Introduction to Kinesiology

An Open Educational Resources Publication by College of the Canyons and Lemoore College

Written by: Rodney Ragsdale and Emily Schaefer
Contributor: Jennifer Melena
Peer-reviewed by: Joel Rogers and Diana Meehan

Editors: Kyra Karatsu and Alexa Johnson
Cover image by Alan Calvert on Unsplash

Version 1.6.1

2025

This textbook was created using money from a grant called the Open Textbooks Pilot, given by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), part of the U.S. Department of Education. However, the ideas in this book do not necessarily represent what the Department of Education believes, and you should not think the Federal Government has officially approved it.

This book is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license, which means people can use and share it freely as long as they give credit to the authors.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction to Kinesiology

• Physical Activity
• Academic Paths
• Introduction: eSport
• Chapter 1 Resources

Chapter 2: Philosophy of Physical Activity

• Overview
• Notable Philosophies in Kinesiology
• Research Methods
• Incorporating Philosophy in Physical Education
• Chapter 2 Resources

Chapter 3: History of Physical Activity

• Background of Physical Activity
• From Ancient History to Modern Times
• USA: How it Got Started
• Chapter 3 Resources

Chapter 4: Sociology of Physical Activity and Sport

• The Use of Sociology in Physical Activity and Sport
• History of Sociology in Physical Activity and Sport
• Understanding the Significance of Sociology in Physical Activity and Sport
• Wrap Up
• Chapter 4 Resources

Chapter 5: Psychology of Physical Activity and Sport

• The Use of Psychology in Physical Activity and Sport
• History of Psychology in Physical Activity and Sport
• Understanding the Significance of Psychology in Sport and Exercise
• Approaches to Research in Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Wrap Up
• Chapter 5 References

Chapter 6: Motor Behavior

• The Use of Motor Behavior
• The Study of Motor Behavior
• History of Motor Behavior
• Understanding Motor Development, Motor Control, and Motor Learning
• Wrap Up
• Chapter 6 Resources

Chapter 7: Biomechanics of Physical Activity

• The Use of Biomechanics
• History of Biomechanics
• Understanding Biomechanics
• Explain How Biomechanics is Useful in Careers in Kinesiology and Related Areas
• Wrap Up
• Chapter 7 References

Chapter 8: Exercise Physiology

• What Is Exercise Physiology?
• History of Exercise Physiology
• Exercise Physiology and Physical Activity
• Research In Exercise Physiology
• Understanding Physiology
• Wrap Up
• Chapter 8 Resources

Chapter 9: Becoming a Physical Activity Professional

• Professional Development
• Complex Skills
• Ethical Principles of Standards
• Coursework One Takes in College to Become a Professional
• Chapter 9 Resources

Chapter 10: Careers in Kinesiology

• What We Do
• Work Environment
• How to Become a Kinesiologist
• Kinesiology Earning Potential
• Continuing Education
• Careers
• Chapter 10 Resources

Chapter 1: Introduction to Kinesiology

What You Will Learn

• What kinesiology is and how it connects to physical activity.
• How physical activity affects kinesiology.
• What a profession is and what career paths look like.

Have you ever thought that kinesiology is only about sports and exercise? It's actually much more than that! Kinesiology is the study of how our bodies move. Besides sports and exercise, did you know there are many career paths that use knowledge from kinesiology?

Some of these jobs include exercise physiologist (someone who studies how exercise affects the body), prosthetist (someone who designs and builds artificial body parts), sports medicine, teaching, coaching, and athletic training. There are so many jobs and opportunities in the field of kinesiology! Knowing which career path you want to follow is an important step.