Mary Yoke, PhD, FACSM, MA, MM, is a lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology.
Yoke has a doctorate in health behavior, a masters in clinical exercise physiology, two degrees in music, and has obtained 24 certifications in fitness. In 2021, she earned a certificate in effective college instruction (including online teaching strategies), a 26-week course offered by the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE).
As a researcher, her interests include health behavior, positive psychology, sedentary behavior, guidelines for light activity, obesity and physical activity, and older adult physical activity.
Prior to her appointment at IU Indianapolis, Yoke was a visiting lecturer in both the Departments of Kinesiology and applied health science at IU Bloomington. Before her move to Indiana, she was a senior adjunct faculty member at Adelphi University in New York for 22 years, where she authored or co-authored numerous group exercise research studies. During that time, she also worked in the areas of cardiac rehab, physical therapy, corporate fitness and health promotion, and taught for 25 years in the commercial health-club setting. Yoke served as an associate board member of the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America from 1990–2015. She was awarded the Ruth Skinner award for excellence in teaching and outstanding contributions to the profession during her time at Adelphi University.
Yoke became a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine in 2016, and is a long-time associate editor of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal. She is the author or co-author of five books: four fitness textbooks and one book on happiness, and she has been featured in 13 exercise videos and multiple online courses. Yoke is a popular presenter at international health and fitness conferences and has presented fitness workshops throughout the U.S. in 49 states. She also has led fitness certifications and continuing education workshops in 18 countries around the world.
