Kinesiology Exercises for Weight Loss

According to Dictionary.com, kinesiology is the science of human movement. Thus, when speaking of kinesiology exercises for weight loss, the main concern is finding motions and exercises that serve to help a dieter burn enough calories to lose weight in a safe and efficient manner. According to an article published in the 1994 issue of the "Journal of Applied Physiology," resistance training can help individuals lose weight by boosting their metabolism, even while the body is at rest.

Standing Overhead Press

• Perform the standing overhead press for a challenging movement to help you burn additional calories during your workout. The standing overhead press is an oft-neglected pressing variation that often takes a back seat to exercises such as the bench press, although it is just as effective (if not more so) at building strength and burning body fat. Stand with your feet roughly shoulder-width apart or a little wider, holding a barbell or a pair of dumbbells in place against your chest. Initiate the movement by using the muscles of your chest, shoulders and triceps to press the barbell overhead until your elbows are completely extended and locked. Lower the barbell back to your chest slowly, under full control, and press the weight as explosively as you are able to without using any leg drive or otherwise losing your balance. Repeat this drill for four sets of six to eight reps.

Reverse Lunges

• Perform reverse lunges for a complex lower-body movement to ramp up your metabolism, helping you burn additional pounds. Reverse lunges can be performed with either a barbell across your back or a pair of dumbbells, but first-time users of this exercise should stick to holding dumbbells at their sides to minimize the possibility of losing balance. Stand comfortably with your feet shoulder-width apart. Initiate the movement by taking a long stride backward (but continue facing and looking forward throughout). After your back foot is on the ground, with your heel raised and the weight on the balls of your foot, descend while keeping your torso as rigid and straight as possible until your back knee brushes the ground. Reverse by using the muscles of your front leg to stand up again, stepping forward as you do so to return to your neutral starting position. Alternate legs, repeating for two to three sets of eight to 10 reps per leg.