2. 2 Finding Qualified Fitness Experts Orthopedics is a medical specialty with strong ties to fitness. Orthopedics A branch of medicine that deals with bone and joint injuries and disorders. Term to Know

3. 3 Finding Qualified Fitness Experts A podiatrist is another type of physician who treats fitness- related problems. Podiatrist A physician trained specifically to treat disorders of the feet. Term to Know

4. 4 Finding Qualified Fitness Experts Physical therapists undergo four to six years of academic and clinical training and must be licensed by the state. Physical therapists Health professionals specially trained to work with people recovering from injuries. Term to Know

5. 5 Finding Qualified Fitness Experts Athletic trainers undergo at least four years of academic and clinical training before they can practice. Athletic trainers Professionals who work with athletes undergoing rehabilitation. Term to Know They work under the supervision of physicians and are often licensed by the state.

6. 6 Finding Qualified Fitness Experts Registered dietitians (RDs) undergo at least four years of training and register with the American Dietetic Association before they can practice as a registered dietitian. Registered dietitians (RDs) Professionals who work with athletes undergoing rehabilitation. Term to Know

7. 7 Finding Qualified Fitness Experts Exercise physiologists must earn a college degree with an emphasis in exercise physiology. Exercise physiologists Professionals who are specially trained to understand the body’s physical reactions to exercise. Term to Know They are not licensed by the state but must be certified by a national organization.

8. 8 Careers in Health and Fitness Fitness-related professions include personal trainers, aerobic-dance instructors, and fitness specialists. These professionals may or may not have formal academic or clinical training. Many organizations sponsor certification programs.

9. 9 Careers in Health and Fitness Health education and physical education teachers must earn a college degree in health or physical education specialties. They are certified by the state to teach.

10. 10 Health and Fitness Facilities It is important to choose your fitness facility wisely. Different health and fitness facilities meet different needs.

11. 11 Health and Fitness Facilities Commercial gyms are health and fitness facilities that are geared to the serious weight trainer or high-performance athlete. The exercise and activity opportunities may be limited and the members may be too serious for your needs.

12. 12 Health and Fitness Facilities Commercial fitness centers cater to the general public. Commercial fitness centers Health and fitness facilities that offer a wide variety of resistance- and aerobic-training equipment. Term to Know They offer a large variety of activities, but they may be crowded and expensive.

13. 13 Health and Fitness Facilities Commercial dance studios are facilities targeted at people interested in aerobic dance and jazz forms of exercise. They usually have certified instructors, but they offer a limited number of fitness activities.

14. 14 Health and Fitness Facilities Hospital-based wellness centers usually offer a variety of exercise and educational programs focusing on personal fitness. They offer medical supervision and highly- trained personnel, but they have a relatively higher cost.

15. 15 Health and Fitness Facilities Many corporate fitness centers offer a variety of recreational and fitness activities. Corporate fitness centers On-site health and fitness facilities available to employees and their families. Term to Know

16. 16 Health and Fitness Facilities College-based fitness centers are available to students, faculty, and staff. They have a wide variety of programs and trained personnel. If you are not associated with the school, it can be expensive to join.

17. 17 Health and Fitness Facilities Sports medicine clinic centers are frequently associated with local universities and/or hospitals. Sports medicine clinic centers Facilities that focus on research promoting health and fitness, as well as on the development and operation of health, fitness, recreation, and educational programs. Term to Know

18. 18 Health and Fitness Facilities Community recreational centers are health and fitness facilities that are operated by city park and recreation departments. They are an economical choice that offer a variety of recreational activities, but may have limited health and fitness activities.

19. 19 Health and Fitness Facilities Consider these factors as you evaluate health and fitness facilities: Cost and convenience Equipment and facilities Programs and staff Safety and cleanliness