Health and Fitness Science Career Explorer

Job Description

Students will be trained in exercise science and be able to administer basic fitness tests and health risk appraisals, teach specific exercise and fitness classes and provide instruction in the proper use of exercise equipment and facilities. 

A person in this career will:

  • Perform fitness assessments, testing and orientations
  • Generate individualized exercise prescriptions 
  • Create and implement wellness programs 
  • Design incentive programs
  • Manage daily fitness center operations, including maintenance and safety
  • Teach group exercise classes
  • Provide personal and small-group training
  • Provide general nutrition advice
  • Implement recruitment and retention programs
  • Conduct health fairs and screenings

Working conditions and physical demands

  • Handle loads of up to 10 pounds, frequently up to 20 pounds or more
  • You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Sound and noise levels may be loud and distracting.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time.
  • Requires getting into awkward positions
  • Exposed to disease and infections more than once a month through work such as patient care, laboratory work and sanitation control

Working in this career involves these physical activities:

  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person
  • Physical ability to teach proper body mechanics 
  • Understand limitations and be able to make necessary modifications on an individual basis

Work hours and travel

  • Full-time, part-time or self-employed

Career at a Glance

Salary Range
$20,000 to $40,000

Skills Needed
Enjoy helping people
Good communication skills
Good problem-solving skills

Job Duties
Administer basic fitness tests and health risk appraisals
Teach specific exercise and fitness classes
Provide instruction in the proper use of exercise equipment and facilities

Work Locations
Commercial fitness clubs
YMCA/YWCA
Wellness programs in business and industry
Parks & Recreation Departments
Other organizations implementing exercise and fitness programs