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What is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology is the study of human movement and involves an understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and psychomotor behaviour.
Kinesiologists are knowledgeable in the prevention of injury and chronic disease, as well as conditioning for enhanced performance.
Kinesiologists use evidence-based research to develop programs for people, helping them get and stay fit, and perform at their optimum level.
In Ontario, kinesiology is a self-regulated profession. Self-regulatation is a model in which government grants a profession the ability to develop rules to govern itself. In exchange for this privelege, the profession must ensure that it creates and enforces rules that place the public interest before the interests of the profession. This means that you can be assured that when you see a registered kinesiologist, you are receiving competent, safe and ethical service from a highly qualified and trained individual.
What is Strength & Conditioning?
Strength and conditioning involves the use of exercises to physically prepare the body for all forms of activities, work and sport.
A strength and conditioning specialist uses knowledge and experience to provide you with an individualized program to help improve your strength, flexibility and endurance. Programs are designed with your exercise history in mind and developed to work with the time constraints you may have in your day.
A well-designed strength and conditioning program will lower your risk of injury by strengthening your muscles, ligaments and bones. Research has shown that this type of training can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to physical benefits you can also improve your mental health and your self-esteem.
What should I expect in a Kinesiology session?
The Initial Session
The first appointment is an evaluation session and will provide the kinesiologist with background information such as:
- Your general health
- Previous injuries
- Types of exercise you enjoy
- Level of play
- How often you exercise
- Exercise equipment available
Strengthening or workout goals will be established, as well as a timeline to reach those goals.
Baseline measures for cardiovascular health and body composition are recorded, along with measures of muscular endurance.
Strength, flexibility and core stability are assessed through a variety of tests and movement patterns to help identify your specific problem areas.
The follow-up appointment is a training session that involves going over your entire program to ensure that you are performing each exercise correctly. The kinesiologist will coach you using specific feedback and form correction to improve the effectiveness of the exercises. These coaching sessions will help you reach your goals faster.
The follow-up coaching sessions can be bundled into a 5-session or 10-session package for additional one-on-one personal training to ensure proper form and maximize benefits. Repeated follow-ups allow the program to be adjusted immediately as you improve your strength, flexibility and stability. This means your program will be less repetitive and more motivating to follow.
What are the benefits of Kinesiology/Strength & Conditioning sessions at your clinic?
The one-on-one coaching sessions are educational and provide you with the tools and confidence to lead a healthier lifestyle. The education and experience of the strength and conditioning specialist also make a big difference in ensuring you are being coached properly in all of your exercises.
Additional benefits include access to a functional gym and, if needed, consultations can be arranged with a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team to provide an integrated approach to your improved health and function.
Who is your Kinesiologist/Strength and Conditioning Specialist?
David Witiluk is a Registered Kinesiologist with a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology. David is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He has been involved in running-related research and has experience with coaching both ‘armchair' athletes and those who compete at the high performance level.
To view a full description of David's experience, visit Our Staff.
For some helpful and informative handouts prepared by David, click the links below:
Hydration Guidelines for Heat: PDF
Understanding Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: PDF
Travel Tips - How to stay active while travelling: PDF