Kinesiology is the study of the various disciplines that encompass the movement of the human body. Kinesiology may either be pure or applied. Pure kinesiology seeks to understand human movement in order to analyze problems and come up with treatments for these problems. Applied kinesiology is a specific method to treat these problems.

Kinesiology is not a single discipline. Rather, it is an umbrella class of study which covers many different disciplines. The primary focuses of kinesiology are human physiology, biomechanics, and anatomy. A study of kinesiology may also cover the psychology, philosophy, ecology, and even sociology of sports and exercise.

This means that while studying kinesiology, a student will get a broad understanding of most things that can relate to human movement. By studying anatomy, the student of kinesiology learns about the various parts of the human body — where bones are, where muscles attach, the locations of organs, and other locative information. By studying physiology, the student of kinesiology learns how these various parts of the human body move and interact with one another. By studying biomechanics, the student of kinesiology takes this to the next level, using principles of engineering to gain a better understanding of human physiology and the limits of the system.

To further improve their understanding of human movement, a student of kinesiology may study related disciplines as well. Since a kinesiologist may often be called upon to deal with athletes or gym patrons, an understanding of the philosophy, psychology, and sociology of sports and exercise is often studied. This allows the kinesiologist to make sure they can help their client get the most out of their exercise regimen, or bring their sport to the next level.

The study of kinesiology is used in many different fields. Often gym employees will have a degree in kinesiology in order to better help their patrons. Physical therapists may have undergone substantial kinesiology training so that they can help their patients recover more quickly. Sports teams will employ a number of kinesiologists to help their athletes maximize the use of their bodies, prevent severe injuries, and contribute to the overall health of the team. In this context the study of kinesiology is very similar to the study of sports medicine.

Kinesiology is an exciting, dynamic field, which is undergoing a state of renewed energy. Demand for kinesiologists is increasing across the board, as the use value becomes more widely appreciated. The human body has a very complex mechanical structure, and finding specialists who have specifically studied this nuanced interaction can yield amazing results.