Kinesiology
A kinesiologist is a regulated health professional who uses movement, exercise, and education to support physical function and injury recovery. CARESPACE kinesiologists help improve mobility, reduce pain, and build strength so you can move better and return to the activities you enjoy.
CARESPACE Kinesiologists by City
CARESPACE provides kinesiology services across multiple cities in Southern Ontario. This page outlines our overall approach to kinesiology, the types of concerns we support, and what to expect from care, while practitioner availability and clinic details vary by location. To explore kinesiology services in your city, visit the page below:
→ Kinesiology in Kitchener
→ Kinesiology in Waterloo
→ Kinesiology in Cambridge
Each page includes local clinic information, kinesiologists at that location, and options to book your appointment.
Thousands of people have chosen CARESPACE for kinesiology that delivers real results.
Google Reviews for Kinesiology at CARESPACE
How Kinesiology Helps You Be Your Best
Kinesiology is about harnessing the power of movement to heal, strengthen, and optimize your body. A Registered Kinesiologist is more than just a trainer; they are a movement specialist who provides the structure, accountability, and expert guidance needed to transform your health. This partnership empowers you to overcome physical limitations, build a resilient body, and achieve a higher quality of life.
Active Rehabilitation and Recovery from Injury
After an injury, simply resting is often not enough to ensure a full recovery. Active rehabilitation, guided by a Kinesiologist, is the crucial next step after the acute phase of an injury has been managed by a physiotherapist or chiropractor. A Kinesiologist designs a specific and progressive exercise program to rebuild strength, restore mobility, and retrain proper movement patterns in the injured area. This active approach is critical for ensuring that scar tissue heals in a strong and organized way, preventing long-term stiffness and weakness. By focusing on the cause of the injury—whether it was a muscle imbalance, poor biomechanics, or instability—kinesiology helps to not only heal the current injury but also to make the area more resilient against future problems, ensuring you can return to your sport or daily activities with confidence.
Managing and Preventing Chronic Disease
Exercise is one of the most powerful evidence-based tools for the prevention and management of chronic diseases. A Registered Kinesiologist is uniquely qualified to design safe and effective exercise programs for individuals living with conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. For example, for a client with arthritis, a Kinesiologist can create a program that strengthens the muscles around the affected joints, which can reduce pain and improve function. For someone with type 2 diabetes, a tailored exercise plan can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Kinesiology is not about a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s about understanding the specific physiological considerations of your condition and creating a personalized plan that helps you manage your symptoms, improve your health markers, and enhance your overall quality of life.
Building a Stronger, More Functional Body for Life
Strength is the foundation of a healthy, functional body at any age. A Kinesiologist designs a progressive resistance training program that is scientifically structured to help you build muscle, increase strength, and improve bone density. This is about building functional strength that translates directly into your daily life—having the strength to lift your grandchildren, the stability to prevent falls, and the endurance to enjoy your favourite activities without pain or fatigue. A Kinesiologist teaches you how to perform every movement with proper form and technique, ensuring you are safely and effectively challenging your body to adapt and grow stronger. This focus on education and correct biomechanics not only maximizes your results but also dramatically reduces your risk of injury, empowering you with the skills and confidence to maintain a strong and active lifestyle for years to come.
Enhancing Performance in Sport and Life
Whether you are a competitive athlete or simply want to perform better in your daily activities, a Kinesiologist can provide the specific, targeted training needed to elevate your performance. After a thorough assessment of your movement patterns and the physical demands of your sport or goals, your Kinesiologist will design a program focused on improving the key components of performance: strength, power, speed, agility, and endurance. They can implement advanced training methodologies and sport-specific drills to help you move more efficiently and powerfully. This scientific approach to training helps you train smarter, not just harder, ensuring you are getting the most out of every workout while minimizing your risk of injury.
Ready to get started? Book a kinesiology appointment at a CARESPACE location near you.
What Is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement, performance, and function. It incorporates the sciences of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and neuroscience to understand how the body moves and how movement impacts health and well-being. In a clinical context, Kinesiology uses exercise and movement as the primary modality to treat and prevent injury and disease, improve function, and enhance performance.
