John Mercer

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Professor, Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences

Co-director, UNLV Sports Innovation

Expertise: Biomechanics (physics of sports), Kinesiology (study of human movement), Running

Biography

John Mercer is a professor of kinesiology, which is the study of how the human body moves. A triathlete of more than 25 years, he is an expert in biomechanics (the physics of sports) and running.

A prolific researcher, Mercer recently directed kinesiology-focused studies on rehabilitation techniques like running in the water and running with body weight support, how shoe design is important to consider for children runners, and if rocker-bottom styled shoes increase muscle development in the lower legs.

His work has been published in dozens of industry publications including the Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, the Journal of Applied Biomechanics, the European Journal of Applied Physiology, and Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

Mercer is a co-director of UNLV Sports Innovation, a university-wide sports research hub. He is also chair of UNLV’s Biomedical Institutional Review Board, which approves, monitors, and reviews biomedical and social/behavioral research involving human subjects in order to protect their rights and welfare.

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John Mercer In The News

AARP's Smart Guide to Hiking for Older Adults

AARP

From your first trail to longer adventures, these 32 tips can help older adults at every experience level hike smarter, safer and more comfortably.

How Much Strength Training Do You Really Need to Gain Muscle? Probably Less Than You Think

Health

You may only need to lift weights for an hour each week to build muscle, a new study suggests.

What Can Happen to Your Feet If You Wear the Same Shoes for Running and Lifting

SELF

Maybe you’re a runner who strength trains to stay injury-free, a lifter who dabbles in sprinting for power, or someone who’s aiming to incorporate both cardio and resistance into your general routine—a.k.a. the original “hybrid athlete.”

10 Under Desk Treadmills to Help You Ditch Your Desk Chair

SELF

Working a desk job is a reliable way to get your bag—but not so much your steps. That is, unless you’re familiar with the best under desk treadmills, which allow you to take hot girl walks while you’re clearing your inbox or stuck in back-to-back Zoom calls. (Note: If you’re planning a fart walk, make sure you’re on mute.)