Difference between a Kinesiologist and a Personal Trainer in Ontario

Both are very similar in what they do but there are some key differences that set them apart. Read below to find out.

Kinesiologist

Definition: Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement, performance and function, and incorporates the sciences of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology ,psychology and neuroscience.

Kinesiologists are regulated health professionals that work to treat and prevent injury and disease as well as improve function, health and wellness in all settings and populations.

Education: 4 year university undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, or related field (Human Kinetics, Physical Education, etc)

Designation: R.Kin- must pass regulated exam to practice in Ontario

Objective: Main goal is usually to become more functional, pain-free and more resilient.

Work Setting: Clinical (Physio clinic, Hospital) or non-clinical (Gym, Office)

When to choose: Have a known medical condition, injury or disability but want to improve your fitness. 

Personal Trainer

Definition: An individual certified to have a varying degree of knowledge of general fitness involved in exercise instruction.

Education: Varies from 2 day to 4 day workshops plus an exam.

Designation: Depending on what company you get certified with you can get their certification (PTS, CPTN-CPT or CSEP-CPT)

Work Setting: Gym or Fitness studio

Objective: Main goal is usually weight loss, muscle gain or general conditioning.

When to choose: No known medical conditions, injuries or disabilities. Otherwise known as `healthy`. 

Why see a Kinesiologist vs a personal trainer

Now when you are deciding between going to see a Kinesiologist or Personal Trainer, I would ask yourself the following questions:

• What are my goals?
• Do I have any pain or mobility issues?
• Where do I want to do my exercise?

If you are looking for strictly weight loss, muscle gain or general conditioning and are otherwise ‘healthy’, then a personal trainer may be your best bet. If you are looking to gain more function, decrease your pain, and add some fitness then a Kinesiologist is your best bet.

Most personal trainers will work our of gyms or studios while some also may be more mobile and travel to clients homes and train them there. Kinesiologists on he other hand, generally work out of physio clinics while some can be more mobile and travel to clients homes, gyms or studios. Depending on where you feel most comfortable can also be a factor. Most people who have had a successful stint at physio may enjoy the clinical environment. Others may like the more social and community aspect of a gym. A bonus with going to a clinic is there is no membership fee to attend and see the Kinesiologist there. If you would like to attend a gym you may first have to purchase a membership fee then the personal trainer fees.

My thoughts

Most people get confused about the difference and it makes sense. Both use, prescribe, and instruct exercise. The main difference between them that stands out the most to me is their education level. Kinesiologists are minimally required to complete 4 years of university plus write a provincial exam, while personal trainers minimally have to complete a weekend workshop to practice. At the end of the day it really comes down to experience. I am certain there are personal trainers out there with years experience that would know a lot of similar information as a new Kinesiologist fresh out of school.

A confusing aspect is that Kinesiologists can be personal trainers as well. Also a personal trainer can become a Kinesiologist. Currently I am a Kinesiologist that works in a physio clinic but I also work as a personal trainer at another location. I use my Kinesiology knowledge to help train my personal training clients.

We hope this article helped clarify the main differences between the two professions. Let us know if we missed anything. We’d also like to hear your thoughts about this subject. Do you feel like there is a need to regulate Kinesiology or should we just leave it to the personal trainers to help us with our exercise? 

Hopefully this helps,