Introduction
When you hear the word kinesiologist, you might wonder what exactly we do. Are we personal trainers? Do we work with injuries? How are we different from a physiotherapist?
As a kinesiologist in Calgary, Alberta, my job is to help people understand how their bodies move and use exercise to improve their strength, function, health, and quality of life. This can include everything from exercise rehab and chronic pain exercise to strength coaching, adapted physical activity, return to sport, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Kinesiology is a broad field, and the way we work can look very different depending on the person in front of us. In this article, I'll break down what a kinesiologist actually does, what our education looks like, where we fit within the healthcare system, and how we differ from other professionals such as physiotherapists.
Book a complimentary 15 minute virtual Kinesiology consult with me!
Book a Kinesiology Assessment in Calgary with me!
How Much School Does It Take?
Becoming a kinesiologist starts with a four-year bachelor's degree. Depending on the university, this may be a Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin) or a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (BSc) or sometimes called Human Kinetics.
Kinesiology programs cover a wide range of subjects related to human movement, including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and exercise science. Many programs also offer different areas of focus, such as adapted physical activity, sports performance, or public health.
Kinesiology is sometimes viewed as a stepping stone toward another healthcare career, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, occupational therapy, or medicine. While it can certainly provide a strong foundation for further education, kinesiology is also a career in its own right, with many different areas of practice.
After completing a degree, kinesiologists can pursue additional certifications to further develop their skills and areas of practice. For example, some kinesiologists become certified exercise physiologists through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), while others pursue certifications in strength and conditioning.
I received my Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Alberta, where I majored in Adapted Physical Activity. This gave me the opportunity to work with a wide range of populations with disabilities and impairments and taught me how to adapt exercise to meet different needs.
I also hold a certification in sports medicine, which allows me to provide medical coverage at sporting events and practices. This includes skills such as injury assessment, taping, and strapping.
What Is Our Scope of Practice?
Kinesiologists work in a wide variety of settings, including clinical care, wellness, public health, disability management, research, and sport.
At its core, kinesiology focuses on the assessment, rehabilitation, management, and optimization of human movement and physical performance. We consider how different factors — including biomechanics, physiology, psychology, neurology, anatomy, and a person's social environment — can influence how they move and function.
In other words, we look at the whole person, not just how they move during an exercise.
Our work typically starts with an assessment. This is where we get to know you — not just your physical abilities, but also your goals, lifestyle, history, and what you want to be able to do in your everyday life.
From there, we develop an exercise plan based on what you need.
For one person, that might mean full-body strength training twice a week to build muscle and improve overall fitness. For someone else, it might involve more targeted exercises to help rebuild strength after an injury or surgery. For another person, it could mean gradually returning to a sport or activity they enjoy.
What don't kinesiologists do?
Kinesiologists do not diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medication, or provide hands-on manual therapy. This is where collaboration with other healthcare professionals becomes important. At Vital Performance Care, kinesiologists work alongside physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and other healthcare providers to make sure clients receive the appropriate care for their needs.
Three People Who Should See a Kinesiologist
Kinesiologists work with a huge range of people. Here are three examples of people who may benefit from working with one:
1. People with Injuries, Chronic Pain, or Disabilities
Exercise can play an important role in recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or improving physical function with a disability or impairment.
A kinesiologist can help determine what types of movement and exercise are appropriate for you and gradually build your strength, mobility, confidence, and tolerance for activity.
2. Athletes of All Ages and Abilities
Kinesiologists can work with athletes at all levels, from recreational athletes to high-level competitors.
This might involve strength and conditioning, injury prevention, return-to-sport training, improving performance, or addressing weaknesses and movement limitations that may be affecting performance.
3. People Who Want to Get Into Exercise
You don't have to be injured or an athlete to work with a kinesiologist.
If you're new to exercise, returning after a long break, or simply unsure where to start, a kinesiologist can help you build a program that is appropriate for your current abilities and goals.
A Note on the Future: Alberta's Care First Model (Coming Jan 2027)
Alberta is moving toward a Care First Model launching in 2027 — a primary care reform designed to expand access to allied health professionals (like Kinesiologists) within the healthcare system. This means Kinesiologists are increasingly being recognized as essential members of primary care teams, not just gym-adjacent professionals.
In short: the healthcare system is finally catching up to what Kinesiologists have always been able to offer. If you haven't considered working with one, now is a great time to start that relationship.
Ready to Work with a Kinesiologist?
One of the most rewarding parts of being a kinesiologist is getting to see people grow over time. I love watching clients become stronger, more confident, and more capable, and seeing how those changes carry over into their everyday lives. Whether we're working through an injury, building strength, returning to a sport, or simply becoming more comfortable with exercise, it's incredibly rewarding to be part of that progress.
A few things I especially love working with:
- Women navigating postpartum or perimenopause
- Clients with disabilities or complex histories
- Athletes of all levels and ages
If any of that sounds like you, I'd love to be part of your team.
Book a complimentary 15 minute virtual Kinesiology consult with me!
Book a Kinesiology Assessment in Calgary with me!
More About The Author
Amy MacKinnon, Co-Founder of Vital Performance Care
Dr. Amy MacKinnon is the co-owner of Vital Performance Care, Coven Health Collective, and Coalition Health Group. A former varsity soccer athlete turned chiropractor, she works with athletes and individuals across all levels, from grassroots to Olympic and professional sport.
Amy has served as Performance Director for multiple sport organizations and worked internationally with Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton, including at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games. Her work is grounded in community, connection, and bridging therapy and performance to help people move and live better.