1. Chapter 01 Introduction to Kinesiology
Shirl J. Hoffman and Janet C. Harris
Chapter 01 Introduction to Kinesiology

2. 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?

3. Figure 1.2

4. 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).

5. Figure 1.3

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

7. 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.

8. Figure 1.5

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

10. Figure 1.8

11. 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.

12. Figure 1.10

13. 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

14. Figure 1.12

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

16. 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.

17. 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?