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Applied Exercise Science Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Stretch Zone

Fitness Associate

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Background, certification, or strong interest in exercise science, kinesiology, anatomy, physiology ... applied stretching sessions. With a balanced system the customer will reach their true maximum ...

Stretch Zone

Fitness Stretch Practitioner

Glenview, IL · On-site

$24/hr

Education or experience related to exercise science, kinesiology, or hands-on bodywork (a plus ... applied stretching sessions. With a balanced system the customer will reach their true maximum ...

Stretch Zone

Fitness Stretch Practitioner

Geneva, IL · On-site

$24/hr

Education or experience related to exercise science, kinesiology, or hands-on bodywork (a plus ... applied stretching sessions. With a balanced system the customer will reach their true maximum ...

Varsity Tutors

NASM Tutor

Buffalo Grove, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of NASM Certified Personal Trainer examination content covering basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, program design, and professional development. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

NASM Tutor

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of NASM Certified Personal Trainer examination content covering basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, program design, and professional development. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

NASM Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of NASM Certified Personal Trainer examination content covering basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, program design, and professional development. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

NASM Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of NASM Certified Personal Trainer examination content covering basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, program design, and professional development. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

NASM Tutor

Champaign, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of NASM Certified Personal Trainer examination content covering basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, program design, and professional development. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

NASM Tutor

Dekalb, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of NASM Certified Personal Trainer examination content covering basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, program design, and professional development. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

NASM Tutor

Naperville, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of NASM Certified Personal Trainer examination content covering basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, program design, and professional development. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

NASM Tutor

Lake Forest, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of NASM Certified Personal Trainer examination content covering basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, program design, and professional development. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

NASM Tutor

Des Plaines, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of NASM Certified Personal Trainer examination content covering basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, program design, and professional development. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

NASM Tutor

Chicago, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of NASM Certified Personal Trainer examination content covering basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, program design, and professional development. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

NASM Tutor

Schaumburg, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of NASM Certified Personal Trainer examination content covering basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, program design, and professional development. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

NASM Tutor

Normal, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of NASM Certified Personal Trainer examination content covering basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, program design, and professional development. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

NASM Tutor

Highland Park, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of NASM Certified Personal Trainer examination content covering basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, program design, and professional development. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

NASM Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of NASM Certified Personal Trainer examination content covering basic and applied sciences, assessment, exercise technique, program design, and professional development. Ability to ...

Stretch Zone

Stretch Practitioner

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Background or experience in exercise science or bodywork (preferred) * Able to complete hands-on ... applied stretching sessions. With a balanced system the customer will reach their true maximum ...

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All JobsApplied Exercise Science JobsApplied Exercise Science Jobs in Illinois

Applied Exercise Science information

See Illinois salary details

$37.8K

$60.6K

$84.8K

How much do applied exercise science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for applied exercise science in Illinois is $60,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,700.00 and $69,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is applied exercise science a good career?

Applied exercise science is a viable career that involves working in health, fitness, rehabilitation, and sports settings. It often requires knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and exercise programming, with opportunities for certification and specialization. Job prospects depend on education level, experience, and industry demand, with roles including fitness trainers, sports coaches, and rehabilitation specialists.

What does an applied exercise science professional do?

Professionals in applied exercise science often spend their days assessing clients’ fitness levels, designing personalized exercise programs, and monitoring client progress. They may also conduct fitness testing, provide instruction on proper exercise techniques, and collaborate with other health professionals such as physical therapists or nutritionists to ensure holistic care. Additionally, they often track outcomes and adjust programs based on client feedback and performance, making adaptability and communication key parts of the role.

What is applied exercise science?

Applied Exercise Science is a field focused on the study of how the human body responds and adapts to physical activity, exercise, and sports. Professionals in this area use scientific principles to assess fitness, improve athletic performance, prevent injuries, and promote overall health. This discipline combines knowledge from physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and psychology to create effective exercise programs for individuals and groups. Graduates can work in settings like sports teams, rehabilitation centers, fitness facilities, or pursue further education in allied health professions.

What is the difference between Applied Exercise Science vs Personal Trainer?

AspectApplied Exercise SciencePersonal Trainer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in exercise science or related field; certifications like ACSM or NSCACertification from NASM, ACE, or ISSA; often requires CPR/AED
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, healthcare settings, fitness facilitiesGyms, fitness centers, private clients, outdoor settings
Industry UsageAcademic, research, clinical, sports performancePersonal fitness training, client coaching, health improvement

Applied Exercise Science focuses on research, clinical applications, and sports performance, often requiring advanced degrees and certifications. Personal Trainers primarily work directly with clients to improve fitness and health, typically with certification programs. While both roles promote physical activity, Applied Exercise Science emphasizes scientific understanding and research, whereas Personal Trainers focus on individualized fitness coaching.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an applied exercise science professional?

