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Finding Qualified Fitness ExpertsOrthopedics is a medical specialty with strong ties to fitness.

Orthopedics

A branch of medicine that

deals with bone and joint injuries and disorders.

Term to Know

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Finding Qualified Fitness ExpertsA podiatrist is another type of physician who treats fitness-related problems.

Podiatrist

A physician trained specifically to treat

disorders of the feet.

Term to Know

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Finding Qualified Fitness ExpertsPhysical therapists undergo four to six years of academic and clinical training and must be licensed by the state.

Physical therapists

Health professionals

specially trained to work with people recovering from

injuries.

Term to Know

5

Finding Qualified Fitness ExpertsAthletic trainers undergo at least four years of academic and clinical training before they can practice.

Athletic trainers

Professionals who work with athletes

undergoing rehabilitation.

Term to Know

They work under the supervision of physicians and are often licensed by the state.

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Finding Qualified Fitness ExpertsRegistered dietitians (RDs) undergo at least four years of training and register with the American Dietetic Association before they can practice as a registered dietitian.

Registered dietitians (RDs)

Professionals who work with athletes

undergoing rehabilitation.

Term to Know

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Finding Qualified Fitness ExpertsExercise physiologists must earn a college degree with an emphasis in exercise physiology.

Exercise physiologists

Professionals who are specially

trained to understand the body’s physical

reactions to exercise.

Term to Know

They are not licensed by the state but must be certified by a national organization.

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Careers in Health and Fitness

Fitness-related professions include personal trainers, aerobic-dance instructors, and fitness specialists.

These professionals may or may not have formal academic or clinical training. Many organizations sponsor certification programs.

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Careers in Health and Fitness

Health education and physical education teachers must earn a college degree in health or physical education specialties.

They are certified by the state to teach.

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Health and Fitness Facilities

It is important to choose your fitness facility wisely.

Different health and fitness facilities meet different needs.

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Health and Fitness Facilities

Commercial gyms are health and fitness facilities that are geared to the serious weight trainer or high-performance athlete.

The exercise and activity opportunities may be limited and the members may be too serious for your needs.

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Health and Fitness Facilities

Commercial fitness centers cater to the general public.

Commercial fitness centers

Health and fitness facilities that offer a wide variety of resistance- and aerobic-training

equipment.

Term to Know

They offer a large variety of activities, but they may be crowded and expensive.

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Health and Fitness Facilities

Commercial dance studios are facilities targeted at people interested in aerobic dance and jazz forms of exercise.

They usually have certified instructors, but they offer a limited number of fitness activities.

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Health and Fitness Facilities

Hospital-based wellness centers usually offer a variety of exercise and educational programs focusing on personal fitness.

They offer medical supervision and highly-trained personnel, but they have a relatively higher cost.

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Health and Fitness Facilities

Many corporate fitness centers offer a variety of recreational and fitness activities.

Corporate fitness centers

On-site health and fitness facilities

available to employees and their families.

Term to Know

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Health and Fitness Facilities

College-based fitness centers are available to students, faculty, and staff.

They have a wide variety of programs and trained personnel.

If you are not associated with the school, it can be expensive to join.

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Health and Fitness Facilities

Sports medicine clinic centers are frequently associated with local universities and/or hospitals.

Sports medicine clinic centers

Facilities that focus on research

promoting health and fitness, as well

as on the development and

operation of health, fitness, recreation,

and educational programs.

Term to Know

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Health and Fitness Facilities

Community recreational centers are health and fitness facilities that are operated by city park and recreation departments.

They are an economical choice that offer a variety of recreational activities, but may have limited health and fitness activities.

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Health and Fitness Facilities

Selecting a health and fitness facility is a two-step process.

First, determine your fitness needs.

Then, explore facilities in your community and evaluate whether they can meet your needs.

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Health and Fitness Facilities

Consider these factors as you evaluate health and fitness facilities:

Cost and convenience

Equipment and facilities

Programs and staff

Safety and cleanliness