The challenge before academic exercise physiologists is to change the present way of thinking and image of exercise physiology. If society is to recognize what exercise physiologists do, then the academic setting must be reconfigured to help the student and society realize how they need each other. On way to understand what is needed to change is to look at what professors do. Academic exercise physiologists do not engage in the type of work that generally goes on in fitness centers, business related health facilities, and clinics. Instead, they are academic guides, researchers, and mentors.
Teachers are guides.
They help students learn how to think and share in the critical analyis of important information in texts and research findings. But, more importantly, they learn leadership skills to get people to work and take care of themselves. They learn the importance of motivating individuals and groups who also can advocate their visions and ideas. Teachers are researchers. They teach students how to do good research, and the importance of rejecting poor research.