The Medical Fitness Podcast

Season 4, Episode 3 of the Medical Fitness Podcast focuses on one of the most important and often misunderstood topics in our field: clinical integration.In this episode, David Flench, Thomas Hammett, and Jeff Young discuss the difference between offering medical fitness “programs” and truly becoming part of how healthcare is delivered.We cover why clinical integration requires more than good intentions. It requires structured referral pathways, defined roles, clinician trust, vetted exercise professionals, communication loops, and meaningful outcome tracking.We also discuss why programs can help patients and clinicians understand what is being offered, but should not lead to gimmicky or underdosed exercise. The goal is not simply to create more programs. The goal is to build intentional systems that connect medicine, rehabilitation, and fitness in a way that improves patient care.If you work in healthcare, rehabilitation, lifestyle medicine, fitness, or medical fitness, this episode will help clarify what true clinical integration actually looks like.Listen to Season 4, Episode 3 of the Medical Fitness Podcast: Clinical Integration.Support the show

Building the Rehab-to-Fitness Bridge with Dr. Thomas HammettIn this episode, Jeff sits down with Dr. Thomas Hammett to examine one of the most persistent breakdowns in healthcare: the gap between rehabilitation and long-term fitness. Most patients are discharged from physical therapy with a home exercise program, not a structured transition to a qualified fitness professional. The result is predictable, recurring pain, incomplete recovery, and missed opportunities to build long-term resilience. This conversation challenges the assumption that discharge equals completion.Dr. Hammett shares data from a 450-patient sample showing that 80% of patients are interested in learning how lifestyle, nutrition, and long-term exercise influence their condition. That finding directly counters the belief that patients are disinterested. The issue is not motivation, it is messaging, systems design, and failure to assess readiness to change. The episode explores how early conversations, simple screening questions, and culture shifts within clinics can transform the rehab experience into the first step of a larger continuum.The discussion then moves beyond individual clinicians and into leadership and operations. Topics include rebranding from “orthopedic rehab” to “lifestyle medicine,” building referral trust, aligning mission with financial sustainability, tracking outcomes, and avoiding the common mistake of treating fitness referrals like general population clients. Exercise professionals must learn medical language, refine progression planning, and demonstrate both technical and behavioral competency to earn clinician confidence.The central takeaway is clear: rehab is not the finish line. Medicine stabilizes. Rehab restores. Medical fitness builds capacity. If we want durable outcomes, fewer recurrences, and true culture change, the bridge between rehab and fitness must become standard practice, not an afterthought.Support the show

Season 4 of the Medical Fitness Podcast is here, and we have officially rebranded the show into a two-part format:Part 1: We interview a guest on what we consider a true “hot topic” in medical fitness.Part 2: We reconvene to break down the conversation and translate it into practical takeaways.For Season 4, Episode 1, we sat down with Jason Jones (Technogym) to tackle one of the most important issues in clinically integrated fitness right now: data collection and outcomes tracking.Jason makes a clear case that if you are not measuring meaningful outcomes, you are not proving impact. And if you are not proving impact, you risk being seen as an “activity center” rather than a health and performance solution that belongs in modern healthcare.Key themes we cover:Why outcomes are a core differentiator in medical fitness, and why they matter strategically (not just academically).The common trap of collecting too much data and overwhelming staff, and how to avoid it.The value of starting small with a short list of “easy win” metrics (think: 3–5) and building your system over time.How to organize outcomes in a practical way: performance/fitness capacity, patient-reported outcomes, adherence and completion, and more.How technology can reduce friction, create consistency, and make reassessments and reporting realistic in the real world.In Part 2, we expand on the implications: outcomes tracking is not just measurement, it is positioning. It can determine whether a program gets treated like an optional amenity or a clinical asset that drives referrals, retention, credibility, and long-term growth.To connect with Jason:Email: [email protected]: Search “Jason Jones” + “Technogym”If you work in medical fitness, lifestyle medicine, physical therapy, or any setting where exercise is being positioned as healthcare, this two-part episode will sharpen how you think about measurement, value, and credibility.Support the show

