Frequently Asked Questions
What is an exercise physiologist?
Physiology is the study of all functions of the body. Exercise physiology is a subfield of physiology concerned with the changes in function brought about by participation in physical exercise. An exercise physiologist is a scientist who studies these exercise responses, often with the objective of improving them.
Exercise physiology both describes what happens to the body (functional change) and explains how the change occurs. For example, we know that repeated lifting of heavy weights usually results in greater ability to lift even heavier weights. This functional change is explained partly by an increased growth of muscle tissue, resulting in more protein threads in the muscle available to exert contractile force, and partly by an improved ability of the nervous system to cause greater numbers of muscle fibers to contract simultaneously for the greatest possible force of contraction of the entire muscle. Increase in muscle mass is one of the most potent stimuli for fat-weight loss. This understanding of how weight-lifting ability develops has led to better training programs to improve the lifting response.
What is a sports nutritionist?
Nutrition is the study of foods and their constituents. Sports nutrition is the study of nutrition and nutrition practices designed to fuel an active lifestyle with the intent of improving athletic performance and augmenting health-related fitness. A sports nutrition consultant—with formal academic training in the nutritional sciences—evaluates, designs, and implements nutrition programs for the patient, client, and athlete.
Why should I consult Team Fitness for my exercise and nutritional needs?
The world is an ever more specialized place—and the exercise and nutrition community is no exception. The need for professional guidance is increasing rapidly. When people have a medical problem, they consult their physician; a legal problem, an attorney. Likewise, people who become involved in exercise training are advised to seek a qualified professional to govern their fitness and nutrition programs.
Most exercise and nutrition professionals work in research or learning institutions such as Olympic training centers, colleges, and universities. Most of what they publish in the form of textbooks and journals is only available to other exercise scientists. On the other hand, much of the material available to the general public is filled with false statements, myths, and misconceptions because it is written by non-professionals with no formal academic training who are employed by profit-seeking enterprises to generate sales of fitness equipment, nutritional supplements, or other products. Individuals who self-prescribe their nutrition and exercise training programs based on this material rarely achieve their goals.
Attaining your fitness and nutrition goals is most quickly, most efficiently, and most safely achieved with the guidance of a Team Fitness exercise physiologist who can translate research findings into practical, effective application.