There is a growing awareness about fitness in today's young generation. Moreover, those who are unfit need to be trained appropriately for rehabilitative or preventive health care programs. This is where the importance and challenges of exercise physiologist responsibilities can be realized. Thus, they play a vital role in maintaining the health and well being of the society.
Exercise physiology is the study of the body's response when it is exposed to some stressful physical activities and how does one's body adapt to repeated bouts of exercises. Exercise physiologists play an important role to make the person alert about his fitness levels and guiding him on the safety and preventive measures that need to be taken. Here is a list of key responsibilities that need to be handled by them:
To ensure that you become successful as an exercise physiologist, it is essential that you have a passion for exercises and should have good knowledge, ability and skill to recommend and teach appropriate exercise programs according to the requirements. Should be able to derive at appropriate conclusions, have strong communication skills and should be able to convey and convince the client about the importance of exercise. Should be able to maintain and update reports in the computer. Should be totally customer oriented and also be able to provide effective services.
The minimum qualification to be eligible for the post is a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology, science or biochemistry. A master's degree or a doctoral degree is definitely going to have an upper hand and would definitely help in advancing your career. Those willing to take certification from American College of Sports Medicine need to have a master's degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology, or exercise science with some additional work experience.
The work hours vary depending on the type of field they are employed in. However, they may need to work for at least thirty to forty five hours per week. Depending on the priority, they may need to extend their work hours in the evenings, late nights, weekends, or even on holidays.
Salary varies according to the geographical location, type and size of industry, and relevant skills and experience in that particular field. The average range is near about $45,000. The minimum salary is $36,000, while the maximum salary offered is close to $57,000.
There job prospects are really bright as more and more people are realizing the importance of health and have become more alert and are focusing on the prevention of some major diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiac diseases, etc. They are employed in diverse settings and have good opportunities for advancement.
Thus, if you are aspiring to establish yourself in this field, you must be well-aware of the exercise physiologist responsibilities, skills and education, so as to ensure success in getting your dream job.