General exercise science involves studying the human body as it pertains to movement.
A person who chooses to focus his or her attention on this area at a post-secondary level will learn about several aspects of the body, including anatomy and physiology.
It also includes learning about nutrition, exercise, and how to prevent injuries and illnesses.
Studying general exercise science at the post-secondary level can open a number of doors for a student.
Graduates of this type of program can find work dealing with members of the public who want to improve their physical fitness at a gym or community center.
Some people want to take their knowledge of wellness and use it as the basis for a career in education, and this is a possibility for graduates of this program as well.
This field is a relatively new one, but knowledge of general exercise science can help to prepare an individual for a career as a physician, nurse, physical therapist, or veterinarian.
The student must complete the requirements for an undergraduate degree and then move on to specialized study at the graduate level.
After you’ve received your degree and have gone on to acquire your personal training certification, contact us to request a demo of our fitness business management software so that you can start training clients easily and efficiently!
What Is the General Exercise Science Undergraduate Degree?
A student who is enrolled in a Bachelor of Science degree program majoring in General Exercise Science will spend the first two years taking general courses in subjects like math, science, English, communications, social sciences, and foreign languages.
The students also take courses in physical education, as well as a number of ones designed to educate them on how to perform certain activities and then teach others to do the same. Students may be involved in learning about soccer, basketball, gymnastics, aerobics, weight training, or other activities with this focus.
During the last two years of the program, courses are offered in:
- How to prevent athletic injuries
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Nutrition
- Testing and measurement
A certain number of electives are taken at this level, which allows the student to concentrate his or her studies in areas like teaching and coaching, sports law, or sports economics (for those interested in a career in sports management).
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What Is the General Exercise Science Graduate Degree?
To be considered for a Master’s degree program, an applicant must have completed a Bachelor’s degree. The undergraduate degree does not have to be in General Exercise Science or a related discipline, but the student will likely find it easier to complete the courses at this level with a background in science.
The Master’s degree program in General Exercise Science includes courses in:
- Exercise physiology
- Human sexuality
- Nutrition
- Research methods
After this level, a graduate can look for employment or continue his or her education by pursuing a Ph.D. People who hold this designation usually focus their professional attention on conducting research or teaching at the university level.
What Career Options Exist for General Exercise Science?
After graduation, a person who has studied General Exercise Science at the post-secondary level is qualified to work as an athletic trainer at a school or for a sports team. Some graduates choose to work as exercise physiologists.
Other graduates find work as physicians’ assistants after completing specialized training after obtaining a B.A. Another option for people who have completed an undergraduate degree in General Exercise Science is to go into the field of pharmaceutical sales.
A different career option for a graduate from a General Exercise Science program is to become a personal trainer. These people work at fitness facilities or community centers and help clients to get or stay fit by providing instruction on how to use equipment correctly and providing counseling about nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Part of the personal trainer’s job is to take measurements to determine a client’s level of body fat.
During a workout session, a personal trainer monitors the client’s movements to ensure that he or she is using the free weights or equipment safely. The trainer also provides encouragement throughout to help the client stay on track.
People who have completed a Master’s degree (or higher) in General Exercise Science can find work as a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist or a biomechanist. Other graduates of this program choose to focus their professional attention on research.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I become a personal trainer?
You become a personal trainer by becoming studying for, taking, and passing a personal training certification exam.
Do I need an exercise science degree to become a personal trainer?
Some certifying agencies are harder to become certified with than others and some may require extra pre-requisites like a college degree, however, most certifying agencies only require a GED.
Can I become a personal trainer without studying for the exam?
If you have a degree in exercise science, you may be able to pass without studying much; but it is recommended that you still read over the study materials provided by your chosen certifying agency.
Will a gym hire me without a personal training certification?
It is unlikely that a gym will hire someone without a certification to train members. However, a gym may still hire you to perform other duties, like administrative tasks.
Can I rent space in a gym if I am not a certified personal trainer?
Gyms will likely not rent out space to someone that is not certified due to liability concerns.
Exercise science is a growing field that offers a number of career choices for graduates. If you are considering this field then chances are that you already are interested in health, fitness, and nutrition. Consider obtaining your personal training certification! Then, contact us to see how our fitness business management software can work for you.