What Is Kinesiology?

By: JT Lenga 


Hello readers! On Monday, I was brainstorming ideas for this weeks post, when I realized our blog is about kinesiology.  Yet, we don't actually have a post about what kinesiology is. So immediately, I got to work on the post. I gathered information from the MSU website, Americankinesiology.org and a few other resources to give to you the information we carelessly overlooked. 

First of all, kinesiology is the study of human and non-human body movement. The intellectual focus of kinesiology is movement or physical activity. Physical activity can take the form of exercising, or activities associated with daily living, work, sports, dance, etc. Kinesiology has certain applications to human health.  These include, biomechanics, conditioning, sport/exercise psychology, rehabilitation, and exercise. 

Kinesiology is a field of study offered at many universities all over the country. These universities include Columbia University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Iowa State University, etc. Kinesiology programs have a majority of their coursework focused on anatomy, physiology, nutrition, exercise, and others. Those looking to pursue a degree in this field should have a love for exercising, the human body, and for bettering yourself and others through improved health habits. If not, you may not be as successful in your studies.

A degree in kinesiology can lead to many exciting career opportunities. Some of these opportunities include coaching, personal training, sports administration, sports reporter, exercise physiology, etc. If you decide to continue your studies into graduate school careers such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical doctor, physician assistant, registered nurse, and many others will all become available after completion of your studies. 

I did not start to consider studying kinesiology until the end of my senior year of high school. I was doing research on physical therapy when I found that kinesiology was one of the recommended degree programs for this field of work. I had never heard of kinesiology before, so naturally I decided to do some research on the subject. After completing my research, kinesiology seemed like a great fit for me. I am the kind of person who loves interacting with others, exercising, and learning about the human body. Once I got to MSU for my orientation, the first thing I did was change my major from human biology to kinesiology. I love the program so far.  It's really cool being able to relate what I love to do to my studies.

I hope that I have left you all with a good understanding of kinesiology. Below I have provided a video to add to what I said. 

References 

“Careers in Kinesiology.” American Kinesiology Association, AKA, 11 Mar. 2010, http://www.americankinesiology.org/careers-in-kinesiology/careers-in-kinesiology/careers-in-kinesiology. Accessed 24 Feb. 2017.

“Department of Kinesiology - College of Education - Michigan State University.” Michigan State University College of Education Kinesiology Department, 2012, http://education.msu.edu/kin/. Accessed 24 Feb. 2017.

Ennis, Catherine. “Kinesiology: The Discipline and Related Professions.” National Academy of Kinesiology, NAK, 11 May 2010, http://www.nationalacademyofkinesiology.org/what-is-kinesiology. Accessed 24 Feb. 2017.

http://www.massagetoday.com/content/images/lowe1_37873_1_1_1696.jpg. Accessed 24 Feb. 2017.