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What Is Exercise Science?

Key Takeaways

  • Exercise science studies how exercise affects the human body.
  • It includes exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sports nutrition.
  • Careers in exercise science include personal trainer, exercise physiologist, and athletic trainer.
  • Salaries vary by role and education; certifications can boost earnings.

Exercise science is a field that studies how exercise and physical activity affect the human body. It looks at things like how our muscles and bones move. It also studies how our hearts and lungs work during exercise. And how good food helps us perform better.

In this article, we’ll explore what exercise science is all about and the different areas it covers. We will look at the types of careers available. Sports science education can be valuable for those interested in health, fitness, and sports.

“An exercise science education opens minds to the astounding capabilities of the human body and the vast potential we have to improve our health and performance through physical activity.” – Micheal Joyner, M.D., exercise physiologist

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Exercise Science Overview

Exercise science is a broad field that brings together many different areas of study. It combines knowledge from biology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, nutrition, and psychology. By understanding these, exercise science helps us learn how the body responds to physical activity and exercise.

Some of the core areas within exercise science include: 

  • Exercise physiology (how the body’s systems function during exercise)
  • Exercise biomechanics (the movement and forces involved in exercise)
  • Motor learning (how we acquire and improve movement skills)
  • Sports nutrition (the role of diet in athletic performance)

The field of exercise science has evolved. Scientists have continued to research and better understand the effects of exercise on the human body. Today, it plays a crucial role in helping people achieve their fitness goals and maintain healthy lifestyles.

Exercise Physiology Explained  

Exercise physiology is a key part of exercise science. It focuses on studying the body’s physiological responses to physical activity and exercise. This includes looking at how the heart, lungs, muscles, and other systems work together. It happens during exercise.

Fitness professionals must understand exercise physiology. It helps them design safe, effective exercise programs. It explains why our heart rates increase when we exercise, how muscles get fatigued, and the body’s process for producing energy.

They can use exercise physiology principles. They can develop workouts that improve fitness and build strength. and help people recover after exercise.

“Exercise physiology is the study of how the body’s structural units and functions are altered when exposed to acute or chronic bouts of exercise.” – Michael Joyner, M.D.

Sports Science Education

If you’re interested in studying exercise science, several degree programs are available. Many schools offer bachelor’s degrees in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field. These typically take four years to complete. Most sports science education degrees prepare you for the exercise science certification exams.

The coursework covers topics such as:

  • Human Anatomy
  • Exercise physiology
  • Biomechanics
  • Nutrition
  • Fitness assessment
  • Exercise program design
  • Kinesiology
  • Motor Learning/Motor Control
  • Exercise Psychology
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Sports Medicine
  • Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
  • Exercise for Special Populations
  • Statistics and Research Methods
  • Principles of Strength Training
  • Environmental Exercise Physiology
  • Aging and Physical Activity
  • Techniques of Coaching
  • Sports Law and Ethics

Students also get hands-on experience through internships or working in campus recreation centers. After earning a bachelor’s, some students pursue a master’s degree, which provides more advanced training. There are also doctoral programs available for those interested in careers in research or academia.

Online Exercise Science Degree Programs

Those interested in studying exercise science can’t attend a traditional college program. Online degrees provide a flexible alternative. Many universities now offer exercise science degrees that can be completed partially or fully online.

The curricula for online exercise science degrees cover the same core topics as on-campus programs. Some programs may require short residency periods on campus as well. An online exercise science degree can prepare graduates for the same careers as traditional programs. 

Careers in Exercise Science  

With an education in exercise science, you can pursue careers in the fitness industry, and healthcare settings. Some common roles include:

  • Corporate wellness coordinator
  • Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
  • Physical therapy assistant
  • Sports performance coach
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Fitness/Wellness Coordinator
  • Health Coach/Behavior Change Specialist
  • Sports Nutritionist
  • Biomechanist
  • Exercise Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Recreation Therapist
  • Sport Psychologist

Personal trainers help clients achieve fitness goals through customized exercise programs. Strength coaches design programs for athletes to build strength and conditioning. In healthcare, exercise science grads can work in rehabilitation clinics or cardiac rehab centers.

How Much Does an Exercise Scientist Make?

The salaries for exercise science professionals can vary significantly. It depends on factors. These include education level, certifications, career specialty, years of experience, and location. Here are some typical salary ranges according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale:

Personal Trainer

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for personal trainers and fitness instructors is $46,480. PayScale reports that certified personal trainers earn an average of $58k per year

Exercise Physiologist 

Exercise physiologists with a bachelor’s earn an average salary of $68k annually, according to PayScale data. The BLS reports that physiologists make a median salary of $100,890.

Strength and Conditioning Coach

For strength and conditioning coaches, PayScale lists the average salary as $44,312 per year. Salaries can range higher for those coaching professional or elite collegiate athletes.

Athletic Trainer

The BLS reports the median pay for athletic trainers is $57,930 per year. Athletic trainers in the top 10% earn over $70,000. They also have a much faster-than-average job outlook of 14%.

The salaries can increase substantially for those holding advanced degrees. Exercise scientists with a master’s degree earn around $63,000 per year on average according to PayScale. Those with a doctoral degree can earn over $90,000 in roles like tenured university professors.

Also, exercise science certifications from groups like ACSM, NSCA, and NASM can boost earnings. Salaries tend to be higher in industries like healthcare. They are also higher in corporate wellness and major professional sports.

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Exercise science is a fascinating field that combines knowledge from many scientific disciplines. It helps us understand how exercise affects the body and human performance.

More people are prioritizing health and wellness. So, the demand for qualified exercise scientists continues to grow. A fitness industry career lets you turn your passion for fitness into a meaningful career. You will help others live healthier lives.

You may want to become a personal trainer, strength coach, or exercise physiologist. Exercise science education can give a strong base for this. The benefits of studying exercise science are numerous. It is a great path for those driven to improve human health and athletic performance.