Sports medicine is not just about treating injuries. Every year millions of Americans vow to eat healthier, exercise regularly, and lose weight. But, as recent studies have revealed, these vows have a high rate of failure—the United States has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world. For those who do succeed in getting in better shape, a personal trainer is often an important part of the solution.

The field is growing rapidly, generating more college degree programs as well as professional training and licensing options. “It has really taken off in the last 10 or 15 years,” says Walter Thompson, a professor of exercise physiology and nutrition at Georgia State University. “I thought it was a fad, but it’s a profession now. We predict that it will grow exponentially, especially with the epidemic of obesity in the United States.”

Thompson adds that some corporations are now encouraging or even paying for exercise programs for their employees, and health insurance companies are also beginning to provide incentives for subscribers to get in shape. He notes that U.S. surgeon general Richard H. Carmona has spoken out strongly about the nation’s obesity problem, calling it “the terror within.”


As with physical therapy, a variety of levels of education can lead to a job in the personal training field. One way to get started is to work as an athletic trainer or coach at the high school or college level, according to Corey Weathers, group fitness manager at the Pro Club in Bellevue, Washington. In college, Weathers says, aspiring personal trainers should study exercise physiology, physical education, anatomy, kinesiology, or a related discipline.

If the four-year route isn’t an option, check out your local vocational or career schools, which may offer courses in these areas or in personal training specifically. “Associate degrees can lead to entry-level jobs in health clubs or other personal trainer positions,” Thompson says. “The number of colleges and certification programs is soaring, and students can choose from a number of different avenues after graduation.”

As in all fields, the salary range in sports medicine is dependent upon the level of education and experience each applicant possesses. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, a leading organization in the industry, “With an undergraduate degree and no experience, you may find starting annual salaries vary widely, with some starting in the $25,000-$35,000 range.”

But it’s not just about the money. A career in sports medicine often appeals to former athletes and those who continue to participate in various sports. Take it from Weathers, the group fitness coordinator who is also an active mountain climber, cyclist, kayaker, and runner: “It definitely helps to have a passion for athletics and exercise.”

David Hirning is a freelance writer living in Seattle.

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