Get Moving For Life Blog

During the last ten years I have always been proud of being a Kinesiologist, even though I was working under the title of "Personal Trainer." We have clients who have worked with Personal Trainers and now will only train with Kinesiologists. When you hear the term "Personal Trainer," you have an immediate image, correct? What about "Kinesiologist"? The image is probably not as clear.

As an outside observer you might not see a difference, however there are several.

Definition of a Kinesiologist

In BC we are not a regulated health profession, which have colleges to protect the public, where the associations look after the practitioners. In Ontario we have recently gained that designation and a college.

"The practice of Kinesiology is the assessment of movement, performance and function and the rehabilitation, prevention and management of disorders to maintain, rehabilitate or enhance movement, performance and function, in the areas of sport, recreation, work, exercise, and activities of daily living."

Differences in Education

Many beginner levels of Personal Training certifications including the BCRPA's scope of practice is limited to training those "who are apparently healthy." That is no known medical conditions or injuries. The biggest difference in BC between a Kinesiologist and a BCRPA Registered Personal Trainer is our base level of education.

A Practicing Kinesiologist has a minimum of a 4 year degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology or Human Kinetics and often multiple other related health, fitness and certifications where as the BCRPA courses include a very basic introduction to anatomy and kinesiology throughout a couple of weekends and limited practical evaluations. To gain membership with the BCAK we are required to have core courses that include anatomy and biomechanics and electives from related upper-level courses.

Kinesiologists' extended education and experience benefits, you the client because they will be able to provide you with safe, effective and current exercises/physical activity guidelines that account for your current fitness level and health conditions.

When to Choose a Personal Trainer

• If you have no known medical conditions, injuries or disabilities that are placing limitations on your ability to exercise, e.g. you are "apparently healthy."
  
• Main goal is weight loss, toning or general health conditioning.
  

When to Choose a Kinesiologist

• If you have an injury, disability or medical condition(s) and want to improve your health and fitness in a safe progressive manner.
  
• If you have or our undergoing medical treatment (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, etc) and want to increase your level of fitness.
  
• Have a referral from a Doctor to begin active rehabilitation or work conditioning.
  
• Goals are better health (inside and out), better quality of life, improved movement ability.
  
• If you want to learn how to manage your condition(s) with physical activity and lifestyle changes.
  

Read more about the BC Association of Kinesiologists and the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance

Related Post: 8 Ways to Choose Your Health, Medical and Fitness Professional

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