A Regulated Health Profession in Ontario
This is the most critical distinction for anyone seeking exercise guidance in Ontario. Kinesiology is a regulated health profession governed by the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario (COKO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Kinesiology Act, 2007.
This means that to use the protected title “Registered Kinesiologist” or the designation “R.Kin”, an individual must meet rigorous standards set by the College to ensure public safety. These standards include:
- A University Degree: A Kinesiologist must have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, human kinetics, or a related field from a university. This provides an extensive and deep foundation in the sciences of human movement.
- Entry-to-Practice Exam: Graduates must pass a comprehensive entry-to-practice exam administered by the College to demonstrate that they have the required knowledge, skill, and judgment to practice safely and competently.
- Professional Accountability: Registered Kinesiologists are accountable to the College for their conduct and practice. They must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and standards of practice, and they are required to participate in ongoing quality assurance programs to maintain their competence.
This regulatory framework provides you with the assurance that you are working with a highly educated, qualified, and accountable healthcare professional.
Kinesiology vs. Personal Training: The Critical Difference in Expertise
While both Kinesiologists and personal trainers prescribe exercise, their qualifications and scope of practice are vastly different. In Ontario, personal training is an unregulated field. This means anyone can call themselves a personal trainer, with educational backgrounds ranging from a weekend certification course to a college diploma.
- Education: A Registered Kinesiologist has a minimum of a four-year university science degree. A personal trainer’s education can vary significantly and is often much less extensive.
- Scope of Practice: A certified personal trainer is typically qualified to work with the “apparently healthy” population—individuals with no known medical conditions, injuries, or disabilities. A Registered Kinesiologist, as a regulated health professional, is qualified to work with a much broader range of clients, including those with known medical conditions, acute or chronic injuries, and disabilities.
- Regulation and Accountability: Kinesiologists are accountable to a government-mandated regulatory college (COKO) that protects the public. Personal trainers are accountable to their certifying body (if they have one), which is a private organization, not a legal regulatory body.
At CARESPACE, we bridge this gap by ensuring our personal training services are delivered by professionals with the advanced education of a Kinesiologist, providing you with a higher standard of care.
The Kinesiologist’s Toolkit: An Evidence-Based Approach
A Registered Kinesiologist uses a systematic and scientific process to help you achieve your goals. Their toolkit is based on a deep understanding of exercise physiology, biomechanics, and rehabilitation science. The process includes:
- Comprehensive Assessment: This goes beyond a basic fitness test. A Kinesiologist will conduct a thorough assessment that may include a detailed health history, postural analysis, functional movement screening, and specific tests for strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and balance.
- Personalized Exercise Prescription: Based on the assessment and your goals, the Kinesiologist will design a customized exercise program. This is not a generic workout plan; it is a specific prescription of exercises, frequencies, intensities, and durations designed to create a targeted physiological adaptation in your body.
- Active Rehabilitation: For clients with injuries, a Kinesiologist’s primary tool is active rehabilitation. This involves guiding you through specific therapeutic exercises designed to restore function, improve strength and mobility, and correct the underlying issues that led to the injury.
- Education and Coaching: A key role of a Kinesiologist is to be a teacher. They will educate you on proper exercise technique, the principles of training, and how to manage your condition or progress toward your goals independently. This focus on education empowers you to take an active role in your own health and builds your confidence to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the long term.
Not sure if kinesiology is right for you? Book a free discovery call today.
When to Consider Kinesiology
Working with a Registered Kinesiologist is an excellent choice for anyone looking for expert, science-based guidance on movement and exercise. Their university-level education and status as regulated health professionals make them uniquely qualified to help in a wide variety of situations.
Consider booking an assessment with a Kinesiologist if:
- You are recovering from an injury and have been discharged from physiotherapy but need guidance to safely return to your sport, work, or daily activities.
- You have a chronic health condition, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, or heart disease, and you want a safe and effective exercise program to help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life.
- You experience chronic pain and want to use active, exercise-based strategies to manage your symptoms and improve your function.
