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Sally Sherman

Associate Professor of Practice

Health & Human Development

Dr. Sally Sherman, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Practice within the Department of Health and Human Development. She holds a B.A. in Dance, an M.Ed. in Teaching, an M.S. in Exercise Science, and a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology. In addition, she engages as an investigator in National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded research studying the impact of yoga and meditation on various health outcomes. Dr. Sherman’s original work studied “Energy Expenditure in Yoga Versus Other Forms of Physical Activity” and revealed that vinyasa yoga meets the guidelines for moderate physical activity. This study has been published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health and has been presented nationally and internationally. She is a regular presenter on wellness and health, has led and assisted yoga and meditation trainings all over the world, and leads both anatomy and research workshops within yoga teacher trainings. As an alum of the School of Education, Dr. Sherman aims to inspire students to dream big and to ignite learning both in and out of the classroom.

Recently, she was an invited guest on CBS Pittsburgh where she discussed the research behind yoga.

  • Considerations for Health and Fitness Programming
  • Dance
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Exercise Science
  • Exercise Science
  • Health and Human Development
  • Health Fitness Practicum Experiences
  • Instructor training courses in Yoga, Pilates, and other Forms of Group Exercise
  • Lifetime Activities
  • Pilates
  • Teaching Health and Wellness in the Classroom
  • Yoga

  • Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention
  • Classroom Physical Activity Intervention
  • Curriculum Development and Instruction
  • Dance Education
  • Exercise & Physical Activity
  • Health and Physical Education
  • Meditation
  • Mindfulness
  • Obesity
  • Weight Loss Intervention
  • Yoga

Sherman, S.A., Cameron, C., Nichols, R. (2023). Promoting inclusivity in physical education and health with the theory of multiple intelligences. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. doi:10.1080/07303084.2023.2252867.

Cheruka, C.A., Sherman, S.A., Davis, K.K., Kline, C.E. Oxygen Consumption and Heart Rate Responses in Different Vinyasa Yoga Sequences. International Journal of Yoga Therapy. 2023 Jan 1;33 (2023) Article 2. doi: 10.17761/2023-D-22-00058. PMID: 37169721.

Unick, J.L., Dunsiger, S.I., Bock, B.C., Sherman, S.A., Braun, T.D., Hayes, J.F., Goldstein, S.P., Wing, R.R. A randomized trial examining the effect of yoga on dietary lapses and lapse triggers following behavioral weight loss treatment. Obesity Science & Practice. April 20, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1002/osp4.678.

Buxton J.D., Sherman S.A., Sterrett M.T., Kannel K.D., Blanchflower M.E., Jancay K.T., Jenkins A.K., Donofrio T.P., Prins P.J. A comparison of the energy demands of quadrupedal movement training to walking. Front Sports Act Living. 2022 Oct 13;4:992687. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2022.992687. PMID: 36311211; PMCID: PMC9606455.

Unick, J.L., Dunsinger, S.I., Bock, B.C., Sherman, S.A., Braun, T.D., Wing, R.R. A preliminary investigation of yoga as an intervention approach to improving long-term weight loss: A randomized trial. 2022. PLOS ONE. 2022 Feb 4;17(2):e0263405. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263405.

Jakicic J.M., Davis K.K., Rogers R.J., Sherman S.A., Barr S., Marcin M.L., Collins K.A., Collins A.M., Yuan N., Lang W. Feasibility of integration of yoga in a behavioral weight loss intervention: a randomized trial. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2021, 29(3): 512-520.  doi:10.1002/oby.23089. NIHMSID: NIHMS1649766

Jakicic, J.M., Rogers, R.J., Sherman, S.A., Kovacs, S.J.  Physical Activity and Weight Management. Handbook of Obesity Treatment (2nd Edition). Eds: Thomas A. Wadden and George A. Bray. Guilford Publications, Inc.: New York. 2018, 322-335.

Sherman, S.A., Rogers, R.J., Davis, K.K., Minster, R.L., Creasy, S.A., Mullarkey, N.C., O’Dell, M., Donahue, P., Jakicic, J.M. Energy expenditure in Vinyasa yoga versus walking. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. 14(8). 597-605. August 2017. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2016-0548.

Sherman, S.A., Rogers, R.J., Jakicic, J.M. (2017). Yoga for health: Considerations beyond energy cost and isolated asanas (poses). Letter to the editor. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 49(4): 859, APR 2017. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000001156.

NIH-NCCIH, Co-investigator, “A Remote-Based Yoga Intervention for Improving Long-Term Weight Loss.” R01 AT011868-01A1

University of Pittsburgh Momentum Funds and School of Education’s Dean’s Faculty Grant Award, Co-investigator, “Supporting Wellbeing with Autistic Adults through Yoga (SWAY).”

NIH-NIDDK, Consultant, “Examination of the Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Yoga as an Intervention Approach to Improving Long-Term Weight Loss.” R03 DK115978-02 and R03 DK115978-01A1

NIH-NCCIH, Co-investigator, “Integration of Yoga and Mindfulness for the Treatment of Obesity in Adults.” R34 AT009361-01 and R34 AT009361-02

Principal Investigator, “Energy Expenditure in Yoga versus Other Forms of Physical Activity.” Funded by The Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center.

  • University of Pittsburgh Swim Team Most Valuable Professor Award, 2019
  • Lululemon Global Ambassador Summit Recipient, Whistler, B.C., 2018
  • University of Pittsburgh Softball Team’s Most Valuable Professor Award, 2018
  • Department of Health and Physical Activity’s Richard N. and Bernadette C. Jakicic Recognition Award, 2015
  • Department of Health and Physical Activity’s Deborah Aaron Memorial Award, 2014
  • Slippery Rock University’s Young Alumni of the Year Award, 2006
  • Pennsylvania State Association of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Recognition Award, 1999

 

American College of Sports Medicine, Member

Professional Strength and Conditioning Support, Athletes have included the Pittsburgh Penguins, the University of Pittsburgh Football and Men’s Soccer Teams and select members of the Pittsburgh Steelers

Presenter, Wanderlust Events

Co-Founder & Ultra Endurance Athlete, Full Psych Adventure Team 501 © 3

Cycling Instructor, The Wheel Mill Indoor Bike Park (electricity-generating bikes)

Instructor/Coach, Ride Like a Girl Women’s Weekend, The Wheel Mill Indoor Bike Park

Co-creator/Instructor, “Oms in the Outfield,” an annual yoga class taught at PNC Park

Baptiste Power Yoga Institute, Advanced Yoga Certification (750-hour Certified Yoga Educator Credential)

Pilates Sol, Advanced Pilates Certification

American Red Cross, Certified Lifeguard

Keiser Cycle, Certified Instructor

Lululemon, Community Ambassador

Board of Directors, Pine Richland High School Orchestra, Perry Highway Lutheran Pre-Kindergarten School, and the Diversity & Inclusion Committee of Perry Highway Lutheran Church

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