for staff Does business planning, establishes budgets and renovations, selects equipment, designs and markets programs, forecasts trends

Certification and Continuing Education Increasingly necessary to differentiate yourself Allows you to grow (join professional association) Ensures you are being the best you can be for your clients Most employers now require certification Hundreds of certifications that vary widely in quality Steps in deciding on certifications Seek out NCCA accredited certification programs. If you don’t use one of these, carefully assess organization. Seek out opinions from professionals and professors.

Trends and Opportunities in Health and Fitness Multidimensional model of wellness (see figure 12.1) Demographics (aging population, more diverse) Health care reform (unsustainable costs, controversial; best defense is to stay as healthy as you can) Today, for the first time, physical activity is increasingly seen as an integral component of the nation’s health care delivery system (ACSM and AMA: physical activity as “vital sign”)

Figure 12.1

Advice for Health and Fitness Students Obtain a broad education across several scientific, behavioral, and humanities-based disciplines Seek a combined degree in kinesiology and health with additional courses from a wide range of areas Course work in theoretical kinesiology, plus specialized courses related to health and fitness Practical experience counseling clients on many topics Be able to relate to a diverse population of clients Internship or work-study program Read relevant journals, industry publications