Verified by Psychology Today

Pirkko Markula Ph.D.

About

Pirkko Markula, Ph.D., is a professor of socio-cultural studies of physical activity at the University of Alberta, Canada, as well as a Pilates instructor and contemporary dancer. She is a founding member of the Body, Movement, and Culture research group of qualitative research. In her research she uses qualitative research methods to examine women's exercise experiences, their understandings of health, body-image, and the ideal, fit body. In addition, she is interested how the media, the commercial fitness industry, and the diverse forms of fitness practices shape women's exercise attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Through her practice and her teaching, Dr. Markula aims to promote meaningful exercise practices. Her current research concerns the intersections of health, dance, and mindful fitness.

Recent Posts
What Is a Yoga Body?
Yoga is now marketed through print journals and social media to women consumers. The media images of the yoga body do not always reflect real-life yoga practice.
How to Learn to Relax
Relaxation can reduce stress. Learning to relax is a physical skill that requires work and patience.
What We Can Learn from Women Who Take Adult Ballet Classes

Ballet is often seen as a sport for the young. But several studies find that ballet can be a joyful, healthy pursuit at any age, even old age.

Ballet is often seen as a sport for the young. But several studies find that ballet can be a joyful, healthy pursuit at any age, even old age.

Exploring the Body Positivity Movement

Are you tired of feeling bad about your body? The body positivity movement can promote a positive body image.

Are you tired of feeling bad about your body? The body positivity movement can promote a positive body image.

How Do We Recognize Weight Bias?

Are you aware of weight bias? It is important to look for alternative exercise goals to weight loss.

Are you aware of weight bias? It is important to look for alternative exercise goals to weight loss.

Will Online Fitness Classes Disappear?

Will online fitness classes disappear? Not everyone is prepared to return to gym after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Will online fitness classes disappear? Not everyone is prepared to return to gym after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why Eating Disorders Have Escalated During the Pandemic

Why have eating disorders spiked during the pandemic? Researchers find that stress may have triggered out-of-control eating and excessive exercise.

Why have eating disorders spiked during the pandemic? Researchers find that stress may have triggered out-of-control eating and excessive exercise.

Can Activewear Degrade the Environment?

Are you washing your workout gear after every use? Adjusting laundering can help save the environment.

Are you washing your workout gear after every use? Adjusting laundering can help save the environment.