What if everything we thought we knew about motivating people to exercise was wrong? In this eye-opening episode, we explore the counterintuitive science of sustainable physical activity with behavioral scientist Dr. Michelle Segar and lifestyle medicine physician Dr. Rakesh Jatwani. Here's a shocking revelation: telling patients to exercise "for their health" might actually be sabotaging their long-term motivation. Dr. Segar shares research showing that health-focused exercise messaging can...
America faces a profound physical activity crisis that threatens our collective health, economy, and national security. The numbers are alarming: less than one in four adults and only one in six youth meet federal physical activity guidelines. One in three young people may be pre-diabetic. Only two in five young adults are fit enough to serve in our military. And the financial toll? A staggering $192 billion in annual healthcare costs directly linked to physical inactivity. In this urgent co...
America stands at a critical health crossroads. Despite overwhelming evidence that physical activity is our most powerful health intervention, we remain a culture of inactivity. That's about to change. The Physical Activity Alliance has planted its flag with a Big Hairy Audacious Goal that will transform American health: By 2050, over 50% of the US population will meet the National Physical Activity Guidelines for both aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening. This ambitious target wasn't c...
Ever wondered how to turn national physical activity guidelines into meaningful community change? This eye-opening conversation reveals the roadmap for developing state-level physical activity plans that make movement a priority where Americans actually live, work, and play. Wellness Paradox host Michael Stack shares the journey of building the Michigan Moves Coalition, showing that creating transformative plans doesn't require extensive resources—just passionate advocates willing to collabo...
The absence of physical activity from critical national health policy conversations represents a profound failure of advocacy that demands immediate attention. In this eye-opening episode, our host, Michael Stack explores how the Department of Health and Human Services' recent announcement to combat chronic disease through "safe, wholesome food, clean water and elimination of environmental toxins" completely omitted any mention of movement or physical activity – one of the most powerful healt...
The health and fitness industry stands at a crucial crossroads as qualified exercise professionals prepare to step into the healthcare system as trusted providers. But amid this transformative opportunity, a troubling question emerges: are we actually ready? As Physical Activity Alliance President, I've observed a growing divide in our field. While some forward-thinking professionals eagerly prepare for healthcare integration, many remain comfortably fixed in the status quo, content to serve...
Discover why physical inactivity needs to be recognized as a national crisis with the potential to impact our economy and national security in ways you never imagined. Join our host, Michael Stack, as we challenge conventional thinking and propose a provocative, strategic shift in public health messaging. With healthcare costs devouring a staggering 20% of GDP, it's time to acknowledge the $117 billion burden of inactivity and inspire industries, governments, and communities to prioritize phy...
In this episode, we delve into the critical transition from demonstrating the efficacy of exercise to proving its cost-effectiveness, a pivotal shift necessary for securing insurance reimbursement for supervised exercise therapy. We explore how the effectiveness of exercise, well-supported by numerous studies showcasing its benefits for various health conditions, forms the foundation. However, the challenge lies in aligning this efficacy with the economic metrics that insurance companies prio...
Can exercise professionals become a cornerstone of healthcare? Discover how we're working to make this vision a reality as we reflect on our journey since 2021. Learning from all our amazing guests over the past three and a half years has taught us the importance of policy and system changes to integrate exercise professionals into healthcare delivery. As we move towards 2025, the focus remains on keeping you, our listeners, informed and proactively identifying opportunities for you to engage...
Discover the future of fitness with Amy Boone Thompson, CEO of IDEA Health and Fitness Association, as she unveils the secrets to a thriving career in the exercise industry. Ready to break free from isolation and ignite your professional growth? Our conversation reveals how IDEA has been revolutionizing support for fitness professionals with a legacy of 43 years, now further enhanced by their innovative mentorship program. Whether you're a newcomer or a veteran in the field, Amy shares invalu...
Ever wondered how healthcare systems shape public health across the globe? Join us as we welcome back Dr. Natalie Grinvalds, an expert with firsthand experience in both the American and UK healthcare systems, for a compelling exploration of their structural differences. Natalie, with her unique journey from the U.S. to England, shares invaluable insights into how exercise professionals can bridge the gap between medical care and wellness, offering a holistic approach that could transform heal...
This is the twelfth, and final, episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll unlock the secrets to advancing your career in the exercise profession. We guarantee you'll learn how to transform your role by acting as a healthcare professional today, while staying on top of industry developments. Join our host, Michael Stack, as we w...
This is the eleventh episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll explore the important and complex topic of payment, with Christina Badaracco, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Compensation for Exercise Professional Services." Christina has an extensive background in clinical research, healthcare policy,...
In this episode we welcome back Becky Searls to the podcast, who joined us originally in episode 48. She is a former high school Spanish teacher turned personal trainer and fitness coach. In this episode she shares an update to her inspirational career journey. Discover how Becky's background in education seamlessly transitioned into the fitness industry, highlighting the striking parallels between curriculum planning in teaching and program planning in personal training. Becky re...
This is the tenth episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll explore the exciting topic of technology, with Dr. Atkinson, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Emerging Health Technologies: Opportunities and Practical Applications for the Exercise Professional." Dr. Atkinson, a leading behavioral scientist...
This is the ninth episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll discuss the topic of risk management, with Dr. JoAnn Eickhoff-Shemek, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Essential Risk Management Competencies for Exercise Professionals." Discover how to elevate your career as an exercise professional...
Unlock the potential of whole person health and wellness with insights from our special guest, Dr. Jessica Matthews. In this episode she shares her unique perspective, informed by her vast experience in exercise science, health coaching, and academia, to emphasize the importance of psychological and behavioral aspects in health behavior change. Learn how a coach-based approach can significantly improve adherence to exercise programs and lead to better outcomes for clients. Explore the powerf...
This is the eighth episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll discuss the professionalization in Wellness Coaching, with Margaret Moore, a contributor to the article in the themed issue entitled "Lessons Learned from the Wellness Coaching Profession: The Path to Healthcare Recognition." Margaret is a trailblazer in the healt...
This is the seventh episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll explore the important topic of developing trusted collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, with Dr. Amy Bantham, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Developing Trusted Collaborative Relationships between Healthcare Providers and ...
What if blending physical and mental health could revolutionize your approach to wellness? In this episode of the Wellness Paradox podcast, we bring you an engaging conversation with Angela Moore, a unique professional who bridges the gap between fitness and mental health. Angela's journey from a personal trainer to a licensed counselor underscores the importance of understanding and integrating both physical and mental well-being. Discover how her dual expertise equips fitness professionals ...