It’s no surprise that many students today are pursuing a degree in the exercise science field, and rightfully so. Exercise science is a relatively new major offered by many colleges and universities for students that have quickly taken off in recent years. Students who pursue a degree in exercise science are typically health and fitness enthusiasts who are looking to turn their passion into a career where they can help others to transform their daily lives. But why is health such an important thing to consider in today’s day and age? And how can a career in the exercise science field help to transform others’ health-related habits?
The Importance of Health in Today’s Society
Most would say that it’s common sense to acknowledge health’s importance, especially today. According to Scientific World Info, having good health is critical to overall human happiness and well-being. Not only does good health help to contribute to overall wealth and your personal prosperity, but it’s also important to recognize health’s role in today’s population’s overall productivity. People can live longer and be more productive throughout their lives when they don’t have poor health impacting their day-to-day habits. In order to have a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to have a good exercise regimen, a balanced diet, proper hygiene, and other basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. As an exercise science major, you are better able to help contribute to this overall concept and to ensure that everyone is given a fair chance at ensuring their personal health and well-being.
What Is an Exercise Science Major?
What exactly is an exercise science major? The National Library of Medicine defines exercise science as the scientific study of human movements performed to both maintain and improve one’s overall physical fitness. In a more condensed version, it can be thought of as how our bodies respond to stress, especially during physical activities such as exercising.
As mentioned previously, it’s a relatively new degree available to students; however, the concept isn’t new by any means. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2030, the employment opportunities available for exercise science students will have increased by nearly 13%. This is far quicker than the industry average! The field typically focuses on several health-related verticals such as the following:
- Overall health and fitness
- Nutrition
- Biomechanics
- Kinesiology
- Biomechanics
Many schools today recognize the importance of hands-on training alongside in-classroom education. For example, Berry College provides its exercise science physical therapy students with hands-on training opportunities through for-credit internships (at occupational therapy clinics, for example). The hands-on training allows the students to learn more in-depth about the topics outlined above so that they are more familiar with scenarios that typically occur within the field, especially upon graduation.
Importance of Rehabilitation and Sports Nutrition for Exercise Science Majors
Within the exercise science field, there is a distinct focus on both rehabilitation and overall sports nutrition. Sports nutrition, however, isn’t to be misconstrued with nutrition in general, as exercise science majors only focus on nutrition in the general sporting sense. A registered dietitian can be brought in when other nutrition-based needs are required. Rehabilitation is critical for exercise science majors, as it’s one of the biggest focus points within the field. As an exercise science major, and eventually throughout your career, you’ll work to assist others as they recuperate and bounce back from an illness or injury. You’ll learn all about how to diagnose, treat, and prevent injuries, especially those that are exercise or sports related.
Students can also expect to learn a plethora of information related to sports nutrition, which is another important discipline taught throughout your exercise science degree. Sports nutrition can be thought of as a well-thought-through and designed nutrition plan with the ultimate goal of helping adults and athletes to reach their peak level of performance. Sports nutrition involves learning about nutrients and food types that can help to keep your body at its peak. Many exercise science majors who pursue a career in sports nutrition work to provide athletes with a nutrition plan that helps to balance their energy, food, nutrients, and fluids.
What Career Opportunities Are Available for Exercise Science Students?
There are several different career opportunities available for exercise science students, especially considering the field is projected to continue to grow. Listed below are a few of the top professions that exercise science students pursue after completing their education.
- Fitness trainers/instructors
- Recreational Therapists
- Exercise Physiologists
- Athletic Director
- Health Educator
- Kinesiologist
- Sports Nutritionist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Physiologist
- Personal Trainer
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.” This definition of health directly correlates to the exercise science field because exercise science majors are students with a distinct passion for helping others to reach their peak health and performance goals – not only to help them avoid illnesses or other ailments. If you have a passion for health and fitness and want to use that passion to help others, then a career in exercise science may be a great option for you! Consider getting started with your education today.
Please wait...
Add Comment