What are recommended introductory exercise science/kinesiology textbooks?
I am an aspiring fitness instructor and currently am weighing options such as going back to school for a Masters, going to a community college for an Associate, going to a school such as Lifetime Academy, or attempting a combination of self-education, apprenticeship, internship, conferences, online courses, etc. In any case, I’d like to self-study a bit beforehand. What are considered the best science-based kinesiology textbooks in the industry?
Secondly, has anyone gone through a Master’s program in Kinesiology when their undergrad and/or previous graduate degrees were completely unrelated? What would you recommend to prepare?
I’d probably start with something like the ACE personal trainer manual. It’s a pretty good overview of things. Some books I like for anatomy include Trail Guide to the Body by Andrew Biel and Anatomy of Movement by Blandine Calais-Germain. I’d also consider doing something like volunteer at the local YMCA. In my area they provide free fitness training for volunteers so it’s a way to find out if it is right for you without a lot of financial outlay. Not sure if that is the same everywhere around the country.
The ACSM Resource Manual is definitely more on the clinical side of things and provides a good background for someone new to Exercise Science. Assuming that you have no background in health sciences, I would start here. You will also have the materials to study for an ACSM certification, which is one of the most respected in the field.
All the best,
Steve
Hi Amy,
Here are few more options for you:
-Essentials of Strength Training & Conditioning (3rd Edition)
-Exercise Technique Manual for Resistance Training, (2nd Edition)
-Clinical Exercise Physiology, (2nd edition) by Ehrman, Gordon, Visich, and Keteyian
-Guidelines for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs, AACVPR, (4th edition)
-AACVPR Cardiac Rehabilitation Resource Manual
-Strength Training Anatomy (3rd Edition) by Frederic Delavier
-ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription
I hope this helps.
Best,
Harris
If you are looking for a textbook specifically for kinesiology, I would first visit www.humankinetics.com and look through their online catalog.
However, if you’d like a suggestion here is the book I used while I was a college:
Manual of Structural Kinesiology – Sixteenth Edition – R.T. Floyd
All the best to you!