Corrective Exercise Specialist

A Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) is a fitness or rehabilitation professional trained to assess and address movement dysfunctions and muscle imbalances that can lead to pain, injury, or poor performance.

Here’s what a Corrective Exercise Specialist does:

1. Assessment

They begin by evaluating a client:

• Posture
  
  

• Movement patterns
  
  

• Muscle imbalances
  
  

• Joint range of motion
  
  

• Stability and mobility
  
  

Common tools include:

• Overhead squat assessment
  
  

• Gait analysis
  
  

• Functional movement screens
  
  

2. Identify Imbalances

They look for issues such as:

• Overactive (tight) or underactive (weak) muscles
  
  

• Improper joint alignment
  
  

• Compensation patterns that can lead to injury
  
  

3. Design Individualized Programs

They create personalized corrective exercise programs that focus on:

• Inhibiting overactive muscles (e.g., foam rolling)
  
  

• Lengthening tight muscles (e.g., static or dynamic stretching)
  
  

• Activating weak or underused muscles (e.g., targeted strengthening)
  
  

• Integrating functional movements to retrain proper patterns
  
  

4. Progress Clients Safely

They help clients:

• Move more efficiently
  
  

• Reduce chronic pain (e.g., low back, knee, shoulder)
  
  

• Improve posture and performance
  
  

• Prevent injuries during daily activity, sports, or workouts
  
  

5. Work Collaboratively

They may work alongside:

• Physical therapists
  
  

• Chiropractors
  
  

• Personal trainers
  
  

• Massage therapists