Chapter 12 Fitness- and Health-related Careers in Physical

Chapter 12: Fitness- and Health-related Careers in Physical Education and Sport u. What are the responsibilities of a fitness or exercise specialist? u. What are the opportunities available for someone pursuing a therapy-related career? u. How does one increase their marketability for fitness-, health-, and therapy-related careers?

Fitness- and Exercise-related Careers u Preventive programs ä Specialists work with healthy adults to increase their level of fitness. ä Corporate fitness centers, commercial fitness centers, and community agencies (YMCA/YWCA) u Rehabilitative programs ä Specialists 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. ä Most often found in hospitals, medical clinics or community agencies affiliated with corporate fitness centers.

Comprehensive Wellness Program Components u Fitness development and maintenance u Educational efforts u Health promotion u Lifestyle modification u Recreational sport opportunities

Program Aspects (Institute of Aerobics Research) u Medical screening u Fitness and lifestyle assessment u Goal setting u Supervised group programs u Educational classes u Motivation and reinforcement Why should these aspects be included? How could you implement each of these aspects?

Exercise Program Specialist Responsibilities u Direct program u Train and supervise staff u Budget responsibilities u Facility management u Marketing u Evaluation u Individual exercise prescriptions u Evaluate and counsel on lifestyle u Data collection and analysis

Worksite Health Programs u 46% of all worksites offer ä 38% of small corporations ä 68% of large corporations programs u Potential to reach over 110 ä Convenient for employees ä Offers peer and social support million adults u Economic benefits to corporations ä Reduced injury rates, lower workman’s compensation costs, and reduced health care costs ä Enhancement of workplace morale, retaining employees

Top 10 Worksite Health Promotion Activities u Job hazard/injury prevention u Exercise/physical fitness u Smoking control u Stress management u Alcohol/other u Back drugs care u Nutrition u High blood pressure u AIDS education u Cholesterol screening

Program Suggestions u Voluntary participation u Continuous marketing u Sensitivity to individual differences u Frequent evaluation u Modeling of healthy behavior by staff u Recognition and reward u Record-keeping u Balance between fun and clinically significant programs u Personalize the program

Commercial and Community Fitness Programs u IHRSCA ä Club membership has increased by 51% from 1987 to 1996. ä In 2000, there were nearly 33 million club members. u Growth of community programs ä Programs for all ages » Toddlers and preschool programs have increased. ä Programs for all abilities » For example, The Fitness Clinic for Physically Disabled at San Diego State University ä The addition of wellness centers have allowed hospitals to take more preventative approach!

Personal Trainers u Work in private and public settings: ä Conducting fitness assessments. ä Developing specific goals with clients. ä Designing programs for goal attainment. ä Coaching clients through workouts. ä Monitoring progress of goals. u New use of the Internet, email, and phone to hire personal trainers and report results for convenience.

Strength and Conditioning Professionals u “Assess, motivate, educate, and train athletes for the primary goal of improving sport performance. ” (NSCA) u Competencies necessary in the areas of: ä Scientific foundations of sport/exercise and nutrition ä Exercise leadership and program design ä Techniques of sport psychology to maximize performance ä Risks of performance-enhancing substances

Rehabilitation Programs u Clinical exercise physiologists work mainly in hospitals and clinics. u Work closely with physicians to meet the needs of diverse clients. u To plan rehabilitation programs, they must be familiar with: ä Medical aspects of clients disease or condition ä Limitations faced by clients ä Drugs commonly used to treat the disease/condition and their effects ä Psychological aspects of exercise on the clients

Career Preparation u Education ä Undergraduate and graduate education in exercise science, fitness and cardiac rehabilitation, etc. u Various ä ä certifications offered by: ACSM YMCA AFAA NSCA u Practical experience u Professional involvement

Athletic Training u Prevention of Injuries ä Supervision of conditioning programs ä Advising coaches and athletes ä Assist with preseason physicals ä Checking equipment and facilities for safety u Rehabilitation ä Administers therapeutic treatments and monitors progress. ä Motivate and encourage throughout recovery ä Record-keeping of injury status and history of injury u Certification - NATA

Health and Weight-Control Clubs & Spas u Found at resorts, hotels, mineral springs, and cruise ships. u Are they only seeking your money? u Offer fitness activities, graded exercise tests, instruction in sport activities, exercise classes u Diet and nutritional counseling, stress management, massages u Growth of commercial diet centers focused on weight reduction.

Therapy-Related Careers u Dance therapy (ADTA) ä Clients have freedom of movement and gains a sense of identity. ä Encourages individuals to recognize and express their emotions. ä Used with all segments of the population. u Recreational therapy (AAHPERD) ä Concerned with problems of physically, emotionally, and socially disabled persons and with the elderly. ä Using the techniques of play, it helps achieve appropriate goals for those in community and institutional settings. u Kinesiotherapy (AKA) ä “…under the direction of a physician, treats the effects of disease, injury, and congenital disorders, through the use of therapeutic exercise and eduucation. ”

Increasing Professional Marketability u Additional courses in health and related areas u Certification ä ACSM, First Aid/CPR, NATA u Build on one’s interests and strengths ä Develop areas of expertise that interest you. u Practical experience ä Internships, fieldwork, and volunteering ä Gain diverse experiences in settings and clients.