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1 Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Photograph showing First Lady Michelle Obama and Ellen DeGeneres dancing on a television set.
The First Lady, Michelle Obama, and Ellen DeGeneres dance during a taping of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” marking the second anniversary of the “Let’s Move!” initiative, in Burbank, California. February 1, 2012.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the scope and significance of exercise science, including its various sub-disciplines and related fields.
  • Recognize the diverse career paths available within exercise science
  • Articulate the personal and professional benefits of pursuing a career in exercise science.
  • Comprehend the fundamental concepts of exercise physiology, including the body’s responses and adaptations to different types of physical exercise.
  • Describe how environmental factors such as altitude, heat, and cold impact exercise performance and physiology.
  • Acknowledge the need for continuous learning, professional relationships, and practical experiences to succeed in the field of exercise science.
  • Explain how exercise science contributes to public health initiatives and the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

What is Exercise Science?

        Exercise science is a multidisciplinary field that explores the science of movement and the body’s responses and adaptations to physical activity. It encompasses various sub-disciplines, including Biomechanics, Exercise and Sport Physiology, Kinesiology, Sports Psychology, and Sports Sociology. Additionally, related fields such as Sport Management and Health Promotion offer further specialization opportunities for graduate students pursuing degrees in Exercise Science.

Careers in Exercise Science

         Over the past three decades, interest in exercise science and kinesiology has surged, driven by extensive research demonstrating the benefits of exercise in enhancing longevity, reducing disease risk factors, and promoting overall wellness. Initiatives like “Exercise Is Medicine,” (http://exerciseismedicine.org) developed by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Association, have further emphasized the importance of physical activity in health care. Consequently, career opportunities in exercise science have expanded significantly, including roles included in the purple sidebar:

Career Opportunities in Exercise Science

  • Applied Research Scientist
  • Athletic Director
  • Basic Research Scientist
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Cardiovascular Technologist
  • Chiropractor
  • Clinical Researcher
  • College Professor
  • Director of Community Relations
  • Director of Intramural Sports and Recreation
  • Director of Sports Facilities
  • Ergonomist
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Exercise Program Director
  • Exercise Specialist
  • Exercise Test Technologist
  • Fitness Director
  • Fitness Instructor
  • General Manager, Pro Sports Team
  • Health Club Manager
  • Health Educator
  • Health/Fitness Instructor
  • Kinesiologist
  • Marketing Director
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Operations Director
  • Personal Trainer
  • Performance Coach
  • Physical Education Director
  • Physical Therapist
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Physician
  • Physician’s Assistant
  • Promotion Director
  • Recreation Therapist
  • Rehabilitation Therapist
  • Sporting Goods Manufacturing Representative
  • Sports Events Coordinator
  • Sports Information Director
  • Sports Instructor/Coach
  • Sports Nutritionist
  • Sports Psychologist
  • Sports Trainer
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • K-12 Teacher
  • Ticket Manager
  • Weight Training Instructor
  • Wellness Coordinator

 

        Many of these careers require advanced degrees and specialized certifications. Students should not assume that an undergraduate program alone will provide all the necessary experiences for post-graduation success. Professional or graduate school admissions often require practicum, internships, or research experiences. It is crucial for students to seek these opportunities and build professional relationships with professors, who can provide valuable letters of recommendation. Additionally, students should research the admission requirements for their desired graduate programs early to ensure they complete the necessary coursework. Pursuing a career in exercise science offers numerous benefits, both personally and professionally:

Personal Benefits

  1. Health and Wellness: Working in exercise science often means practicing what you preach. You’ll have a deeper understanding of how to maintain your own health and fitness, leading to a healthier lifestyle.
  2. Job Satisfaction: Helping others achieve their fitness and health goals can be incredibly rewarding. Seeing the positive impact of your work on others’ lives can provide a strong sense of fulfillment.
  3. Continuous Learning: The field is constantly evolving with new research and techniques. This means you’ll have ongoing opportunities to learn and grow professionally.

Professional Benefits

  1. Diverse Career Opportunities: As highlighted earlier, exercise science offers a wide range of career paths, from clinical roles like cardiac rehabilitation specialists to academic positions such as college professors.
  2. Growing Demand: With increasing awareness of the importance of physical activity for health, there is a growing demand for professionals in this field. This can lead to more job opportunities and job security.
  3. Interdisciplinary Work: Exercise science professionals often work with other health care providers, such as doctors, physical therapists, and nutritionists. This interdisciplinary approach can enhance your skills and knowledge.
  4. Impact on Public Health: By promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, you can contribute to the prevention and management of chronic diseases, improving public health outcomes.
  5. Flexibility: Many careers in exercise science offer flexible work environments, including opportunities for self-employment, such as personal training or consulting.
        Overall, a career in exercise science can be both fulfilling and impactful, offering a blend of personal satisfaction and professional growth.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

        Exercise Physiology is a branch of both physiology and exercise science. Physiology studies the function of organs, tissues, and cells, with a foundational understanding of anatomy. Exercise physiology focuses on the body’s acute responses and chronic adaptations to various physical exercise conditions, such as endurance exercise, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and resistance training. It also includes environmental exercise physiology, which examines the effects of exercise under stressors like altitude, heat, cold, space flight, and deep-sea diving. Research in exercise physiology spans diverse populations, including healthy and diseased individuals, and different age groups, contributing to the understanding of exercise’s role in disease rehabilitation and treatment, such as diabetes mellitus.

Scholarly Questions

  1. Define exercise science and list its main sub-disciplines.
  2. Identify at least five career paths available to exercise science graduates.
  3. Explain the primary focus of exercise physiology.
  4. What is environmental exercise physiology, and what are some of the stressors studied in this sub-discipline?
  5. What is the “Exercise Is Medicine” initiative, and how does it impact the field of exercise  science?
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The Physiology of Exercise Copyright © 2025 by Rosie Lanphere is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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