There are many different majors that a person can choose from when they are attending college. If you are interested in fitness and want to help people achieve their health and fitness goals, you should consider enrolling in an exercise science degree program. This is a great major for students who are passionate about sports and fitness want to work as personal trainers, physical therapists, or sports coaches.
In this article I will discuss the benefits of studying exercise science and how it can prepare you for a career in the fitness industry. So, without further ado, let's get started.
1. Become a Personal Trainer
If you are passionate about fitness and want to help others achieve their health and fitness goals, you should consider becoming a personal trainer. A personal trainer is a professional who helps clients achieve their fitness goals by designing customized workout programs and providing motivation and support. Personal trainers can work in a variety of settings, such as health clubs, sports teams, hospitals, or private studios.
If you are interested in becoming a personal trainer, there are several things you should know. First of all, personal trainers in the USA ideally are certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or another reputable organization. In order to become certified, you must complete an accredited certification program and pass an exam. Certification programs typically include courses in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise prescription, nutrition, injury prevention and treatment, and business practices.
Once you have become certified, I recommend continuing learning about the latest trends in the fitness industry so that you can provide your clients with up-to-date information and advice. It is also important to stay fit yourself so that you can set a good example for your clients.
2. Become a Health Coach
A health coach is a professional who helps people to improve their health by providing advice, support, and motivation. They work with clients on a one-to-one basis, helping them to set goals and make changes to their lifestyle which will improve their overall health and well-being. Health coaches can be found in many different settings, including private practice, hospitals, clinics, workplaces, and schools.
The role of a health coach is very different from that of a personal trainer. Personal trainers are usually employed by gyms or fitness centers to help their members achieve specific fitness goals. They provide instruction on how to use gym equipment and how to carry out specific exercises, as well as providing nutritional advice and support. Health coaches usually go far beyond this type of hands-on training; instead, they focus on developing long-term relationships with their clients, helping them to make sustainable changes to their lifestyles.
If you want to become a health coach, there are a few things you need to do. First of all, you should have a degree in human movement science, exercise science, or a related field. You should also become certified as a health coach by one of the major certification organizations such as the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Additionally, it is important to keep up with the latest developments in health and wellness so that you can provide your clients with accurate advice.
3. Work as a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are health professionals who provide treatment and rehabilitation for people who have been injured, disabled, or have developed chronic conditions which limit their ability to move. For example, if someone has broken a bone, had a stroke, or is suffering from arthritis, they may be referred to physical therapy as part of their treatment. Physical therapists work with patients on an individual basis, assessing their needs and providing treatment plans which will help them to regain movement and improve their quality of life.
Physical therapists use a range of techniques to help their clients move better and reduce pain. These include stretching exercises, muscle-strengthening activities, and manual therapies such as massage, or dry needling. In addition to providing these treatments, physical therapists also offer advice on posture, ergonomics, and lifestyle changes which will help to optimize their clients’ health.
Physical therapists must hold a degree in physical therapy and be licensed in the state where they are practicing. In order to become a licensed physical therapist, you must complete an accredited physical therapy program, take national and state board exams, and complete clinical residencies.
4. Become a Sports Nutritionist
Did you know that many professional athletes have sports nutritionists on their staff?
That’s because a sports nutritionist can help an athlete reach their peak performance. Sports nutritionists do this by helping athletes eat the right foods before, during, and after a game or event. They also help athletes maintain a healthy weight and manage any injuries they may have.
Sports nutritionists must have a deep knowledge of nutrition and how it affects an athlete’s performance. They need to know the right foods to eat before, during, and after a game or event, as well as which supplements can help with recovery. They also need to be familiar with sports injuries and how they can be prevented or treated through proper nutrition.
In order to become a sports nutritionist, you should get degree in exercise science or a related field and be certified by an organization such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Obviously, nothing beats experience. So, ideally you start to work with athletes hands-on as soon and as much as possible.
I personally did the Sports and Exercise Nutrition program by Precision Nutrition. Please find here my Recap of my Precision Nutrition Certification Program.
5. Work as a Sports Coach
One of the most popular career paths for those with a degree in exercise science is to become a sports coach. Sports coaches work with athletes of all ages and skill levels, helping them to improve their performance and reach their goals. Coaches are responsible for developing training plans, teaching proper techniques, motivating players, and monitoring their progress. Furthermore, there are many different types of sports coaches, from those who specialize in a specific sport to those who are generalists.
Sports coaches must have a deep knowledge of the game they are coaching, including rules, regulations, and strategy. They need to understand the physical and mental demands of the sport in order to properly prepare their athletes. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential for sports coaches as they often need to give directions and motivate their players. In order to become a coach, you must typically have a degree in exercise science or a related field and be certified by an organization such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
6. Teach Group Exercise Classes
Group exercise classes are a great way for individuals to work out with others, and those with a degree in exercise science can make great instructors. Group exercise classes often have themes, such as yoga, dance, or HIIT (high-intensity interval training). The instructor will lead the class through various movements and exercises to help participants reach their fitness goals. In addition to providing instruction, group exercise instructors must also provide motivation and ensure that participants are doing the exercises correctly.
Group exercise instructors must have a thorough knowledge of anatomy and exercise physiology in order to ensure that participants are performing the exercises correctly and safely. They need to be able to capture their audience’s attention, motivate them and provide instruction on proper form. In order to become an instructor, you must typically have a degree in exercise science or a related field and be certified by an organization such as the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
7. Become a PET (Physical Education Teacher)
Another career path for those with a degree in exercise science is to become a physical education teacher or PET. These professionals teach students of all ages about the fundamentals of physical fitness and how to stay healthy and active. In addition to teaching students about the importance of exercise, PETs also help their students learn the skills needed for various sports and activities.
PETs must have a thorough knowledge of exercise science, anatomy, and physiology in order to effectively teach their students. They also need strong communication skills to be able to explain concepts clearly and motivate their students. And on top of that, they need to know all there is about children's development, as they will be working with children of all ages. In order to become a PET, you must typically have a degree in exercise science or a related field and be certified by an organization such as the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).
To Be In Fitness Consider Enrolling In Exercise Science
So, if you are interested in a career in fitness, or if you just want to be able to work out safely and effectively on your own, then enrolling in an exercise science degree program may be the right choice for you. These programs will give you the knowledge and skills you need to pursue a career in sports coaching, group exercise instruction, or physical education teaching. And who knows? You may even end up becoming a world-renowned fitness expert one day.
There are also other ways to gain knowledge about optimizing well-being.
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