Frequently Asked Questions About Exercise Physiology
Tommy Boone, PhD,
MPH, MA, FASEP, EPC
Professor and Chair
Department of Exercise
Physiology
The College of St.
Scholastica
Duluth, MN 55811
"The
beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names." -- Chinese
proverb
What is the Future
of Exercise Physiology?
A degree in Exercise
Physiology is the scientific based health and fitness promotion, disease
prevention and rehabilitation, and sports training degree of the future.
The degree is based on its own scientific body of knowledge and the information
and relationship of solid science from an interdisciplinary point of view.
The future looks very good for professional, board certified exercise physiologists.
What Courses
are taken by Exercise Physiology Students?
The major in Exercise Physiology focuses on the study and application of
a comprehensive and hands-on analysis of many health related problems, development
of muscular and cardiovascular fitness and endurance, and the study of athletic
performance. There is a biophysical context, including aspects of functional
anatomy, chemistry, physics, biology, nutrition, and computer science, not
to mention the academic coursework within exercise physiology that includes
courses such as applied exercise physiology, psychophysiology of health and
exercise, physiological assessment, cardiac rehabilitation, sports biomechanics,
sports nutrition, advanced exercise physiology, electrocardiography, stress
testing, and research design and data collection. These courses provide
the academic foundation for the professional prepared exercise physiologist.
What is Exercise
Physiology?
Exercise Physiology is the identification of the physiological mechanisms
underlying physical activity, the comprehensive delivery of treatment services
concerned with the analysis, improvement, and maintenance of health and fitness,
rehabilitation of heart disease and other chronic diseases and/or disabilities,
and the professional guidance and counsel of athletes and others interested
in athletics, sports training, and human adaptability to acute and chronic
exercise [1].
What is an
Exercise Physiologist?
Exercise Physiologist means a person who has an academic degree in exercise
physiology, or who is certified by ASEP to practice exercise physiology [via
the Exercise Physiologist Certified exam (EPC)], or who has a doctorate degree
with an academic degree or emphasis in exercise physiology from an accredited
college or university [1].
Why a Degree
in Exercise Physiology?
If you are interested in working with people to promote healthy lifestyles
(i.e., prescribe exercise for disease prevention, weight control, and sports
training), this program is for you. While graduates with a B.A. in Exercise
Physiology have pursued other fields of study, the primary goal of this program
is to prepare students as exercise physiology professionals with the credentials
to enter the public sector has a healthcare practitioner.
Where Do I
Study Exercise Physiology?
Look for a college or university with the opportunity to earn an “academic
degree” in Exercise Physiology. This is truly unique, however.
Few colleges and universities in the United States give you this opportunity.
Otherwise, look for a college or university with an excellent academic program.
It may take some time, but you should think about looking through the ASEP list of academic
programs. Then, too, there are the ASEP accredited undergraduate
programs in exercise physiology.
1. Slippery Rock University 
Exercise
Science Program
2. Wright State
University
Exercise Science
Program
3. University of
New Mexico - Abuquerque
Exercise Science
Program
4. Marquette University
Exercise
Science Program
Few academic institutions
give you the opportunity to learn through practical hands-on application
of exercise physiology, but be sure to ask about the different laboratories,
equipment, and other related practical experiences. You will learn
about your own personal health and cardiovascular (fitness) needs, and you
will learn how to use state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to test and evaluate
the same in other people. Some of these evaluations include:
1. Analysis
of body composition
2. Assessment of muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility
3. Assessment of the cardiovascular system, including but not limited to:
oxygen consumption, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, arteriovenous
oxygen difference, mean arterial pressure, and systemic vascular resistance
4. Development of a cardiovascular profile involving many other physiological
assessments
5. Analysis and application of critical thinking skills to published manuscripts
6. Analysis of diet and other risk factors for heart disease
7. Management of stress
Earn Professional
Certification
Following your academic
study, you may wish to become a “certified” exercise physiologist.
The academic courses and hands-on laboratory experiences prepare you to sit
for the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) board certification
(i.e., the “Exercise Physiologist
Certified” or EPC exam).
What are the
Career Opportunities?
As a board certified exercise physiologist, you may choose to work in medical
clinics (cardiac rehabilitation), corporate fitness and wellness centers,
and research-based companies. You may want to click on the January
2003 ASEPNewsletter for a brief summary
of career options. Exercise physiologists with advanced degrees (master’s
or the Ph.D.) may choose careers in universities, colleges, research institutes,
and research-oriented clinical settings.
References
1.
American Society of Exercise Physiologists. (2003). ASEP Board of Certification
Standards of Professional Practice. [Online]. http://www.asep.org/asep/asep/StandardsofProfessionalPractice.html
Copyright
©1997-2007
American Society of Exercise Physiologists All Rights
Reserved.
