BooneThink

We need an entirely new way to think about exercise physiology if we are to respond to the healthcare issues and concerns of the public sector. The traditional sports medicine structure is not what it was to exercise physiologists decades ago. It was developed when we had no idea what we were to become. Our only interest then was research and presentations. And, frankly, exercise physiologists were blessed with the opportunity to do both. We knew where our leaders taught and what they enjoyed researching. We looked forward to their lectures, and they were good leaders, too. Today, it is altogether a different story. Exercise physiologists are not without competitors. They are everywhere, from personal trainers to the physical therapists. Every fitness club now has its own fitness experts. Moreover, the reality of television has brought before the public previously unknown trainers as well as the ever-present need to get in shape. Remember however that not all experts are worthy of the title. Yet the popular mythology has it that a 6-pack of abs is all that is necessary to qualify as a professional in the health and fitness field. This is the view defined by dozens of weekend warrior certifications. For just $49.95, anyone can be a certified sports nutritionist or a fitness expert. Perhaps what we need in the health and fitness field is some basic commonsense. I’m reminded of the statement: Hello, wake up America! Picture your future as a fitness professional. Now, see yourself as an exercise physiologists. Okay, see yourself as a healthcare professional. Do you want to work in a gym or in healthcare? Both have a foot in the door of fitness and preventive measures. Only one is a healthcare professional, however. The old-style sports medicine is just that, it is outdated. It takes but a glance to appreciate the radically different nature of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists depicted on the website: http://www.asep.org/ It is the professional organization of the future exercise physiologists. Welcome to the real world of exercise physiology whereby exercise physiologists have their own code of ethics, accreditation, board certification, and standards of practice. Welcome to the 21st century view of exercise physiology. Welcome to the world of changes, adjustments, commitments, and purposeful work on behalf of all exercise physiologists. Welcome to a world as opposite sports medicine as milk is to water. This is the new-look of exercise physiology.