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Exercise Research Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Exercise Research information

What is exercise research?

Exercise research is the scientific study of physical activity, its effects on the human body, and how exercise can be used to prevent or treat health conditions. Researchers in this field investigate topics like exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports performance, rehabilitation, and the psychological impacts of physical activity. The goal is to understand how different types, intensities, and frequencies of exercise influence health, fitness, and overall well-being. Exercise research informs guidelines for physical activity and helps develop interventions to improve public health.

What kind of jobs can you do with an exercise science degree?

An exercise science degree prepares individuals for careers such as personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, physical therapy assistants, fitness instructors, and sports coaches. These roles often require knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and fitness assessment, and may benefit from certifications like ACSM or NSCA. Job settings include gyms, sports teams, rehabilitation centers, and wellness programs.

How much do exercise science researchers make?

Exercise science researchers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills, such as data analysis or laboratory techniques, can command higher salaries, especially in academic or clinical settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Exercise Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exercise Researcher, you need a strong background in exercise science, physiology, research methodology, and typically a relevant advanced degree such as a master's or PhD. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R), laboratory equipment, and human performance testing tools is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills set outstanding researchers apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing rigorous studies, accurately analyzing data, and effectively communicating findings to advance the field.

What Are Jobs in Exercise Research?

Jobs in exercise research include exercise physiologists who research the human body and how it responds and adapts to exercise. As an exercise physiologist, you examine the human response to exercise. Your responsibilities involve the study of subjects in controlled lab settings. You develop tests to prove a thesis by recording physical, metabolic, and development information. Other duties can include working in an exercise science department at a research institute or post-secondary school. Keeping up to date on current peer-reviewed exercise science research is a critical part of your job. As a researcher, you travel to various locations to research and test subjects.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in exercise research, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in exercise research often encounter challenges such as recruiting a sufficient and diverse participant pool, ensuring compliance with study protocols, and controlling for external variables that may affect outcomes. These challenges are typically addressed through strategic partnerships with local fitness centers or clinics, the use of robust study designs, and careful data management. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including statisticians and clinicians, also helps ensure methodological rigor and the reliability of research findings.

What jobs pay you to exercise?

Exercise research jobs include roles such as exercise physiologists, personal trainers, fitness instructors, and sports scientists, who often work in gyms, clinics, or research settings. These positions typically require knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and sometimes certifications like ACSM or NASM, and may involve conducting fitness assessments or developing training programs.

What is the difference between Exercise Research vs Exercise Physiologist?

AspectExercise ResearchExercise Physiologist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/PhD), research certificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in exercise science, certification (e.g., ACSM)
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, healthcare institutionsClinics, hospitals, fitness centers, community health programs
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, research institutions, government agenciesHealthcare, fitness, rehabilitation facilities
Primary FocusConducting studies, developing exercise protocols, advancing scientific knowledgeDesigning and implementing exercise programs for health and rehabilitation

Exercise Research focuses on scientific studies and developing new exercise protocols, often within academic or research settings. In contrast, Exercise Physiologists apply this knowledge directly to patient care and fitness programs. Both roles require related credentials but serve different purposes within the health and fitness industry.

How to become an exercise science researcher?

To become an exercise science researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field is required, followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced research roles. Developing skills in research methods, data analysis, and laboratory techniques, along with gaining experience through internships or assistant positions, can enhance prospects in this field.
Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Personal Trainer/Exercise Coach

The Exercise Coach - Bettendorf

Bettendorf, IA • On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

The Exercise Coach® - Bettendorf is seeking a full-time personal trainer. No experience needed as all training, study, and certification will be provided prior to starting. Ideal candidate is people-oriented, enjoys one-on-one conversation and relationships, and is passionate about good health. The right candidate needs to be willing to work some Saturdays.

The Exercise Coach specializes in one-on-one and small-group personal training using innovative, high-tech and proprietary equipment. We specialize in strength for the second half and are the ideal solution for those who are busy, those who don’t like the gym scene, those who are not exercise enthusiasts, or those who are afraid of getting hurt. Our clients achieve the results that matter most to them with no more than two, 20-minute workouts per week.

Company Description

The Exercise Coach® brand was built upon the belief that staying strong and healthy shouldn’t feel like a hassle. We understand that everyone knows they should exercise, and everyone wants to be fit and healthy. But, that is easier said than done given busy schedules, and in some cases somewhat beat up bodies. So, our founder spent years perfecting a workout process that is safe and helps people get the results that matter most to them with just one to three, 20-minute workouts per week. We call our method the Smart 20 Fitness MethodTM. Smart 20TM workouts are coach-led 100% of the time and are powered by our very own proprietary strength and interval technology. Many athletes, physicians and researchers have stated that Smart 20 workouts really are the pinnacle application of exercise science. There is just nothing in the fitness industry that compares to the level of personalization and effectiveness we can provide. Every second of a workout at The Exercise Coach® is adapted to our client’s individual ability, and our client’s programs are completely data-driven. Thousands of people every day enjoy the best possible workout for them at our 40 nationwide studios. Full-time and part-time positions are available. Students and working parents have found our shifts to be very accommodating. We’d love for you to consider joining our team! Check out our web site www.exercisecoach.com.