Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Exercise Physiologist
What exercise physiologists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Prepare the cardiac rehab gym and review patient charts. From there, the day usually includes conduct fitness and stress tests, analyze patient health data, and design exercise programs for medical conditions. Most work full-time weekday hours, with some early mornings.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an exercise physiologist working full time.
- Prepare the cardiac rehab gym and review patient charts.
- Monitor heart rhythms of patients on treadmills.
- Conduct a graded exercise test.
- Teach a nutrition and exercise class.
- Design an exercise plan for a diabetic patient.
- Monitor a pulmonary rehab group.
- Document progress for physicians.
Where exercise physiologists work
Exercise physiologists work in hospitals, rehab centers, clinics, fitness centers and universities.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time weekday hours, with some early mornings.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Conduct fitness and stress tests
- Analyze patient health data
- Design exercise programs for medical conditions
- Monitor patients during exercise
- Educate patients on lifestyle changes
- Track progress
- Work with physicians and healthcare teams
Tools you’ll use every day
- Treadmills and cycle ergometers
- ECG monitors
- Blood pressure equipment
- Metabolic carts
- Pulse oximeters
- Electronic health records
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Help patients improve health
- Growing field
- Science-based work
- Regular hours in clinical settings
What’s hard
- Pay can be modest for the education
- Clinical roles may require advanced degrees
- Patients may have serious conditions
- Limited advancement in some settings
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love exercise science
- I want to help patients
- I like data and testing
- I can motivate people
- I want a healthcare career
- I enjoy prevention and wellness
Not sure? Take the free Exercise Physiologist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Screen for contraindications
- Know emergency procedures and AED use
- Monitor vitals and symptoms
- Work within physician orders