Kinesiology is the study of human movement and is essential to keep our bodies healthy for work, play and sports. Without it, injured people could not heal and advances in human sciences would be obsolete.

“Knowing how your body functions helps you so much with sports and life in general,” Sashia Pelaez City college student and kinesiology club treasurer said.

City College offers students interested in this field to join the kinesiology club. A barbecue held on Friday, September 13, at the Veterans Memorial Building provided more information for prospective members.

Co-presidents Sabine Bourret and Carlos Camargo organized the event to bring in students interested in kinesiology and athletic training.

A degree in kinesiology prepares students to work in sports psychology, biomechanics, orthopedics, physical rehabilitation, physical or occupational therapy.

“I love staying fit but I also want to take care of the guys who took care of me in the military,” Camargo, an army veteran and kinesiology major said.

Club advisor and kinesiology professor Dr. Paula Congleton said, “We really do go hand in hand with some of the things that have to do with veterans. We are the ones who are inventing artificial limbs and helping injured veterans recover.”

Every year the kinesiology club has between 15 to 30 members and club events help bring in more people.

In October, the physical education and kinesiology club put together the Fit Fest – Movement Matter’s Fair for kindergarten through sixth grade kids. A haunted house, obstacle course, pumpkin bowling, football target toss, volleyball target serve, balance, and coordination all focus on educating kids on how to stay active and fit.

“The whole study of human movement as a coach and a professor makes it rewarding to see our students excel in anatomy, motor skills development and giving back to the community,” said Congleton. “We like to focus on giving exposure to children in fitness and the importance of everyone being physically active.”

Many students in the kinesiology program were previously injured in high school or college sports and see how the physical rehabilitation process works.

“I played softball for my first two years so being injured really opened my eyes to what physical therapy does for people,” Bourret said. “After that it was so easy for me, it just clicked.”

Congleton, Camargo, Bourret and Pelaez emphasize the importance of showing the Santa Barbara community how important it is for everyone to stay healthy and fit.

“All people need to move. All people need to be active,” said Congleton.

The club plans to meet at 3 p.m. every other Wednesday in room 101-B or 218 in the Life Fitness Center.