Although many people mistakenly use the terms exercise science or kinesiology interchangeably with professionals in the field, they know there are significant differences. Students who are trying to decide which field to pursue in order to prepare for a career in exercise science or kinesiology will need to be able to clearly understand the differences.

Kinesiology covers a wide range of topics that study movement, function, performance, and how it affects overall health. Kinesiology’s sub-field Exercise Science focuses on exercise adaptation and human response. It also focuses on the mechanisms that influence exercise.

Kinesiology Specializations

Exercise science major Dominic Siwik explains that kinesiology can be considered an interdisciplinary field with many sub-specialties. Biomechanics and sociocultural foundations of sport are the theoretical bases for this field. Other sub-fields of exercise science include:

• Training in the gym
• Management of sports
• Training for teachers in physical education
• Sport medicine

Applying Kinesiology to Work Settings

Dominic Siwik states that kinesiologists can work in many fields, including fitness, sports, and therapeutics. You can also choose to be a wellness consultant, an instructor in various sports, a physical education teacher, or a fitness specialist. You will be responsible for assessing injuries, developing rehabilitation programs, and conducting fitness assessments.

Exercise Science Specializations

A degree in exercise science will lead to the most popular job: a healthcare worker. This is if you have passed the Exercise Physiologist Certified exam, which the American Society of Exercise Physiologists administers. Many have also completed a university degree. They can assess a person’s fitness level and create customized workout plans. These people work in hospitals, businesses, gyms, health clubs, and military, and athletic programs. Through 2022, job growth is expected to be nine percent.

Read: What is a Neurologist?

Exercise Science Applications

According to Dominic Siwik exercise science, majors are trained to improve health and fitness. They may create custom programs for clients, train them for marathons, or help with injury recovery. The body’s response to exercise is important for overall health. Clients are closely consulted by exercise science majors to create fitness programs that promote or maintain good health.

What type of education is required?

To work as a kinesiologist, you need to have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate. A doctorate is required for clinical research and other specialized areas. A bachelor’s degree in exercise science, physiology, or a related field is required for most positions in this area. A physical therapy doctorate program will require students to study kinesiology if they want to work with patients in rehabilitation.

Both programs are for students who are interested in health and wellness and wish to share their knowledge with others. Students who are interested in health and wellness careers have many options. It is important to decide which career path you want to follow, whether you are interested in exercise science or kinesiology.