Schooling for functional/corrective exercise?

[Dan Fanelli]

Hi everyone. Im stating my master's in Kinesiology with a focus on biomechanics, but would like some advice as to what sort of courses I should take. I understand most of what I get in school is just a foundation to build upon with future education but I would like a good foundation. I already have my bachelor's in kinesiology, with a focus in movement science.

The coaches/people whose work has inspired me to take this route are:

Bill Hartman
Gray Cook
Mike Boyle
and many more.

Im hoping to be a personal trainer, and possibly a strength coach.

With all of the above in mind, what kind of classes would you recomend I focus on during my master's?

Thank you.

[Brian A.]

School of Hard Knocks. I learned most of what I know about functional and corrective exercises by injuring 90% of my joints in every sport I ever attempted to play I knew most of the rehab protocols before I graduated high school becasuse I spent so much time doing them.

Other than going out and injuring yourself for the experience, it sounds like your already taking all the right classes. Just study the work of the guys you mentioned and get real good at recognizing problems. Train your eyes to see what's wrong with people's movements and then make sure to back that up by learning how to fix it and you should do fine.

[goergen1]

I know I am getting in a little late with this thread. Please excuse.

With all of the above in mind, what kind of classes would you recomend I focus on during my master's?

At the risk of sounding like a jerk. Pass your classes, for the most part you will get what you need out of your program.

If you decide on the personal training route, get a job at a local gym and start training people.

If you decide to go the strength coach route, here are some pointers.

You are at a college or university, most have athletes and strength coaches, find out who the head strength coach is and see if you can start helping out. More than likely you will not get paid. It does not matter, you are going to need experience in the strength and conditioning industry to get anywhere.

You will also need to know people in the strength and conditioning industry. That is a good way to get ins at available jobs. So you can kill 2 birds with one stone. It will also be a lot of fun. (did I mention that it will be hard work as well )

It is awesome, if you are the right type of person.

[WalkingDysfunction]

My boss is a strength and conditioning coach and she told me what universities typically pay their strength and conditioning coaches.....it's very low (low 30's or 20's) in relation to the demands of the job (amount of days working, team travel, etc.). I guess they make more money once they make it big and go private I assume?