- You are an athlete looking to improve your performance through a scientifically designed strength and conditioning program.
- You are new to exercise and want to learn the fundamentals of safe and effective training from a qualified health professional in a supportive environment.
- You have specific fitness goals, like losing weight or building muscle, but you also have a history of injuries or health concerns and want to ensure your program is safe.
- You want to improve your posture, correct movement patterns, and prevent future injuries.
Book an assessment today and get clear answers about your health and movement.
The CARESPACE Difference: A Higher Standard of Kinesiology
At CARESPACE, kinesiology is the cornerstone of our active and preventative health services. We have built a model of care that leverages the full expertise of Registered Kinesiologists within a truly integrated and client-centered environment, delivering a higher standard of treatment focused on durable results.
A 360-Degree Support System for Unparalleled Results
True health and fitness transformation requires more than just exercise. It requires a holistic approach that considers nutrition, mindset, and recovery. At CARESPACE, your Kinesiologist acts as the hub of your integrated wellness team.
- Coordination with Registered Dietitians: Your Kinesiologist works directly with our Registered Dietitians to ensure you are getting the right fuel to support your training plan. They collaborate to align your nutritional strategy with your energy expenditure and body composition goals, ensuring you have the nutrients you need to build muscle, lose fat, and recover effectively.
- Coordination with Mental Performance Consultants: Motivation, consistency, and a positive mindset are key to long-term success. Your Kinesiologist can coordinate with our Certified Mental Performance Consultants (CMPCs) to provide you with strategies for goal setting, managing performance anxiety, and staying motivated, giving you the mental edge you need to succeed.
- Coordination with Naturopathic Doctors: Recovery is when your body adapts and gets stronger. Sleep is a critical component of recovery. Your Kinesiologist can work with our Naturopathic Doctors, who can help with strategies to improve sleep quality, manage stress, and support your body’s natural restoration processes, ensuring you get the most out of every workout.
The Program Design Model: Expert Guidance for Any Gym
We understand that traditional one-on-one training isn’t the right fit for everyone’s budget or lifestyle. If you already have a membership at a public gym like GoodLife, Crunch, or the YMCA, our Program Design Model is the perfect solution. This innovative service provides all the benefits of expert programming from a Registered Kinesiologist without the cost of continuous one-on-one sessions. Here’s how it works:
- Full Fitness Assessment: Your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment in our private, one-on-one facility. Your Kinesiologist will evaluate your movement patterns, strength, endurance, and body composition to get a complete picture of your current fitness level.
- Custom Program Build: Based on your assessment and your specific goals, your Kinesiologist will design a fully customized workout program for you to perform at your own gym.
- One-on-One Instruction: You will have dedicated sessions in our private gym where your Kinesiologist will personally teach you every exercise in your program, ensuring you master the proper form and technique for maximum safety and effectiveness.
- Integrated Support: Your program is built with the input of your entire CARESPACE team, ensuring it aligns with your nutrition, mental performance, and recovery strategies.
- Ongoing Follow-Up and Adjustments: You will have regular follow-ups with your Kinesiologist, either in-person or virtually via TeleCARE. During these sessions, they will review your progress, answer your questions, and alter, adjust, or build new programs as you get stronger and your goals evolve.
This model offers the ultimate in flexibility and value, providing you with a professionally designed, integrated, and evolving fitness plan at a fraction of the cost of traditional personal training.
A Private, Focused Training Environment
At CARESPACE, all one-on-one sessions take place in our commercially equipped private gyms. This exclusive environment is a key part of our commitment to client-centered care. You will never have to wait for equipment, feel self-conscious, or be distracted by a crowded gym floor. Your session is entirely focused on you and your goals, allowing your Kinesiologist to provide their undivided attention and ensuring you get the most out of every minute of your workout. This private, supportive setting is ideal for learning proper technique, building confidence, and focusing on your health and fitness without interruption.
Find a kinesiologist at CARESPACE.
