Download - Fitness- and Exercise-Related Careers
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McGraw-Hill/Irwin Copyright © 2012 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 13
Fitness- and Exercise-Related Careers
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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?
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Program Areas
Preventive programs Specialists work with healthy populations 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.
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Wellness Program Components
Fitness development and maintenance
Educational effortsHealth promotionLifestyle
modificationRecreational sport
opportunities
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Program Aspects
Medical screeningFitness and lifestyle assessmentGoal settingSupervised group programsEducational classesMotivation and reinforcement
Institute of Aerobics Research
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Exercise Program Specialist Responsibilities
Direct programTrain and
supervise staffBudget
responsibilitiesFacility
managementMarketing
Evaluation Individual exercise
prescriptionsEvaluate and
counsel on lifestyleData collection and
analysis
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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
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Core Programs Worksite Wellness
Back care and injury prevention
Exercise & fitnessStress managementSmoking control
Substance abuseWeight managementMedical self-careConsumer health
educationCholesterol reductionNutritional
interventionSelect biometrics
screeningHypertension
management
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WELCOA Program Suggestions
Voluntary participation
Continuous marketing
Sensitivity to individual differences
Frequent evaluationModeling of healthy
behavior by staff
Recognition and reward
Record-keepingBalance between
fun and clinically significant programs
Personalize the program
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Commercial and Community Fitness Programs (IHRSA)
30,022 clubs45.5 million members
18-34 years comprise 33% of membership
35-54 years comprise 34% of membership
Females make up the majority of membership
51% membership has income over $75,000/year
U.S. health club revenues $19.1 billion
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Popular Fitness Programs at Clubs
Program % Program %Personal Training 91 Group Cycling
Class56
Fitness Evaluation 76 Nutrition Counseling/ Classes
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Step/Bench Aerobics 74 Weight Management
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Strength Training 74 Cardio Kickboxing or similar program
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Yoga 67 From IHRSA/
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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.
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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
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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
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Career Preparation
Education Undergraduate and
graduate education in exercise science, fitness and cardiac rehabilitation, etc.
Various certifications offered by: ACSM YMCA AFAA NSCA
Practical experienceProfessional
involvement
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Athletic Training
Prevention of Injuries 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
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Health and Weight-Management Clubs & Spas
Sites ~ 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.
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Therapy-Related Careers
Dance therapyRecreational therapyKinesiotherapyPhysical TherapyChiropractor
Prerequisites may be required prior to admission for advanced study
Volunteer hours may be required for program admission
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Increasing Professional Marketability
Additional courses in health and related areas
Certification ACSM, First Aid/CPR, NATA, NSCA
Build on one’s interests and strengthsPractical experience
Internships, fieldwork, and volunteering Gain diverse experiences