Kinesiology is a field of study that focuses on studying body movement of humans and other organisms. It can be used as indicator of the health of all body organs and systems. Kinesiology includes the study of physiological, biochemical and psychological dynamics and mechanisms of movement. This field is important for several applications including sport psychology, occupational therapy, sport and exercise. Kinesiology follows three main principles including adaptation through exercise, neuroplasticity and motor redundancy.

What does a kinesiology student learn?

Kinesiology students learn subjects related to the human body in general, movement of objects and the medical applications of these concepts. The following list shows the courses commonly offered in kinesiology degree programs:

1. Anatomy and physiology: this course introduces the structure and functions of human bodies. It is important to know how the movement is generated and how health conditions can affect the movement of the body.
2. Physiology of exercise: this course presents how the healthy human body works during exercise and how its capabilities are improved by regular exercise.
3. Psychology of sport: it is a field of study that involves the use of psychological means to reach the optimum performance and well-being of athletes. The study also involves the social and developmental aspects of sports.
4. Motor development and control: this course lies in the core of the program as it deals with the body growth and development of motor abilities. It also shows common abnormalities related to movement.
5. Assessment methods for kinesiology: this course presents the tools and tests used to evaluate the movement of the body, determine the performance and detect any diseases or abnormalities.

Now I have the kinesiology degree…where can I work after graduating?

Kinesiology is related to medical professions. Kinesiology specialists are needed in sports facilities and healthcare institutes. If you have a degree in kinesiology, you should consider the following options for your future career:

1. Personal trainer or fitness instructor: you will have the ability to evaluate the status and capabilities of the body and provide a personalized training plan.
2. Massage therapist: massage therapy uses touch and pressure to treat muscle and soft tissues of the body. This kind of therapy is used to relieve pain, improve the healing of injuries, improve the circulation, relieve stress and improve the general well-being of the client.
3. Occupational therapist: the role of an occupational therapist is to help patients recover and improve their wellbeing by the use of everyday activities for treatment. Occupational therapy may be needed in injury rehabilitation, helping older adults suffering from physical or cognitive deterioration, and children with disabilities in participating in schools or other social activities.
4. Chiropractor: the role of this profession is to diagnose and treat neuromuscular disorders. A chiropractor is trained on the use of physical adjustments to eliminate misalignments of the spine which can cause chronic pain.
5. Athletic trainer: studying kinesiology provides scientific basis to set the training plans and evaluation of performance for athletic teams.
6. Online training: there is growing trend towards online training applications which became even more important with the social distancing imposed by the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Should I choose a kinesiology degree?

Kinesiology is a field of study that is focused on how our bodies work and how their performance can be improved. It also gives you a chance to work with healthcare and athletic teams. Studying kinesiology will help you develop a number of skills that will help with your future career:

1. Attention to details: working as a kinesiology specialist requires attention to details as some changes in performance or the way a movement is done indicate the presence of underlying health problems.
2. Communication skills: working as a kinesiology specialist requires working with athletes or patients. You will need to explain clearly the training plans and the effects on the body movement.
3. Patience: making a significant change in the performance of the body requires regular exercise for long period of time. You must have the patience to reach the desired results.