To thrive as an Applied Exercise Science professional, you need a solid background in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Experience with fitness assessment tools, exercise prescription software, and certifications like ACSM or NSCA are commonly expected. Strong interpersonal skills, motivational ability, and clear communication help you effectively guide clients and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills ensure safe, evidence-based training programs that promote optimal health outcomes and client satisfaction.

What jobs can you do as an applied exercise scientist?

Applied exercise scientists can work as fitness trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, rehabilitation specialists, sports scientists, or exercise physiologists. They often work in gyms, sports teams, healthcare settings, or research facilities, utilizing knowledge of human movement, physiology, and exercise programming. Certification and a strong understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise testing are typically required.

What can I do with an applied exercise science degree?

An applied exercise science degree prepares individuals for careers in fitness training, sports coaching, rehabilitation, and health promotion. Graduates can work as personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, physical therapy assistants, or wellness coordinators, often requiring certifications like CPR or specialized licenses. The degree provides knowledge of human movement, anatomy, and exercise programming, suitable for work in gyms, sports teams, clinics, or community health settings.
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Applied Exercise Science jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Applied Exercise Science job openings:
Applied Exercise Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Applied Exercise Science job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,605 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist

The University of Chicago Medicine

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

University Of Chicago Medicine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

234th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system at UChicago Medicine as an Exercise Physiologist in our Cardiac Rehabilitation department.
As an Exercise Physiologist you will be responsible for the design and implementation of comprehensive programs for patients referred to cardiac/ pulmonary rehabilitation. Duties include supervising patient exercise sessions to ensure safe and effective treatments as well as educating patients regarding proper exercise techniques and health fitness topics to facilitate a decrease in participants' cardiac risk factors, an increase in independence with skills for management of disease and associated symptoms, and an increase in functional capacity.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Performs patient evaluations; demonstrates ability to interpret MD referrals. Identifies rehab and stress testing precautions and contraindications. Obtains all pertinent information from patient chart prior to initial evaluation, including significant past medical history, present medical surgical interventions. Demonstrates technical skill and accuracy in performing basic evaluation procedures. Demonstrate ability to recognize abnormal physiological or psychological signs and takes appropriate action• Duties include scheduling appointments, assessing risk factors for heart disease, performing sub maximal exercise test, data entry and counseling participants regarding health fitness issues
  • Demonstrates knowledge and principles of exercise prescription and clinical exercise testing by safely administering cardiopulmonary exercise tests and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation treatment sessions.
  • Duties include assessing risk factors for cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, data entry and counseling participants regarding health fitness issues.
  • Maintains education plans according to AACVPR and ACSM guidelines and in cooperation with departmental and medical leadership.
  • Maintain cardiac or pulmonary rehab records on each patient in the programs. Includes ability to create individual treatment plans (ITPs), write progress reports and discharge summaries. Also includes timely completion of outcome measures to assess program effectiveness.
  • Complies with standards and regulations of regulatory and accrediting agencies such as AACVPR, ACSM, and The Joint Commission. Demonstrates awareness and compliance with hospital policies and procedures.
  • Completes all L1 and annual competencies
  • Collaborates with Supervisor, Director and Program Coordinator on program and site/system initiatives

Qualifications:
  • B.S in Exercise Science/Physiology or related field.
  • Applicants should possess a knowledge of exercise physiology, nutrition, risk factor modification strategies, counseling techniques and use of educational programs and technologies as applied to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services.
  • EKG interpretation skills
  • Basic computer skills to allow access to operations and patient monitoring are necessary.
  • Physical ability to demonstrate exercise techniques required
  • Requires appropriate interpersonal skills to enable positive interactions with patients/families, the multidisciplinary team and external contacts.
  • BLS
  • ACLS within 6 months of hire

Preferred Qulifications:
  • Master's preferred with experience or training equivalent to that specified for an Exercise Specialist by the American College of Sports Medicine.
  • One year experience in exercise programming, supervision and education of cardiopulmonary rehab patients desirable.

Position Details:
  • Job Type/FTE: Full-Time
  • Shift: Days
  • Unit/Department: Cardiac Rehabilitation - Hyde Park
  • Work Location: Hyde Park
  • CBA Code: Non-Union

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