Exam Preparation

In this blog, the third of five, we will cover the fundamentals of applied kinesiology, which covers how we move the body with proper form, how to increase or decrease the difficulty level, and how these factors affect our balance and posture.

Postural assessments can provide information that guides exercise programming. As a fitness professional, understanding how to identify and potentially improve postural deviations may help individuals prevent injury, improve balance, and increase strength.

Anatomically, the kinetic chain describes the interrelated groups of body segments, connecting joints, and muscles working together to perform movements and the portion of the spine to which they connect. This idea proposed that movements occurring within each body segment would be capable of “closed-chain” or “open-chain” movement patterns. As an exercise and health professional, it is important to recognize that good program design includes open-chain and closed-chain exercises.

There has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of diabetes over the past several decades, which makes it increasingly likely that you will work with clients who have some form of diabetes. Here is a basic primer on how insulin affects the body and the different types of diabetes you may encounter among your clients.

You probably already know that your body doesn’t move in one dimension. It moves in, out, front, back and side-to-side. But do you know what those dimensions are called? Check out our explanation of the different planes of motion, and how you can apply that information to designing well-rounded exercise programs.