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| General Articles :: Hot Career Zone |
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| Working Out Towards a Better Career |
| by Diane Anselmo |
Exercise science is the study of the effects of exercise on the human body. It regularly deals with cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, body conditioning, and flexibility. Len Kravitz, Ph.D, an internationally recognized exercise scientist who has written four books and currently teaches at the University of New Mexico, gave the CollegeBound Network a breakdown of the various career paths found within the field. Cardiac rehabilitation, a specialty within health rehabilitation, is first on the list. "People involved with this design the programs, monitor progress, and work hands-on with people who have suffered some sort of cardiac event," says Kravitz.
Health fitness, another route you can take, "is for people who really want to work in a fitness facility," says Kravitz. Those choosing this track usually find themselves in a managerial capacity overseeing the programming for the facility. An exercise science specialist can also be hired by outside organizations to work with employees in a field known as "corporate fitness." In this capacity, they might give lectures and conduct health assessments for a business.
Personal training, meanwhile, is a route often taken by entrepreneurs. According to Kravitz, this can be a very lucrative path for someone who is ambitious. The most innovative area of exercise science career opportunities is within fitness specialties (e.g. yoga, aerobics, tai chi, and Pilates). "This path offers a collage of career options," explains Kravitz, "including exercise software development, exercise equipment design, fitness product marketing and sales, and pharmaceutical sales."
What You Need To Know
If you're interested in exercise science, choose a college wisely by selecting an institution that is well-established in the field. "Take some time and compare programs," advises Kravitz. While you are still in high school, it's a good idea to take classes in the biological sciences -- these will come in handy when you start your college program.
How Much You'll Make
According to Kravitz, the starting salary for a career in exercise science can range between $20,000 and $40,000, depending on your location. Of course, how much money you make is also affected by which path you choose to pursue.
What You'll Feel
"You help people help themselves," says Kravitz. "That's a wonderful gift. Everything you do improves the quality of life of the people with whom you work."
A Final Thought
"You have to really love exercise with a passion to go into this field," says Kravitz. "If you don't, this is not the field for you."
About the author:
http://www.CollegeSurfing.com/content
Diane Anselmo is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.
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