Abstract

It has been suggested that certified exercise professionals and health coaches should have an expanded role in public health since these professionals regularly interact directly with the public in a health-related capacity. However, there is little research regarding the extent of public health knowledge among these professionals and if they are equipped to have an expanded role in public health efforts. A survey was developed to assess the following areas: Familiarity with Public Health Terms, Utilization of Public Health Terms, Comfort in Applying Public Health Terms, Public Health Knowledge, and Experience in the Fitness/Health Industry. A total of 1,887 of American Council on Exercise certified personal trainers, group fitness instructors, medical exercise specialists, and health coaches were surveyed online. Findings include medical exercise specialists and health coaches have more familiarity, utilization, and comfort in applying public health terms and public health knowledge compared to personal trainers and group fitness instructors. Familiarity, utilization, and comfort in applying public health terms were associated with work experience (public health, health education, or medical profession), academic degrees, additional certifications, and years of experience. Exercise professionals and health coaches have the potential to expand beyond working one on one with individuals to have a larger public health role, which could lead to greater health impacts among the public.