What Is Kinesiology and Why Study It?

Passionate about movement and physical activity and their effects on our overall well-being? With a Kinesiology degree, students can explore the many facets of kinesiology, from exercise physiology to sports medicine and more! Keep reading to learn more about what makes kinesiology degrees unique and why it's worth considering as a major.

What is Kinesiology?

Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement. It encompasses many topics, from biomechanics to motor control and development to exercise physiology. Kinesiology is an interdisciplinary field that draws on concepts from fields like biology, anatomy, psychology, and nutrition to provide a comprehensive understanding of how our bodies move and how physical activity affects our overall health.

Why is kinesiology important?

Kinesiology is an invaluable field of study with a wealth of potential for individuals to uncover their physical health, mental well-being, and general wellness.

Some advantages associated with kinesiology include the following:

• Improved understanding of human health and its relation to physical activity.
• Increased awareness and improved management of mental health issues through physical activity.
• Promoting wellness through developing healthy lifestyle habits and nutrition.
• Building muscle strength and improving motor skills.
• Gaining knowledge in the science of human motion and movement.
• Improving physical health problems associated with various diseases.

How to get a kinesiology degree?

Most undergraduate programs take four years to fulfill all requirements. In comparison, graduate programs can be completed in two to three years.

Bachelor's degree

A Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Kinesiology provides students with educational opportunities to understand human movement, physical activity, and health. Through this degree program, students will learn about anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and metabolism, motor learning and control, exercise prescription and testing, and injury prevention.

Master's degree

Pursuing a Master's degree in Kinesiology is the best way to dive into specialized courses and research opportunities. The curriculum for this program gives students all they need to understand the performance capabilities of athletes or persons with physical disabilities. As well as comprehend principles governing human movement behavior that can be applied when designing therapeutic/rehabilitation programs. Trainees will gain insight into sports psychology, injury assessment, and exercise physiology as part of their coursework, allowing them to make impactful contributions within the field.

Kinesiology degree entry requirements

The entry requirements may vary depending on the specific programs, but in most cases, you must have completed high school or equivalent education with at least a 3.0 grade point average (G.P.A.). Further requirements include passing mathematics and science courses and mandatory placement exams for some universities/colleges.

Kinesiology specializations

Kinesiology students have a plethora of specializations to pick from, such as:

• Biomechanics: Biomechanics is the science of understanding how muscles and external forces interact to affect movement and physical performance. By analyzing the various forces that act on our bodies during activity, biomechanics can identify ways to improve our overall efficiency.
• Exercise physiology: Exercise physiology studies the body's metabolic and nutritional reactions to environmental pressures, like extreme temperatures or exercise.
• Motor control: Through motor control, we can understand how the brain formulates muscular movements to achieve precision and finesse in tasks such as driving a vehicle or playing an instrument.
• Physical activity and health promotion: Physical Activity and Health Promotion dig deep into how lifestyle behaviors involving physical activity contribute to overall health, positively influencing one's long-term well-being.
• Sport psychology: Sports psychology is a field that dives into the psychological underpinnings of athletic activity, including motivation and stress management. It also focuses on team dynamics, goal-setting techniques, and other related areas.
• Athletic training: Athletic training encompasses a wide range of services, from preventing injuries to assessing existing ones and providing emergency care and rehabilitation plans.

Kinesiology jobs

Numerous career paths have opened up with the expanding demand for Kinesiology experts. These professionals now serve in various settings, from occupational therapy to physical therapy and personal training. The opportunities are ever-growing.

• Occupational/Physical therapist: Occupational therapists assist individuals with disabilities, injuries, and illnesses by aiding them in daily activities through therapeutic means. Meanwhile, physical therapists use massage therapy, exercise regimens, and stretching routines to help those recovering from illness or injury regain strength and mobility.
• Physical education teacher: Physical education teachers are highly trained in kinesiology, allowing them to educate students on the importance of physical activity and how it contributes to a healthy lifestyle.
• Human movement specialist: Human movement specialists, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, and exercise physiologists, strive for wellness and injury prevention in people of all ages.
  • Physical practitioners use manual methods to decrease pain plus growth mobility among those suffering from musculoskeletal conditions or chronic discomfort.
  • Athletic trainers support athletes in achieving their ambitions while minimizing the risk of injury with custom-made fitness routines.
  • Exercise physiologists tailor exercise plans based on a person's age, current health condition, and lifestyle practices. They aim for better well-being based on a person's characteristics and requirements.

Kinesiologists work with other healthcare professionals to evaluate patients' movement patterns and develop treatment plans that promote healing and recovery from injury or illness while improving overall quality of life. They also collaborate with personal trainers to create safe exercise regimens that meet the needs of each client while helping them reach their fitness goals.

Kinesiology can be a great major for students who want to work in the medical field or become physical therapists. This challenging and rewarding degree can lead to many career opportunities, so if you're interested in this major, make sure you do your research and find a program that fits your needs!

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