Exercise Science is the study of human movement as it relates to exercise, sport and physical activity. It is dedicated to promoting and integrating scientific research and education on the health benefits of exercise and to the delivery of physical activity programs that prevent disease, facilitate rehabilitation, promote health and enhance human performance. An understanding and knowledge of the specific physiological and biochemical effects of various exercises is necessary and critical for the exercise science graduate

Some Questions of interest to the exercise scientist may include:

What is the influence of exercise science in managing body weight, body composition and fat distribution?

What are the effects of aging on muscle cell function and what role does exercise play in retarding these effects?

What are the physiological differences and benefits of exercising in a hypobaric (high altitude) environment?

Few academic program majors offer preparation for such diverse opportunities after graduation as Exercise Science. An undergraduate degree in Exercise Science prepares graduates for both employment opportunities and application to graduate many of the healthcare professions including medicine. Some possible job settings for the exercise science graduate include:

Managers and exercise leaders who develop and administer corporate, community and hospital-based wellness programs.

Strength and conditioning specialists for college, university and professional sports programs.

Exercise physiologists in cardiac fitness centers, rehabilitation centers, and spinal cord injury rehabilitation centers.

Research associates at sports medicine institutes, university exercise physiology labs, US Government Public Health Service and Naval and Army Research Centers.

In the last 50 years, Sports Medicine and Exercise Science have made great progress as areas of study and scientific contribution. But what will the future hold for these areas in the next millennium? Here are some predictions by leaders in the field of what kinds of exciting things the future of exercise science will hold!

"Courses in exercise and nutrition counseling will assume an increasingly important role in medical school curricula and in the training of physicians. This should prompt an explosion of hospital and medically based fitness centers." -Barry A. Franklin PhD, FACSM

"I can imagine two paths that people will be able to choose for their physical activity. On one path, electronic devices such as virtual reality machines which furnish enhancements to exercise equipment that will make them more stimulating and enjoyable. The other option will provide more tree-lined walking and cycling paths in linear parks so people can transport themselves around town." -James F. Sallis PhD, FACSM

"I am optimistic about the future of sports medicine in the next century. I believe that inactivity will become accepted as one of our most important public health problems, and that we will see many exciting advances in our field, ranging from molecular exercise science to population-based studies." -Denise G. Simons-Morton M.D., PhD

American College of Sports Medicine www.acsm.org
Association of Worksite Health Promotion www.awhp.org
National Wellness Association www.wellnessnwi.org
National Strength and Conditioning Association www.nsca-lift.org
American Society of Exercise Physiology www.asep.org