A required course for majors pursuing sports medicine, exercise science, nursing, or sports therapy degrees, kinesiology is central to a variety of fields. Kinesiology For Dummies tracks an introductory course in the science and imparts the basics of human body movement. With this resource, you will learn how physical activity can alleviate chronic illnesses and disabilities, what factors contribute to musculoskeletal injury, and how to reverse those influences. Complete with a 16-page color insert of medical instructions, this book covers the basics of exercise physiology, exercise and health psychology, introductory biomechanics, motor control, history and philosophy of sport and exercise, and mind-body connections.

• Written by experts in exercise science
• Addresses a timely subject as exercise science careers and majors are increasingly popular
• Runs parallel to a kinesiology course with accessible, concise language

Interested learners, kinesiology students, and health or sports therapy professionals will benefit from this refresher course in the basics.

Dr. Steve Glass is a Professor in the Department of Movement Science at Grand Valley State University. Dr. Brian Hatzel is an Associate Professor and Department Chair in Movement Science at Grand Valley State University. Dr. Rick Albrecht is a Professor and Sports Leadership Coordinator in the Department of Movement Science at Grand Valley State University.

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with Kinesiology 5

Chapter 1: Introducing Kinesiology: The Science of Movement 7

Chapter 2: The History and Philosophy of Sport and Exercise 17

Part II: Exercise Physiology 39

Chapter 3: The Brains behind the Brawn: Motor Control 41

Chapter 4: Keeping the Big Wheel Turning: Exercise Metabolism 57

Chapter 5: The Body’s Engine: The Cardiovascular System 83

Chapter 6: Earthlings and the Earth: Adapting to Your Environment 111

Part III: Basic Biomechanics: Why You Move the Way You Do 127

Chapter 7: The Nuts and Bolts of Movement 129

Chapter 8: Bone Composition and Function 155

Chapter 9: These Joints Are A-jumping! 175

Chapter 10: Let’s Move, Baby! The Muscles 203

Chapter 11: Motion Analysis: Seeing How You Move 235

Part IV: Mind-Body Connections 257

Chapter 12: Staying Connected: The Bio-Psycho-Social Model 259

Chapter 13: Sticking with It: Motivation and Adherence 275

Chapter 14: Looking Good, Feeling Good: Exercise, Mood, and Mind 291

Chapter 15: Too Much of a Good Thing 313

Part V: The Part of Tens 335

Chapter 16: Ten Foundations of Fitness 337

Chapter 17: Ten Facts about Obesity and Physical Inactivity 343

Chapter 18: Ten Careers for Kinesiologists 349

Index 353