What is Kinesiology?
Developed in 1964 by Dr George Goodheart, kinesiology is the process of testing and analysing muscle movements to identify the cause of any imbalance in the physical, emotional and mental aspects of health. Goodheart says the condition of the muscles affect the health and functions of the organs in the body.
A kinesiologist's job involves the removal of blockages in the central nervous system to ease the transmission of messages to and from the brain. Their knowledge in various kinesiology techniques allows them to resolve a variety of conditions, including headaches, digestive issues, hormonal imbalance, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, trauma and skin-related problems, to name just a few.
Why Study Kinesiology?
Studying kinesiology will catapult your career as a health practitioner. You can use the skills and knowledge that you gain to help others prevent disease and injury, improve their physical capabilities and achieve optimal health. It's also something that you can incorporate into other modalities, including physical therapy, massage therapy and personal training.
What Does It Take to Study Kinesiology or Become a Practitioner of It?
Because kinesiology involves muscle testing, tracing the root cause of disease, and fixing the communication lines between the brain and the organs, having a good grounding in anatomy and physiology proves to be beneficial in this field of study. However, besides being good at science, a kinesiologist with certain qualities is truly admired. These include compassionate, calm, empathetic, friendly, and being a good listener and conversationalist.
Course and Study Options for Kinesiology
There are several kinesiology courses you can choose from at the certificate, diploma, bachelor's degree and advanced levels. Each focuses on a specific outcome, hence the importance of knowing what you want to achieve from your education. In general, though, each course covers the foundations of kinesiology, anatomy and exercise physiology, among other topics.
You can study in a typical classroom setting, via online or through a blended learning approach. The last allows you to attend lectures and deliver assessments through a virtual learning management system while performing the hands-on component of the course in a face-to-face class.
How to Choose a School or Course in Kinesiology
Where you choose to study kinesiology and what program you decide to undertake will lay the groundwork for your career, so explore all of your options before making up your mind. Do you want to attend a weekend course? Complete a diploma-level qualification? Or, perhaps go deeper into the study with a master's degree program? These are just some of the questions that you need to consider when weighing your choices.
You also want to know what subjects comprise the course that you'll be taking, how the coursework is delivered, how much it's going to cost you. These are of paramount importance as they will affect the outcome of your education. To assist you in finding a qualified course provider, we have provided a list of kinesiology courses and schools at the top of this page which you can go over. Once you spot an institution whose offerings align with your goals, take the time to contact them to enquire about their program.
