Exercise Physiologists

Exercise physiologists develop physical activity programs to help people improve components of their fitness, such as cardiovascular function, muscular strength, or flexibility.

Duties

Exercise physiologists typically do the following:

• Analyze a client’s medical history to assess their risk during exercise and to determine the best exercise and fitness regimen for the client
• Perform endurance, stress, and other tests with medical equipment and analyze the resulting data
• Measure clients’ blood pressure, oxygen usage, heart rhythm, and other key health indicators
• Develop exercise programs that address clients’ fitness needs
• Implement programs to improve clients’ health

Exercise physiologists work to improve people’s overall health. Many of their clients have chronic medical conditions, such as pulmonary (lung) disease. Exercise physiologists provide health education and exercise plans to help clients improve their respiratory, circulatory, and other systems.

Some physiologists work closely with primary care physicians, who may prescribe exercise regimens for their patients and refer them to exercise physiologists. The physiologists then work with these patients to develop individualized treatment plans that will help the patients meet their health and fitness goals.

The following are examples of types of exercise physiologists:

Applied exercise physiologists study the physiological effects of exercise. They may research topics that explore the link between exercise and illness, such as whether increasing physical activity slows the progression of disease.

Clinical exercise physiologists work with a range of client populations in a variety of settings. For example, they may design exercise programs or promote wellness strategies in schools, taking into account the students’ ages, development, and other factors.    

Kinesiotherapists use rehabilitative exercise, reconditioning, and physical education to treat clients who have problems moving. These workers focus on helping clients regain strength and endurance to increase their mobility.

Exercise physiologists should not be confused with occupations that have similar duties. For example, fitness trainers and instructors (including personal trainers) and athletic trainers promote wellness through exercise and physical activity but not necessarily to treat chronic conditions.

Exercise physiologists held about 23,900 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of exercise physiologists were as follows:

Exercise physiologists typically work in office settings that include hospitals and other medical facilities, fitness centers, and schools. They also may travel to meet with clients.

Some work with other healthcare personnel as part of a team. They may spend a lot of time on their feet when working with clients.

Work Schedules

Most exercise physiologists work full time, but part-time work may be common.

Exercise physiologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, or a related field to enter the occupation.

The median annual wage for exercise physiologists was $58,160 in May 2024.

Employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 1,700 openings for exercise physiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.