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