Exercise Specialist Jobs
If you enjoy working out and want to get paid for it, you might enjoy a career as an exercise specialist. You get to pass on your love of staying active to others and show them how to work out correctly.
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Job Description
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Exercise specialists work with others to help them to set their fitness goals. They show their clients various exercises to meet those goals and the proper ways to use exercise equipment. They may teach classes or work one-on-one with clients. They will keep records of their clients' progress and advise them on specific fitness challenges. Exercise specialist positions can be full or part time. Many are self-employed.
Many exercise specialists work with patients and their exercise treatment plans, showing them the proper way to do the exercises recommended by a physical or occupational therapist. These plans help patients gain their maximum mobility. During the exercises, specialists may help increase the patient's range of motion and improve her technique.
Job Locations
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Many exercise specialists work in clinical settings, such as rehabilitation centers and hospitals, to help people recovering from accidents and heart or lung ailments. These specialists can be known as physical therapy aides.
Other exercise specialists work in health clubs to provide fitness information and training to the general public, rather than to patients. They may offer exercise training in private homes, in workplaces, at resorts or at community recreation centers.
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Education Requirements
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Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in exercise science, physical education or a similar field. Most also require certification in first aid and CPR. A certification from an organization such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is usually required. Requirements for these certifications vary but most require at least an undergraduate degree. Many states also require exercise specialists to be licensed.
Salary
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According to Salary.com, the median salary for an exercise specialist is $38,082. Salary varies according to the actual position, years of experience and education.
Advancement
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With experience, education and proper certifications and licenses, an exercise specialist can move on to a variety of positions, including physical/occupational therapy, research and teaching. She may also choose to open her own physical training business.
Outlook
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Because of society's emphasis on health and fitness and because of an increasingly aging population, demand for fitness professionals, including exercise specialists, is expected to increase, according the Randy Littlejohn, author of "Careers in Fitness and Personal Training."
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