What do exercise physiologists do?
Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.
This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.
Job titles to recognize in your search
O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.
- Bariatric Weight Loss Counselor
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Practitioner
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Therapist
- Certified Exercise Physiologist (Certified EP)
- Clinical Cardiac Exercise Physiologist
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Clinical Exercise Specialist
- Exercise Scientist
Core tasks to compare with a job posting
- Explain exercise program or physiological testing procedures to participants.
- Develop exercise programs to improve participant strength, flexibility, endurance, or circulatory functioning, in accordance with exercise science standards, regulatory requirements, and credentialing requirements.
- Provide clinical oversight of exercise for participants at all risk levels.
- Provide emergency or other appropriate medical care to participants with symptoms or signs of physical distress.
- Interview participants to obtain medical history or assess participant goals.
- Demonstrate correct use of exercise equipment or performance of exercise routines.
- Prescribe individualized exercise programs, specifying equipment, such as treadmill, exercise bicycle, ergometers, or perceptual goggles.
- Interpret exercise program participant data to evaluate progress or identify needed program changes.
- Conduct stress tests, using electrocardiograph (EKG) machines.
- Recommend methods to increase lifestyle physical activity.
Prepare an application for this occupation
- Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
- Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
- Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
- Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.
Ready to plan your search?
Start with exercise physiologists as your target. You can change your role in the quiz and tell us your location and work preferences.