Kinesiology Conditions Treated
Our Registered Kinesiologists are experienced in using exercise and movement to help clients with a wide variety of conditions and goals. Each of the following links to a dedicated hub of information to help you learn more:
- Active Rehabilitation
- Athletic Performance
- Chronic Disease Management
- Chronic Pain
- Functional Fitness
- Injury Prevention
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
- Strength and Conditioning
- Weight Management
Kinesiology Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a Kinesiologist and a Physiotherapist?
While both are regulated health professionals who are experts in human movement, their focus often differs. A Physiotherapist’s scope of practice includes the diagnosis of conditions and the use of passive modalities (like ultrasound or manual therapy) and controlled acts (like spinal manipulation) to treat the acute phase of an injury or illness. A Kinesiologist’s primary tool is active rehabilitation through exercise prescription. They typically work with clients after the acute phase of an injury to restore function, or with individuals to manage chronic conditions and improve performance through exercise.
What is the difference between a Kinesiologist and a Personal Trainer?
This is a critical difference. In Ontario, a Registered Kinesiologist (R.Kin) is a regulated health professional with a four-year university degree and a license to practice. A personal trainer is not a regulated profession, and their education can vary widely. A Kinesiologist is qualified to work with clients with injuries and chronic health conditions, whereas a personal trainer’s scope is typically limited to working with healthy individuals.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Kinesiologist?
No, you do not need a referral from a physician to see a Registered Kinesiologist in Ontario. You can book an appointment directly.
Is Kinesiology covered by insurance?
Yes, since Kinesiology is a regulated health profession in Ontario, services provided by a Registered Kinesiologist (R.Kin) are covered by most extended health benefit plans. It is always a good idea to check the specific details of your individual plan.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Your first visit will be a comprehensive assessment. It will start with a detailed conversation about your health history, lifestyle, and goals. Your Kinesiologist will then perform a series of physical assessments, which may include a postural screen, functional movement analysis, and tests for strength and flexibility. Based on this, they will discuss their findings with you and collaboratively create a personalized plan.
I don't have an injury. Can a Kinesiologist still help me?
Absolutely. Kinesiologists are experts in human movement and performance. They can help healthy individuals improve their fitness, reach athletic goals, improve their posture, and learn how to exercise in a way that prevents future injuries.
Choose Your Kinesiologist
Kinesiologist
Fitness Trainer
Kitchener – Fischer-Hallman
Kinesiologist
Fitness Trainer
Kitchener - Victoria North
Kinesiologist
Fitness Trainer
Kitchener - Westmount East
Kinesiologist
Fitness Trainer
Waterloo - Uptown Waterloo
Kinesiologist
Fitness Trainer
Waterloo - Weber North
Please call us at (519) 208-2273 or book online today.
CARESPACE Locations Offering Kinesiology
Live-answer Reception
Please call us at (519) 208-2273 to talk with our live-answer Reception Team who will be happy to book, reschedule appointments or answer any of your questions, or book online now.
Open 7-days a week!
Monday–Friday: 8 AM–8 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 8 AM–6 PM
CARESPACE Victoria North
1373 Victoria Street North, 4A, Kitchener, ON N2B 3R6
CARESPACE Westmount East
720 Westmount Rd E, 9, Kitchener, ON N2E 2M6
CARESPACE Fischer-Hallman
851 Fischer-Hallman Rd, 201, Kitchener, ON N2M 5N8
CARESPACE Deer Ridge
4293 King Street East, Unit 6, Kitchener, ON N2P 2E9
CARESPACE Waterloo GoodLife
270 Weber St N, Waterloo, ON N2J 3H6
CARESPACE Weber North
564 Weber Street North #12, Waterloo, ON N2L 5C6
CARESPACE Uptown Waterloo
75 King St S, 28B, Waterloo, ON N2J 1P2
CARESPACE Hespeler Road
529 Hespeler Road, Cambridge, ON N1R 6J2
What to Expect at Your First Kinesiology Visit
Your first kinesiology visit at CARESPACE is a comprehensive and welcoming experience designed to understand your unique situation and set a clear path forward. We prioritize listening and clear communication to ensure you feel comfortable, informed, and confident in your care.
