A bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science leads to advanced careers in personal training and fitness instruction. It also can provide a solid foundation for graduate programs in Physical Therapy and other healthcare related fields.
What is Exercise Science?
Exercise Science involves the investigation of acute and chronic responses of exercising on the body. The reasons why the human body adapts to physical activity is additionally an an area of concentration. The Exercise Science discipline is quite varied and consists of a number of fields of study. A couple of topics of study for those attracted to this major include athlete functionality or performance and health benefits of exercising and physical activity.
What does an Exercise Scientist do?
The health benefits of physical activity have been investigated for decades and the demand for additional research is pronounced due to the obesity upsurge and the deficiency of exercise in America’s youth. Athletic performance of kids, teens and adults consists of biomechanical and psychological breakdown of sport in addition to physiological and nutritional components. This is where the Exercise Scientist comes in. In addition to addressing human performance and fitness, Exercise Science is an area of study which has developed as a result of concerns pertaining to the inadequacy of physical activity, excessive weight, and elevated health consequences of metabolic, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases.
The field of Exercise Science presents the chance to examine the clinical and scientific foundation of human performance. The ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription offers criteria for fundamental skill-sets for this major. This discipline is also referred to as Kinesiology, Movement Science or Exercise Physiology depending on the academic institution.
Preparing for a career in Exercise Science
Students who intend to find jobs in personal training, corporate fitness, cardiac rehab or strength and conditioning will all need to share a comparable knowledge and skills foundation. As part of the core Exercise Science curriculum, students must acquire a solid foundation to which they will apply to their specific area of interest. Almost every college and university has varying criteria nevertheless a typical course of study may consist of: human nutrition, anatomy & physiology, emergency response, kinesiology, exercise physiology, athletic training, fitness assessment and exercise prescription, and practicum. High school courses in biology, health & wellness, weight training, and communication serve to get you ready for the classes you will take as an Exercise Science major.
Get related job experience before deciding on an Exercise Science Bachelor’s degree
A number of students volunteer in a clinical setting in addition to working in a fitness center to get all-around experience. It is recommended that students should volunteer in the area of Exercise Science or Sports Medicine they would like to specialize in to get an idea of what it’s like.
Job opportunities for those with an Exercise Science degree
Exercise Science Bachelor’s degree programs are commonly a stepping stone for enrolling in allied health programs such as occupational and physical therapy or medical school. This degree is beneficial towards employment in corporate fitness, community, fitness centers for example as a fitness center manager or director, personal trainer or strength & conditioning specialist. One other option is to go into graduate school, such as a Master’s degree program in Exercise Physiology. These degrees require certification from associations like the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Certainly there exists a range of career possibilities in this subject area - from exercise physiologist to strength and conditioning coach.
