A Medical Fitness Specialist (MFS) is uniquely qualified to work with individuals within the medical-fitness continuum. The MFS can help make the transition from medical management and/or physical therapy to a regular physical activity program following a surgery, an injury, a medical diagnosis or exacerbation of a pre-existing condition. They possess the training and skills to work with medical conditions; medical needs may include obesity, diabetes, hypertension, neuromuscular disorders, heart disease, lung disease, osteoporosis, orthopedic injury, cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and mental disorders.

The MFS has received ongoing education and training to work with individuals who have been diagnosed with a medical condition. These individuals may have been recommended by a licensed healthcare professional (i.e. medical doctor, chiropractic physician or physiotherapist) to participate in a structured physical exercise and/or begin behavioral change, like dietary modification and mental health processes. This includes individuals who have a specific health or fitness goal and have taken it upon their own merit to begin an exercise or behavior change program.