- A Thorough Conversation: The visit begins with you. Your Kinesiologist will take the time to listen as you discuss your detailed health history, your current symptoms or goals, how they are impacting your life, and what you hope to achieve through care.
- A Comprehensive Assessment: Next, your Kinesiologist will conduct a focused physical examination. This may include a postural assessment, a functional movement screen to see how you move, and specific tests of your strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular endurance. This hands-on evaluation is designed to identify your baseline and any underlying movement dysfunctions.
- A Clear Explanation and Goal Setting: Based on the findings from your history and assessment, your Kinesiologist will provide a clear explanation of their findings in easy-to-understand language. They will work collaboratively with you to set specific, measurable, and meaningful goals that will guide your program.
- Your First Session: In most cases, you will begin your program during this initial visit. This will involve your Kinesiologist teaching you the foundational exercises of your program, with a strong focus on correct form and technique to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- A Plan for the Future: You will leave your first appointment with a clear understanding of your personalized exercise plan. This includes the recommended frequency of follow-up visits, as well as your home exercise program to support your progress between sessions.
Insurance & Payment
Kinesiology is a regulated health profession in Ontario, and services provided by a Registered Kinesiologist (R.Kin) are covered by most extended health plans. At CARESPACE, we make the process simple by providing a detailed receipt after every appointment. This receipt contains all the necessary information for you to easily submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement. No physician referral is required to begin care.
Find a kinesiologist at CARESPACE.
Kinesiology vs. Other Approaches
Navigating the options for movement and rehabilitation can be confusing. Understanding the unique focus of Kinesiology compared to other professions can help you make an informed choice. At CARESPACE, we believe the best approach often involves a combination of these disciplines, working in synergy.
Kinesiology vs. Physiotherapy
While both are regulated health professionals focused on movement, their roles are distinct yet complementary. Physiotherapists have a broader scope that includes diagnosing conditions and using controlled acts like spinal manipulation. They often manage the acute phase of an injury, using a combination of manual therapy and exercise to reduce pain and initiate healing. Kinesiology’s core focus is the application of exercise as a therapeutic modality. A Kinesiologist is the ideal professional to guide the active rehabilitation phase after an injury, manage chronic conditions through exercise, and design programs for performance enhancement. They are the experts in exercise prescription and long-term movement coaching.
Kinesiology vs. Personal Training
This is the most significant distinction in the fitness and exercise space. A Registered Kinesiologist is a regulated health professional with a four-year university science degree and a license to practice. Their education and scope allow them to work with a wide range of individuals, including those with injuries, chronic diseases, and disabilities. A personal trainer is not a regulated profession in Ontario, and their qualifications can vary dramatically. Their scope is generally limited to working with healthy individuals without known medical conditions. Choosing a Kinesiologist provides a guarantee of a higher level of education, expertise, and professional accountability.
Kinesiology vs. Chiropractic Care
These two professions have different philosophical foundations and primary tools. Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the neuromusculoskeletal system, with a primary emphasis on the health of the spine and its relationship to the nervous system. The primary therapeutic tool is the spinal adjustment, a manual technique to restore joint motion. Kinesiology focuses on improving health and function through the scientific application of exercise and movement. While a chiropractor might adjust a joint to improve its mobility, a kinesiologist would prescribe exercises to strengthen the muscles around that joint to provide long-term stability and control.
The CARESPACE Difference: Why an Integrated Approach is Best
You do not have to choose. The core philosophy at CARESPACE is that the best outcomes are achieved when these different therapeutic approaches work together. Our integrated team collaborates on your case, creating a single, unified plan that leverages the strengths of each discipline. Your physiotherapist can manage the acute phase of your injury, your chiropractor can address any related joint restrictions, and your Kinesiologist can then guide your active rehabilitation, ensuring you build the strength and resilience needed for a full and lasting recovery. This collaborative approach ensures all facets of your condition are addressed for faster, more comprehensive results.
Ready to Be Your Best?
Ready to move better, feel stronger, and take control of your health? Take the first step today. Book your kinesiology appointment at CARESPACE and start your journey toward achieving your goals and feeling your best.