This course provides a framework for developing exercise programs for individuals with disease, disabilities, or special health issues. Throughout the course we adopt a problem-oriented, rather than a disease/condition-oriented, approach. That is, the course focuses on exercise prescription through the management of problems created by disease, disability, and special health conditions. It includes a review of basic principles of exercise testing and exercise prescription, and builds on that foundation. Also covered are methods for assessment of functional capacity of individuals with the most common health conditions presented to fitness leaders. Specific attention is given to the distinctiveness of each health condition that warrants adjustments in exercise program development. In each situation, the emphasis is to maximize the clients’ benefits from the exercise and minimize untoward effects.