Mark Anshel

Mark H. Anshel, PhD, is a professor in the department of health and human performance with a joint appointment in the psychology department at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. He is the author of more than 135 research publications, four fitness books, and multiple editions of the text Sport Psychology: From Theory to Practice. His research since 2007 has concerned the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral model on exercise participation and adherence called the Disconnected Values Model. Anshel is recognized as an international leader in providing evidence-based programs and linking research with practice in the areas of exercise and fitness psychology and sport psychology.

Over the course of his career, Anshel has gained hands-on experience consulting with more than 3,000 clients on healthy habits, particularly the use of exercise. His practical career experience began with seven years as a fitness director in community recreation. From 2000 to 2002 Anshel served as a performance coach at the Human Performance Institute in Orlando, Florida, where he provided corporate clients with a cognitive-behavioral program on replacing unhealthy habits with more desirable lifestyle routines. He also served as a performance consultant and researcher related to improving wellness and coping skills with the Murfreesboro Police Department from 2005 to 2011.

In 2009, Anshel was awarded the Distinguished Research Scholar Award from Middle Tennessee State University. Anshel is a fellow of the American Psychological Association (Division 47, Exercise and Sport Psychology). He is the founder and director of the Middle Tennessee State University Employee Health and Wellness Program, which received grant funding of $130,000 over two years. Anshel also served for 10 years on the editorial board of the Journal of Sport Behavior.

In his free time, Anshel enjoys jogging, writing on health-related topics, and reading current events and health-related research. He resides in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.