When most people think about an exercise science degree, they picture careers in gyms—personal training, fitness coaching, or maybe working with athletes. But according to Dr. Nick Barringer, Chief Academic Officer at Lionel University, that’s only a small piece of the bigger picture.

In reality, the field of exercise science is rapidly expanding into new and exciting areas—many of which students don’t even realize exist.

The Rise of the Tactical Athlete

One of the fastest-growing areas in exercise science is what Dr. Barringer calls the “tactical and operational space.” This includes careers that support individuals in physically demanding professions such as:

  • Military personnel (Army, Space Force, and beyond)
  • Law enforcement officers
  • Firefighters and emergency responders
  • Specialized government agencies
  • Even astronauts at NASA

These professionals are often referred to as tactical athletes—individuals whose performance can directly impact safety, mission success, and even survival.

As Dr. Barringer explains, the U.S. Army alone is now one of the largest employers of strength and conditioning professionals, highlighting just how significant this shift has become.

What Do These Roles Look Like?

Unlike traditional gym-based roles, careers in the tactical space operate on a much larger scale.

For example, a strength and conditioning coach in the military may be responsible for:

  • Designing training programs for hundreds or even thousands of individuals
  • Leading and organizing large group training sessions
  • Teaching non-commissioned officers how to properly coach movements (a “train-the-trainer” model)
  • Improving overall readiness, resilience, and injury prevention

These roles require not just technical knowledge, but also leadership, communication, and strategic thinking.

How Education Prepares You

A strong educational foundation is key to entering these fields. At Lionel University, students build core knowledge in:

  • Exercise physiology
  • Nutrition
  • Program design
  • Human performance principles

You can explore all available programs on the Programs Overview page.

Lionel offers multiple pathways depending on your goals:

For those looking to specialize or gain certifications:

But technical knowledge alone isn’t enough.

Dr. Barringer emphasizes the importance of professional skills, including:

  • Communication and presentation
  • Confidence in interviews
  • The ability to represent yourself effectively in high-level environments

These skills are critical when transitioning from the classroom to real-world opportunities.

Finding Opportunities (That Aren’t Always Posted)

One of the most valuable insights from the interview is that many opportunities in this field aren’t always easy to find.

Here are some of the best ways to break into the industry:

1. Use the Right Platforms

  • USA Jobs for government and military-related roles
  • LinkedIn for networking and job discovery

2. Talk to Your Professors

Many faculty members at Lionel University have real-world experience in tactical environments, including military service. Learn more on the About Lionel University page.

3. Reach Out and Build Relationships

Dr. Barringer highlights a powerful strategy: simply reaching out.

When students contact professionals and express genuine interest, the response rate is surprisingly high.

These conversations can lead to:

  • Internships
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Job referrals (including roles that haven’t been publicly posted yet)

Expanding Your Perspective

The biggest takeaway from this conversation is simple:
Exercise science is no longer limited to the gym.

From helping soldiers perform at their peak, to supporting first responders, to preparing astronauts for the physical demands of space—this field is evolving in ways that are both impactful and inspiring.

For students, this means one thing:

Your career possibilities are far broader than you think.

Take the Next Step

If you're ready to explore your future in exercise science, Lionel University provides flexible pathways, expert faculty, and real-world preparation.