Exercise physiologists typically do the following:

• Analyze a patient's medical history to determine the best possible exercise and fitness regimen for the patient
• Perform fitness and stress tests with medical equipment and analyze the resulting patient data
• Measure blood pressure, oxygen usage, heart rhythm, and other key patient health indicators
• Develop exercise programs to improve patient health
• Supervise clinical tests to ensure patient safety

Exercise physiologists, sometimes called kinesiotherapists, work to improve overall patient health. Many of their patients suffer from health problems such as cardiovascular disease or pulmonary (lung) disease. Exercise physiologists provide health education and exercise plans to improve key health indicators.

Some physiologists work closely with primary care physicians, who may prescribe exercise regiments for their patients and refer them to exercise physiologists. The physiologists then work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that will help the patients meet their health and fitness goals.

Exercise physiologists should not be confused with fitness trainers and instructors (including personal trainers) or athletic trainers.