Athletic trainers, as health care providers, may be expected to ‘practice what they preach' and appear fit (i.e., have a lean physique). As is the case in other health related professions (Melville & Cardinal, 1997), athletic trainers may be perceived as role models and may experience pressures to be and look fit. There has been little research on perceived fitness and physique pressures experienced by athletic trainers. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore such perceived pressures among athletic trainers. Six participants, two male and four female certified athletic trainers ranging in age from 23 to 39, were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews, lasting 30-45 minutes, were conducted using an interview guide that included questions about current physical activity and fitness levels, job-related tasks, and perceived weight and physique pressure. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and content analyzed following procedures recommended by Strauss and Corbin (1990). Each researcher read and familiarized herself with the transcripts. Independently, each researcher coded the transcriptions by identifying and labeling key concepts. Themes, consisting of quotes or paraphrased quotes were identified and grouped into similar responses collaboratively. A summary of each interview was created and sent to the participants for verification. All six participants indicated that their summary was accurate and reflected the content of their interview. A minimum level of fitness was reported by all participants as important for performing their job related tasks effectively. Highlighted were the necessities of responding quickly to injuries and having the physical strength to complete their responsibilities in treating athletes. All participants believed that their physical appearance, including their physique, influenced how coaches and athletes viewed them. For example, participants stated "I think that less respect is given to trainers who … are not in shape themselves" and "A coach doesn't want a trainer to be performing health tasks when they are out of shape." Finally, participants felt that because of their position as health care providers they should role model fitness. One participant stated, “None of us are going to be…as in good of shape as an athlete is, but yes we should appear and…look physically healthy." This exploratory study was a first step toward understanding fitness and physique related pressures perceived by athletic trainers. Future research should further examine this issue among a larger, more diverse group specifically in connection to perceived credibility and job effectiveness of athletic trainers.Keyword(s): interdisciplinary, medical/medical care, professional development