Introduction to Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Exercise Science

An umbrella term that encompasses numerous aspects of human movement, including the study of physical activity, exercise, sport, and athletic performance.

Kinesiology

Specifically focuses on the mechanics and study of human movement.

Physical Activity

Includes activities of daily living (ADL) and all movement performed by humans in a natural or functional context.

Exercise

A structured movement process specifically performed for the purpose of improving fitness and physical performance.

Exercise Physiology

Focuses on exercise and health, and sport performance through the study of bodily systems' responses to physical stress.

Clinical Exercise Physiology

Primarily concerned with prevention and rehabilitation in a clinical setting.

Obesity

A public health concern indicated by a progressive increase in self-reported obesity among U.S. adults.

Minimum Physical Activity Recommendations

Includes at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and at least 2 days per week of resistance exercise.

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

Founded in 1954, it defined sports medicine as a unique blend of physical education, medicine, and physiology.

Ancient Civilizations (450 BC)

Scholars such as Hippocrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates explored physical activity through a scientific and philosophical lens.

Krauss-Weber Physical Fitness Test (1953)

Noted that U.S. children performed poorly in physical fitness compared to European children, prompting a demand for more physical education.

Cardiovascular Endurance

The ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to the muscles during prolonged physical activity.

Muscular Strength

The amount of force a muscle or group of muscles can exert against resistance.

Flexibility

The range of motion available at a joint or group of joints.

Body Composition

The proportion of fat and non-fat mass in the body.

Anaerobic Exercise

Physical activity that occurs in the absence of oxygen, typically short bursts of high-intensity activity.

Aerobic Exercise

Sustained physical activity that relies on aerobic energy-generating processes, usually involving moderate intensity.

Nutrition for Athletes

The science of nutrition applied to enhance athletic performance and recovery.

Recovery

The process of regaining physical and mental fitness after exercise or training.

Sport Psychology

The study of how psychological factors affect performance in sports and exercise.

Functional Training

A training approach that focuses on exercises that improve everyday movements and tasks.