USU Kinesiology and Health Science Department

10/05/2026

10/02/2026

🍂 A change of season means a change in how we play, explore and connect.

As summer gives way to fall, long days of outdoor recreation shift into crisp mornings, changing leaves and a new season of activities.

Football, soccer, volleyball and cross country are just the beginning. Fall also brings opportunities to go hiking, take a bike ride, visit an apple orchard or pumpkin patch, explore a corn maze, enjoy a fall picnic, take a walk to see the changing leaves, or simply spend time outside with friends and family.

The changing seasons remind us that recreation isn't just about competition. It's about movement, community, tradition and finding ways to enjoy the places and people around us.

🍁 So, what sport, activity or fall tradition signals the arrival of the season for you?

10/01/2026

What can the ethics of sport teach us about AI?

We often ask whether AI can help us perform tasks faster or better. But what happens when technology starts doing the work that helps us develop our own skills?

New research from Javi Lopez Frias explores this question by looking at an unexpected place: sport ethics.

The research identifies four ideas from sport—agency, effort, natural talent and identity—that can help us think about what we might gain, or lose, when AI takes over human tasks.

Read the research: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00146-026-03377-z

09/30/2026

09/29/2026

🥾 What happens to the body after 2,650 miles?

A new study from our faculty and instructors examines how a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike affected body composition and bone health. After completing the 4,265-km (2,650-mile) trail, the hiker experienced substantial changes in body composition, including a decrease in body fat from 33.2% to 24.9% and a 52% reduction in visceral adipose tissue.

But what happened to bone health? 🦴

While total-body bone mineral content and bone mineral density were retained, lumbar bone mineral density decreased by 3.8%. The study reports that the hiker eventually regained this loss.

Published in Physiological Reports, this case study offers a closer look at the physiological demands of prolonged endurance activity—and raises new questions about how the body adapts to extreme physical challenges.

🔬 Researchers: Dale R. Wagner, Edward M. Heath & Macy Gustavus
📖 Physiological Reports | 2026
🔗 Read the full study: DOI 10.14814/phy2.71058

09/25/2026

How well do you know your USU Aggie Homecoming history?

Homecoming has been a Utah State tradition for a long time, and over the years, we've collected some pretty fun traditions and stories along the way.

From the history of the Block A to the traditions behind becoming a True Aggie, swipe through to test your Aggie knowledge!

Which fact surprised you the most? Drop it in the comments!

Happy Homecoming, Aggies!

09/24/2026

Scholarship, sport, and international conversation. This September, faculty member Javi Lopez Frias traveled to São Paulo, Brazil, to participate in the 53rd Annual International Association for the Philosophy of Sport Conference at the University of São Paulo.

The conference brought together scholars from around the world to explore questions about the philosophy, ethics, and experience of sport. Javi participated in the Nietzsche and Sport round table, chaired conference sessions, and joined a panel exploring gender and sport.

And the conversation didn’t end when the sessions did. Javi also joined fellow conference participants for a soccer match—an opportunity to connect with colleagues while experiencing sport in one of the countries where it is deeply woven into culture and everyday life.

We’re proud to see our faculty engaging in international scholarship and contributing to conversations about the questions that shape sport, society, and human experience.

09/23/2026

Homecoming is calling, Aggies!

Whether you're ready to run, cheer, connect, eat, celebrate or just make some memories with your friends, there's plenty happening around campus this weekend.
From the Running of the Bulls 5K, to the parade, tailgate, and Homecoming game, we're here for all the ways you can get moving and get involved.

Swipe through our KHS Homecoming guide and start building your weekend checklist!

What are you most excited for?

09/22/2026

Think you know what these degrees are all about? Think again. 👀

Kinesiology, recreation administration, and health science reach far beyond what you might expect—from human movement, exercise, and performance to sport management and coaching, public recreation, outdoor adventure leadership, event planning, wellness, and public health.

Different fields, different paths, and so many ways to help people and communities move, connect, thrive, and live healthier lives.