Exercise physiologists use physical activity to treat people who are ill. They also help healthy people improve or maintain their fitness or performance.

The field of exercise physiology has two areas of specialization: fitness and rehabilitation.

Fitness

Exercise physiologists who specialize in fitness focus on:

• Human performance
• Biomechanics
• Athletic training

Human performance specialists educate and train athletes. They work with athletes to improve their stamina, lower performance times, and decrease recovery time after competitions.

Biomechanics specialists help clients improve their sports performance.

Exercise physiologists who specialize in athletic training prevent and care for athletic injuries. They also work with clients who are trying to get in shape.

Rehabilitation

Exercise physiologists who specialize in rehabilitation are called clinical exercise physiologists. They work with patients who are ill or recovering from injuries or dealing with chronic conditions, such as arthritis or lower back pain.

Physiologists conduct fitness tests on new patients to assess their physical condition and prescribe appropriate exercises. They demonstrate and explain the purpose of each exercise. They monitor their patients' progress and write detailed reports describing their fitness level.

Exercise physiologists usually work in health, fitness, wellness, and rehabilitation centers or clinics. They may also work at universities and human performance laboratories.