Chapter 1: Introduction to Kinesiology

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

The contents of this textbook were developed under an Open Textbooks Pilot grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), U.S. Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume the Federal Government has approved of them.

The following content is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

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

Learning Goals

• Discuss the subject of kinesiology (the study of how the body moves) and how it connects to physical activity.
• Talk about physical activity and how it shapes the field of kinesiology.
• Help you understand what a profession is and what different career paths might look like.

Have you ever thought that kinesiology was only about sports and exercise? It's actually much bigger than that. Besides sports and exercise, did you know there are many career paths that benefit from studying kinesiology? Options like becoming an exercise physiologist (someone who studies how the body responds to exercise), a prosthetist (someone who designs and fits artificial limbs), a sports medicine specialist, a teacher, a coach, or an athletic trainer are just a few of the many jobs and opportunities available in this field. Figuring out which career path