Dr. Kristen Lagally is a professor and researcher at Illinois State University. Her area of expertise is in Fitness Testing, Perceived Exertion, and EIMOC (Exercise is Medicine on Campus). Initially, during her graduate degree in Exercise Physiology at the University of Pittsburgh, she thought she would pursue a career in cardiac rehab or campus recreation. Ultimately, she decided to pursue a career in research and academia. She went on to earn a PhD in Exercise Physiology at the University of Pittsburgh. She has received the Mid-West ACSM ActiveU Award Mid-West Regional ACSM Chapter in 2017, the IAHPERD Scholar Award in 2015, and many other awards during her career.
Dr. Lagally’s initial area of focus for research was on ratings of perceived exertion during weight training, as well as looking at factors that contribute to exercise adherence. Since then, she has pivoted into her current and main focus, which is leading the program, Exercise is Medicine on Campus. As well as conducting research that focuses on client interventions and outcomes. Dr. Lagally started the Illinois State University chapter for the program in the 2014-2015 academic year. With the goal of connecting health care practitioners with exercise professionals in a referral setting, as well as promoting positive physical activity experiences for free to the referred patients who have not had positive experiences in the past with physical activity, Dr. Lagally created a positive learning environment for Illinois State students in need. She hopes that students involved in the program continue in the future to adopt physical activity into their everyday lifestyle.
Over the past five years, Dr. Lagally expresses that the program has continued to grow. Joining her are three graduate assistants and some undergraduates that aid in the research and aid in the training of clients. For students looking to pursue roles in research, Dr. Lagally suggests reaching out and talking to professors. Furthermore, there are opportunities to get involved with the Exercise is Medicine on Campus program as well.
Here’s some additional information on Exercise is Medicine on Campus: https://kinrec.illinoisstate.edu/services/exercise/
Interview conducted by Exercise Science Student Cody Kurcab .