The Saskatchewan Kinesiology and Exercise Science Association (SKESA) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to develop, train and promote kinesiology professionals in the exercise science industry - to advocate fitness, performace and health promotion throughout the province of Saskatchewan.

SKESA is the provincial body that manages the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology's (CSEP) Health and Fitness Program, and works provincially to promote and support the health and fitness industry. 

What is CSEP?

 CSEP is a voluntary organization (located in Ottawa, Ontario) composed of professionals interested and involved in the scientific study of exercise physiology, exercise biochemistry, fitness and health. 

CSEP  (then known as the Canadian Association of Sport Sciences), was founded at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg, MB in 1967 - the result of four years of cooperative efforts by the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

CSEP's Health and Fitness Program was established by CSEP in 1981 to address certain needs and concerns of personnel working in the physical activity, fitness and lifestyle appraisal industry.  Currently, the CSEP Health and Fitness Program has the highest standards in the Canadian industry for fitness professionals.

More information on CSEP can be found at www.csep.ca

Certifications that can be acquired through SKESA (and in conjunction with CSEP) include the CSEP - Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and the CSEP - Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP).  A related certification that can also be acquired through SKESA and CSEP is the Accredited Fitness Appraisal Centre (AFAC) Certification.  Centres (fitness centres, physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinics, etc...) that meet CSEP standards of operating procedures and safety can become certified (more information on this can be found under 'Certifications' - in the AFAC section).

SKESA currently has approximately 350 members certified as CPTs and CEPs. They work throughout Saskatchewan and abroad, providing safe and appropriate fitness appraisals and exercise prescription to the populations they work with. 

SKESA's members can be further broken down into three seperate streams:

1) Health & Fitness - This stream is dedicated to those involved in areas such as personal training and health and wellness promotion.  The majority of this stream includes the Certified Personal Trainers (CPTs)  who work with individuals and/or groups of individuals.  But many Certified Exercise Physiologists (CEPs) work in this field as well.

2) Rehabilitation - This stream is dedicated to dealing with issues and topics that pertain to rehabilitation.  This stream includes the Certified Exercise Physiologists (CEPs) that work in areas such as exercise therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, ergonomics and disability management.

3) High Performance & Academia - This stream is dedicated to those involved with training athletes and those involved in teaching and research in an academic institution.  CEPs and CPTs train amateur and professional athletes, as well as occupational athletes (firefighters and police officers for example).  SKESA members also work at or with the Universities to improve the knowledge of human movement by translating their research into practice, therefore connecting the academic community with those involved in the delivery of health and fitness information.

CPTs and CEPs:

* have the highest level of training in the industry

* adhere to a strict code of conduct

* follow the industry standards for physical activity, fitness and lifestyle appraisals

* have a complete understanding of the optimal means to improve physical fitness and health status in a safe and individualized manner

* are covered by industry leading insurance