Looking to pursue an exciting career that can allow you to stand out? Then, you may want to look into kinesiology. Studying kinesiology may be the perfect choice if you are interested in science and human body functions. This field focuses largely on human well-being, physical activity, and the effects of various movements on the human body. Let’s look at a beginner’s guide to studying kinesiology to see if this can be the correct career path for you.
Individuals interested in the subject can easily complete a graduate degree to become experts. The best part is that there are online kinesiology graduate courses that cover sports medicine, exercise physiology, and other relevant subjects in vast detail.
Sounds exciting? Keep reading to learn more about kinesiology, what makes it stand out, and why you should consider it as a major.
Kinesiology Overview
Kinesiology focuses on human body movement and how these movements affect bodily health and well-being. It aims to discover movements and exercises that can be used as a form of therapy.
‘Kinesiology’ is a Greek term coined in 1854 by a Swedish medical gymnast. Kinesiology is a century-old field that covers physical therapy and has become much more advanced over the years. Besides science, specialists are also in great demand in the sports and health sectors. The subject covers:
- Neuroscience
- Body Anatomy
- Biomechanics
- Physiology
- Neuropsychology
Graduates can use scientific research to prevent/treat injuries and diseases through exercise and preventive care. Individuals can work in the research, education, wellness, sports, or fitness fields. Some may even enter the medicine, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy fields.
Applied Kinesiology Vs. Kinesiology Theory
Applied kinesiology is a medical technique used by medical professionals, whereas kinesiology theory is a scientific look into human movement. Kinesiology uses scientific research to analyze, dissect and assess body function/movements so diseases and disorders can be reversed using movement therapy.
Kinesiology degree holders can treat individual patients and can even help come up with policies/techniques to aid general well-being and human health. Since the kinesiology degree covers human health in such great detail, graduates are considered experts and top healthcare professionals that can help positively influence lifestyle and human positions.
Career Options For Kinesiology Graduates
A kinesiology degree is unsuitable for those looking for a major that allows them to launch into diverse fields and offers several career opportunities. However, it is a suitable choice if you are looking for a degree that makes you an expert with diverse skills and allows you to land a respectable career where you can stick around for a long time.
Kinesiology graduates are human body movement experts that can land various jobs like the following:
Rehabilitation Counselor
Patients with serious ailments and disabilities require professional assistance to regain optimal body control and life quality. Kinesiology experts work alongside occupational/physical therapists to aid in rehabilitating such patients.
Exercise Physiologists
A kinesiology expert can opt to become an exercise physiologist. These individuals analyze patients’ medical histories to personalize exercise treatments to alleviate conditions arising from chronic diseases.
Fitness Instructor
A fitness instructor allows individuals to meet fitness goals and offers expert guidance based on each client’s needs. Close supervision also allows instructors to develop entire exercise regimes and fitness programs that clients can follow to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Corporate Wellness Coordinator
The corporate sector has started focusing greatly on employee well-being and performance which is why many corporations are looking forward to hiring wellness coordinators. These experts ensure employees stay active and in good health by organizing wellness programs and enabling them to focus on healthy lifestyle choices.
Strength/Conditioning Coach
These individuals use exercise prescriptions and proper scientific analysis to cater to sports teams and athletes. They not only help devise proper fitness regimes and ensure top-notch performance but are also responsible for enabling an athlete to push their limits.
Biomechanics Researcher
A biomechanics researcher makes use of technological advancements to come up with sports accessories that are better adapted. They work alongside industrial designers and researchers to invent new sports equipment and medical accessories that aid movement and athletic performance.
Other Options
Kinesiology graduates can also become researchers, consultants, educators, or managers. Bachelor’s degree holders can opt for a Master’s program or a doctorate to enable career advancement. These individuals can pursue careers that are technology related, such as prosthetics engineering.
Why Get A Kinesiology Degree?
Kinesiology experts help improve life quality for their patients/clients and are experts at treating injury and chronic conditions in a non-invasive manner. Graduates can land a rewarding career in the wellness, sports, or health industries.
You should opt for the kinesiology degree if:
- You are passionate about influencing lives positively and want others to feel better and enjoy great health.
- You are interested in a diverse syllabus that aids advanced academic development or requires a pre-med qualification to specialize in an advanced medical degree.
- You are willing to explore unique careers and are very interested in the latest research on human body movement and its science.
Endnote
Kinesiology is a superb subject to study at both bachelors and advanced levels. The best part is that this unique field and its related careers are gaining popularity.
Experts not only impact human health and well-being positively but can also come up with best practices and regimes that can help alleviate chronic illness symptoms with simple, non-invasive body movements.