Chapter 01 Introduction to Kinesiology 1 Introduction to Kinesiology Shirl J. Hoffman and Janet C. Harris C H A P T E R

Physical Activity Experience Consider the following questions about the distinct aspects of the term experience: –Why are physical activity experiences important, and with what aspects of our lives do they intersect? –What types of physical activity experiences have been most important in helping you master skill, training, and physical fitness? –How have your thoughts, emotions, understandings of yourself and others, and the meaning you attach to physical activity, been influenced by your physical activity experiences?

Figure 1.2

Kinesiology Defined A discipline focused on human physical activity Physical activity knowledge derived from –experience (participate or observe), –scholarship (study; ONLY knowledge that is embedded in college or university kinesiology curriculum or in research, which helps ensure the quality and integrity of the knowledge), and –professional practice (to help others achieve physical activity goals).

Figure 1.3

Physical Activity Technical definition does NOT Include human movements that are –involuntary or –performed aimlessly and without a specific purpose. (continued)

Physical Activity (continued) Technical definition is activity that is intentional, voluntary, or directed toward achieving an identifiable goal. Not all movement is physical activity, but all physical activity is movement.

Figure 1.5

1. How would you define physical activity? 2. What do you consider the most important characteristics of physical activity 3. What methods can you think of that kinesiologists might use to study physical activity? 4. Name five professions that use physical activity.

Developing an Understanding of Kinesiology Experiential knowledge Theoretical knowledge Professional practice knowledge

Figure 1.8

Experiencing Physical Activity Direct participation in physical activity is an important source of kinesiological knowledge. Observation of physical activity is also an important source of kinesiological knowledge.

Figure 1.10

Scholarly Study of Physical Activity Involves examining physical activity through research and logical, systematic analyses Organized within subdisciplines, which have developed into specialized areas of study

Figure 1.12

Physical Activity Professional Practice Putting knowledge to work in physical activity careers Some knowledge gained through professional practice incorporated into university classes

Holistic Nature of Kinesiology Human beings are holistic creatures with interrelated cognitions, emotions, bodies, and souls; therefore one must go beyond the physical aspects of physical activity and include the cognitive, emotional and spiritual aspects of physical activity.

Preliminary Thinking About Your Career Review and answer the list of questions in your textbook on page 26. Ask yourself how prepared you are at this point for a career as a physical activity professional. What steps do you still need to take to make sure you are prepared to be successful?

What is the difference between movement and physical activity? Give an example of an instance in which human movement does not meet the technical definition of physical activity. What is meant when kinesiology is described as a holistic discipline? What two general categories of physical activity receive the most attention in kinesiology? What are the subclassifications of these categories? What are the three sources of knowledge of kinesiology?

List the spheres of physical activity experience. List the spheres of scholarly study. List the spheres of professional practice centered in physical activity, and give an example of a career in the physical activity professions for each sphere.