Kinesiology: The Invisible Field

Akruti Patel
Reflection #1
Agreeing with the fact that Kinesiology is a “invisible” field. I was not aware of this field until I came to UNI and was looking at different majors. I looked into this major and found it interesting as well as unique. What got me interested in this major was the very fact that Kinesiology has no common name or identity. Upon graduation I have doors open to make other fields. Not having a proper or universal recognition can be beneficial, in a way where we can attach and fit into different departments. Being invisible gives us the opportunity to collaborate with other departments and opens endless doors towards to multiple occupations and work of study.
Nomad a term used by the author to describe our field, makes it simpler to fit into other fields. We are not stuck in one place or area. Provides us with

endless opportunities to navigate around plus explore as well as experience other things. Being a nomad creates a chance to go into other departments and represent Kinesiology. Instead of being in our own little bubble, we can branch out towards many other areas. “History has shown even in Research I institutions, that departments with a broad and well-balanced scope of teaching, research, and service programs tend to be stranger and more stable that those with a more limited focus.” (Rikli, 300)
“Do we just have isolated areas of study on various topics such as sport, exercise, strength training, motor development and injury prevention, with no sense of unity?” (Rikki, 301) I completely agree with the quote above. We should fight for doctorate level program in Kinesiology but, we should also combat for Kinesiologists as the primary authorities in physical activity. We need to divert our focus and make physical activity our main topic.
Firstly, we need something “an area” that binds us all together.

We have our focus on multiple other areas, which makes it hard to focus on one area.
On page 302, when the author went to a council and she observed that many leaders do not consider Kinesiologists when it comes down to physical activity. That is the sign that we need to refocus on our goal and area of study.
On page 303, author discussed the fact that Kinesiologists has failed to combat obesity and put a cap of it. I think it is not fair to judge us on obesity and label us in that way. Our community have to understand that obesity is not something that can be cured with a pill. Obesity depends on how an individual leads his or her day-to-day life and diet is also an important component. We have created a sedentary society. Balanced diet is also an important factor when it comes to obesity. Now diet that is a whole new department and dietitians plays a role.
In the end, I want to say there are many benefits of being invisible, but also comes with drawbacks. All the points discussed above makes us unique. We have something that the other departments do not

have.