Disability, Employment and Progress in the Fitness Space

Did you know that 81% of people with a disability don’t feel welcome in the fitness industry?  That means as fitness professionals, leaders and educators, we have a lot of work to do. One of the biggest areas of need is in representation. We are the fitness industry after all, and we know that representation […]

Making the Business Case for CEPs

The influence of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CR) participation on desirable patient outcomes is well established. Moreover, the role clinical exercise physiologists (CEP) and exercise physiologists serve in such programs is becoming better understood and desirable in many health care settings. Less understood, and perhaps more vital for substantiating the CEP’s role in health care, are the […]

5 Skills of High Performers in the Fitness Industry

Public health is having a moment right now, and the fitness industry must rise to the occasion. The truth is, the fitness industry is uniquely positioned to improve many public health outcomes through promotion of regular physical activity. Positioning physical activity as part of the health care continuum — as an accessible, integral part of […]

How Being Dual Credentialed Can Improve Your Hiring and Salary Potential

Whether you are a seasoned fitness professional or a new trainer entering the field, it’s more important than ever to be versatile and competent in working with a variety of clientele. As our industry shifts with the needs and demands of the public, we want to be educated and experienced working with clients one on […]

Clinical Exercise Physiologists in the Workforce

A clinical exercise physiologist (CEP) is an allied health professional trained to work with persons diagnosed with a chronic disease for which exercise training has been shown to be therapeutically beneficial. Such conditions include cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neuromuscular, immunological and orthopedic disorders, among others. Primarily, CEPs work in medically supervised environments providing programs or services directed by […]

How ACSM-EPs and ACSM-CEPs Can Advance the Profession’s Recognition, Compensation

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In March 2021, ACSM assembled a task force to determine how to streamline the reimbursement process for ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologists® (ACSM-EPs) and ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologists® (ACSM-CEPs).  The consensus? Get ACSM EPs and CEPs recognized as qualified health care professionals, or QHPs.  Well, what’s a QHP? According to the American Medical Association, a QHP is […]

Case Model: Cardiac Rehabilitation CEP

My name is Vanessa Valle, and I’m an exercise physiologist at the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Center at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Our program opened in October 2019 and, just as we were gaining some kind of semblance of momentum, we shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Every policy and procedure […]

How Coaching Works for the Exercise Professional

Wellcoaches created the animated movie How Coaching Works to explain health and well-being coaching when the field was in its infancy. Now with almost 2 million views, the video remains a useful illustration of the best qualities of a helping relationship. Let’s take a look at the psychological underpinnings of the cartoon, which will provide insight into useful […]

Investing in a Personal Trainer

A qualified personal trainer can help you safely start and maintain an effective exercise program. Making the right choice in a fitness professional is an important investment to your health, wellness and life. Experienced ACSM professionals have created this resource to help guide you to selecting the right personal trainer to help you reach your personal […]

Selecting the Right Fitness Facility for You

Prior to joining a health/fitness facility, you are encouraged to identify your major fitness and exercise goals. With fitness objectives established, start visiting fitness facilities that are easy access for you and your family (if you are seeking a family fitness membership). The fitness club should have a variety of exercise equipment and fitness programs […]