Therese Iknoian is an exercise physiologist and nationally published freelance writer specializing in fitness, sports, and health. In addition to being the author of Fitness Walking, Therese has written articles for such magazines as Walking, Self, Women's Sports and Fitness, Parenting, Men's Health, and Vitality. She is also a contributing editor for Walking magazine and California City Sports and is a member of the editorial board for the American College of Sports Medicine's Health & Fitness Journal.
As a master walking instructor, Therese has spent several years working with corporations, health clubs, independent walking clubs, and professional conferences all over the world. She developed the Nike RunWalk program, has worked with Rockport and Side 1 as a program consultant, and is a member of the Adidas Global Advisory Panel and the PowerBar Team Elite. Therese also belongs to Team Polar, a group that educates people about the importance of heart-rate monitoring for effective exercise.
Therese is a nationally ranked competitive race walker. In 1994, when she was ranked 24th in the United States by Track & Field News, she broke the world record for the indoor 3K for her age group. Therese still holds the national record for the outdoor 3K. In 1995, she placed 14th in the Race Walk World Cup national trials. She also has numerous gold and silver medals in national masters championships.
Therese completed her master of science degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise physiology and sport nutrition. She is certified as a health/fitness instructor by the American College of Sports Medicine and is gold-certified by the American Council on Exercise as a group fitness instructor. She also is certified as a coach and official by USA Track & Field.