What is exercise physiology? It is the study of the processes and functions of the human body as it performs any physical activity or exercise. Exercise has numerous health benefits and may be used to condition the body, maintain fitness and improve health, or as a means of therapy for restoring body functions.

As an exercise physiologist with the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Wellness program at SSM St. Joseph Hospital of Kirkwood, Jason Conaway helps patients develop stronger hearts and healthier lungs on their road to recovery. Conaway plays an important role in helping his patients return to their daily activities following their illness.

Specifically designed for people with heart and lung disease, the hospital’s cardiopulmonary rehab program consists of a combination of supervised exercise and educational instruction. In his role, Conaway works closely with each patient to develop an individualized fitness regimen that fits the patient’s goals.

“We see patients with a variety of illnesses – from heart and lung disease, to diabetes,” said Conaway. “In addition to considering their particular disease or illness, we also access each patient’s physical condition, strength and flexibility to develop a fitness program that is tailored to the individual’s needs and abilities.”

Once Conaway prescribes an exercise program, he closely monitors his patients as they exercise on the various equipment – similar to that found in most gyms – available in the rehab area at St. Joseph Hospital. He regularly checks blood pressures, heart rates, blood sugars and takes body fat measurements, among others.

As an exercise physiologist, Conaway also leads the Healthy Heart program, a two-part screening offered by St. Joseph Hospital for individuals that currently participate in an exercise program, to determine their cardiac risk. Conaway conducts a host of screenings for program participants, including total blood cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, body fat measurements, a cardiac risk analysis and bicycle exercise with heart rate and blood pressure monitoring.

Exercise physiologists may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physical therapy centers, sports medicine clinics and college or professional sports programs, as well as spas, health clubs or recreation centers.

Educational requirements may vary depending on the employment setting; most require at least a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or exercise physiology, and some may require a master’s degree. Those with doctoral degrees often teach exercise science at the college level and conduct research on the health effects of exercise.

Most hospitals require exercise physiologists to be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and recommend certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). In addition, the American Society of Exercise Physiologists offers an exercise physiologist certification. In order to keep certification current, exercise physiologists must take continuing education courses.

Conaway, who has been with St. Joseph Hospital for more than four years, holds a bachelor of science in exercise science from Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., and a master’s degree in exercise physiology from West Virginia University. He holds certifications in ACLS and ACSM.

Before joining St. Joseph Hospital, Conaway performed two internships – one in physical therapy and the other in cardiac rehabilitation. His love of sports piqued his interest in the field, and Conaway spent the first year of his career following graduate school training athletes.

Conaway’s advice to those interested in a career in exercise physiology? “Definitely explore all of your options,” he says. “There are so many different opportunities available to exercise physiologists – taking advantage of internships offered in those areas you are most interested is a great way to help you decide which direction to go.”