CHAPTER 4: Fundamental Kinesiology and Biomechanics
As a personal trainer you should know that movement impacts posture, body mechanics and body musculature. Regardless of the client’s goals (losing weight, improving physique or just being physically active for health reasons), a basic understanding of kinesiology and biomechanical principles is important for establishing fitness-training programs.
Kinesiology is the science of movement, and the active and passive structures involved. It examines the mechanical, physiological, and psychological aspects of movement and analyzes how the body moves and works in various environments, as well as how to improve performance and increase physical activity.
Biomechanics is the study of the mechanical aspects of physical movement, such as torque, drag and posture, that is used to enhance athletic technique. It focuses on how muscles, bones, and other tissues interact to create movement and how forces from the environment affect the body. Biomechanics is an important tool for understanding how the body works and can help in developing treatments for a variety of medical conditions.
Kinesiology and biomechanics play a critical role in determining the appropriate exercises for an individual, guiding workout execution, assessing exercise effectiveness, and ensuring safety during physical activities. Biomechanics focuses on optimizing exercise techniques, while kinesiology examines the specific muscles involved in each movement (Winter, 2009). Together, they contribute valuable insights for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of movements during exercise to achieve desired outcomes. As personal trainers, it is essential to consider diverse movement techniques and their impact on posture, body mechanics, and musculature (Knudson, 2007).
Kinesiology is the science of movement, and the active and passive structures involved. It examines the mechanical, physiological, and psychological aspects of movement and analyzes how the body moves and works in various environments, as well as how to improve performance and increase physical activity.
Biomechanics is the study of the mechanical aspects of physical movement, such as torque, drag and posture, that is used to enhance athletic technique. It focuses on how muscles, bones, and other tissues interact to create movement and how forces from the environment affect the body. Biomechanics is an important tool for understanding how the body works and can help in developing treatments for a variety of medical conditions.
Kinesiology and biomechanics play a critical role in determining the appropriate exercises for an individual, guiding workout execution, assessing exercise effectiveness, and ensuring safety during physical activities. Biomechanics focuses on optimizing exercise techniques, while kinesiology examines the specific muscles involved in each movement (Winter, 2009). Together, they contribute valuable insights for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of movements during exercise to achieve desired outcomes. As personal trainers, it is essential to consider diverse movement techniques and their impact on posture, body mechanics, and musculature (Knudson, 2007).