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According to The American Heritage Dictionary, “credo” stands for belief. You want to start thinking about your credo by thinking about what you and your company believe in. To help you out, let’s take a look at the ASEP definition of Exercise Physiology (i.e., it is the identification of physiological mechanisms underlying physical activity, the comprehensive delivery of treatment services concerned with the analysis, improvement, and maintenance of health and fitness, rehabilitation of heart disease and other chronic diseases and/or disabilities, and the professional guidance and counsel of athletes and others interested in athletics, sports training, and human adaptability to acute and chronic exercise).

What is the ASEP definition of an Exercise Physiologist: An Exercise Physiologist is a person who has an academic degree in exercise physiology, or who is certified by ASEP to practice exercise physiology , or who has a doctorate degree with an academic degree or emphasis in exercise physiology from an accredited college or university.

Okay, what is the ASEP vision? First, to be recognized as the leading professional organization of American scholars and practitioners in the study and application of exercise physiology to fitness, health promotion, rehabilitation, and sports training. Second, the Society is dedicated to unifying all exercise physiologists in the United States and worldwide to promote and support the study, practice, teaching, research, and development of the exercise physiology profession. Third, through proactive and creative leadership, the Society empowers its members to serve the public good by making an academically sound difference in the application of exercise physiology concepts and insights.

Imagine, a professiona organization with a vision. That’s right! The ASEP leaders (and members) have a vision. That’s special. They have other things, too. They have goals and objectives. Why? To benefit students, and to help all exercise physiologists.

1. To provide a powerful, unified forum and opportunity for exercise physiologists to present and discuss current research in exercise physiology.
2. To promote and encourage the exchange of ideas and information regarding all phases of exercise physiology.
3. To promote the advancement of teaching and research in exercise physiology within the academic environment.
4. To encourage and implement undergraduate and graduate education programs to meet the diverse interests and career opportunities in exercise physiology, regardless of age, gender, race or disability.
5. To promote the growth and application of the highest quality research and professional application of exercise physiology in health promotion, disease prevention, rehabilitation, and sport fitness and training.
6. To promote the development and exchange of scientific information between ASEP and other professional organizations with an interest in exercise physiology.
7. To set the agenda, determine the direction, and make the decisions about the future of the exercise physiology profession.
8. To be a dynamic and action-oriented clearinghouse for questions regarding the exercise physiology profession.
9. To increase visibility and enhance the image of the exercise physiology profession.
10. To represent exercise physiologists whose professional work is mainly clinical, and to help ensure that federal agencies and legislators understand their work and needs of the clinical professional.
11. To participate in the development and implementation of public policies and procedures concerned with exercise physiology.
12. To make a commitment to quality and integrity in exercise physiology through adherence to the Society’s Code of Ethics.
13. To facilitate and promote positive public policy and professional, ethical behavior by providing ongoing peer review and quality assurance programs via the accreditation of the exercise physiology (science) academic programs.
15. To expand federal and private funding of exercise physiology research and training.

Exercise Physiologist’s Credo

I do not choose to be a trainer, instructor, technician, or a common exercise practitioner. It is my right to be uncommon – my right to be a professional exercise physiologist. I seek professionalism and credibility – not the easy road. I do not wish to be certified by non-exercise physiology organizations that have nothing to do with the professional development of exercise physiology. I want to belong to the American Society of Exercise Physiologists. I want to be a member of the professional team of exercise physiologists as healthcare professionals. I understand the importance of a professional code of ethics, accreditation, board certification for exercise physiology prepared candidates, and standards of professional practice. I refuse to give away exercise physiology to non-exercise physiologists. I will not trade my education or dignity for a non-exercise physiology major. I will never cower before any other person or profession nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage and right to stand apart from non-exercise physiologists. I am proud of my membership with the American Society of Exercise Physiologists. I am proud to be a healthcare professional. I understand the importance of thinking and acting with integrity and credibility. All this is what it means to be an exercise physiologist.

Official Credo of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists