Physical Education Degree Holders Don’t Have To Be Pe Teachers

Due to the sudden increase in physical education initiatives like the ‘President’s Council on Fitness and Sports’, Our health and wellbeing in The US is coming into focus quickly. As an educator in the field of health education, exercise and sports you will be on the front lines of the battle to increase the medical fitness and overall well being of our children.

While a physical education degree sets up the holder for a career as a instructor of physical education, there are other career fields that see the benefit of the valuable knowledge and abilities that physical educators possess. Depending on your area of focus there are a number of careers you can choose as your career goal in life.

Sports Medicine

“Sports medicine” is an umbrella term that refers to several professions involved in the clinical and scientific aspects of exercise and sports (physics). Dr. David Lamb of the American College of Sports Medicine defines it as “the scientific and clinical testing, manipulation, and care of those who exercise, especially athletes.”

Men and women working in this area may be involved in research on the physiological, biochemical, biomechanical, or behavioral facets of exercise. They may also work directly with athletes and the general population to diagnose, treat, and prevent physical injuries or improve performance.

Personal Trainer

Fitness workers lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and stretching. They work in health clubs, country clubs, hospitals, universities, yoga and Pilates studios, resorts, and clients’ homes.

Fitness workers may also perform their duties in workplaces, where they organize and direct health and fitness programs for employees. Although gyms and health clubs offer many exercise activities, such as weight lifting, yoga, cardiovascular training, and karate, fitness workers usually specialize in only a few areas.

Exercise Physiologist

Clinical exercise physiologists use physical activity to treat people with illnesses. Patients with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and a number of other conditions benefit from physical activity. But different activities are good for specific types of patients, and some activities are dangerous for people with particular medical conditions. Exercise physiologists prescribe exercise programs for each patient, monitor patients while they exercise, and track each person’s progress.