Season 3, Episode 22 of the Medical Fitness Podcast is live, and it is an extremely insightful conversation.In this episode, Thomas sits down with Courtney McCliment, a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and manager of the Lifestyle Medicine Department at Valley Medical Center. Courtney oversees physical and occupational therapists, registered dietitians, cardiac and pulmonary rehab staff, and medical exercise personnel across a large multidisciplinary team. Her advocacy for exercise, behavior change, and patient empowerment is unmatched. This conversation goes far deeper than standard discussions about nutrition or exercise. Highlights include:1. Why “move more” is not enough. Courtney explains why physical activity must be viewed as a prescription, not a hobby, and why relying on generic advice leaves patients stuck. She details how movement drives metabolic change, supports long-term disease management, and gives patients genuine control over their health. 2. Strength training as a cornerstone therapy for insulin resistance. Courtney outlines how skeletal muscle drives glucose metabolism, why under-muscled patients face major metabolic limitations, and how resistance training is essential for improving type 2 diabetes outcomes. 3. The real story behind bariatric surgery preparation. Courtney walks through the rigorous nutrition and behavioral requirements patients must meet long before surgery, and why expecting them to self-diagnose their own exercise plan often backfires. Her examples make clear why structured guidance matters, especially for medically complex individuals. 4. How continuous glucose monitors (CGM) can transform motivation. She explains how CGM provides immediate feedback about the effects of meals, stress, sleep, and exercise, and why this real-time insight often increases patient engagement far more than traditional education. It is one of the most powerful behavior-change tools now available. 5. A practical look at motivational interviewing. Courtney shares how true behavior change conversations differ from education or advice-giving, why fear-based messaging fails, and how eliciting a patient’s own motivations creates lasting adherence. Her examples are relevant to clinicians, coaches, and anyone trying to help people change. This is one of those episodes that blends science, clinical wisdom, and real-world experience in a way that can reshape how clinicians and fitness professionals think about patient care.If you work in medicine, rehab, fitness, lifestyle medicine, diabetes education, bariatric services, or health coaching, you will take something meaningful from this conversation.Listen to Season 3, Episode 22 now and share it with colleagues who believe lifestyle change deserves a seat at the clinical table.Support the show

🎙️ New Episode: Season 3, Episode 21 — “Bridging Lifestyle Medicine and Medical Fitness with Dr. Andrew Mock”In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrew Mock, physician, educator, and national leader in lifestyle medicine and medical fitness. Dr. Mock currently serves as Chair of the Fitness & Medicine Member Interest Group for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Chair of the MFA Physician Advisory Committee, and a member of the MFA Board of Directors. He’s also delivering a keynote presentation at the upcoming Medical Fitness Association Annual Conference in San Diego.Dr. Mock shares his personal journey and his evolving vision for how medicine and fitness must merge to build a healthier society. Together, we explore five key topics shaping the future of medical fitness:✅ The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine in a Medical Fitness Context Dr. Mock discusses how the six pillars—nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances—can be assessed and integrated into every medical fitness program. While nutrition and exercise often receive attention, he highlights sleep and connection as profoundly underutilized levers for improving health outcomes. He also emphasizes how substance use, while often overlooked in fitness settings, should be addressed through proper screening and referral systems.✅ The Underrated Role of Sleep and Recovery Sleep emerged as one of the most powerful yet neglected health determinants. Dr. Mock explains that inadequate sleep impacts every physiological system and is linked to billions of dollars in productivity loss annually. He and Jeff discuss how wearables and self-monitoring can help track improvements in sleep and recovery as patients progress through medical fitness programs. They also explore how progressive resistance training and structured recovery can coexist under the same “sleep” pillar, representing two sides of the same restorative process.✅ Behavior Change and Habit Formation Dr. Mock outlines practical methods for promoting sustained lifestyle change, including habit stacking, self-monitoring, and shifting from outcome-oriented to process-oriented goals. He explains how simple prompts (like linking daily activities to desired behaviors) and connecting patients to their deeper “why” can dramatically improve adherence. The discussion reinforces that long-term success depends not on willpower alone but on intentional structure, tracking, and meaning.✅ The Role of Exercise Professionals in Clinical Integration Exercise professionals, Dr. Mock notes, are essential to bridging the gap between medicine and wellness. Since most physicians receive minimal formal training in exercise prescription, fitness professionals with advanced education and credentials play a key role in guiding patients safely and effectively. He emphasizes the importance of two-way communication between clinicians and fitness specialists, data sharing, and referral quality control to build trust and continuity of care.✅ Policy and Advocacy: Coverage Determination and the Path to Reimbursement Dr. Mock provides an inside look at current efforts to secure insurance coverage for exercise services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). He explains the ongoing work between the Medical Fitness Association, Physical Activity Alliance, and American College of Lifestyle Medicine to expand national coverage determinations and modify the Physician Fee Schedule so that preventive exercise interventions can be reimbursed. The discussion also touches on the need for standardized exercise reporting (CERT) and better data capture to strengthen the cSupport the show

🎙️ New Episode of the Medical Fitness PodcastGuest: Dr. Michelle Segar, University of MichiganIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Segar, NIH-funded scientist, author of No Sweat and The Joy Choice, and internationally recognized expert on sustainable behavior change. With more than 30 years of research and coaching experience, Dr. Segar has advised organizations like the World Health Organization, Kaiser Permanente, and Walmart on how to create lasting lifestyle change.What we cover:The “lightbulb” moment: Dr. Segar discovered early in her career that even cancer survivors who benefited from exercise stopped once a study ended. This sparked her life’s work—understanding why people quit and how to help them stick with movement for good.Why people don’t stay active: It’s rarely “lack of time” or “no motivation.” These are smokescreens. The real issues often include guilt about prioritizing self-care, choosing exercise they don’t enjoy, or linking exercise only to weight loss.A better approach: Her coaching model blends three pillars:1.     Pleasure & positivity – helping people actually enjoy movement.2.     Permission for self-care – reframing exercise as fuel for life, not a selfish act.3.     Flexible strategies – building a toolkit of options so people can adapt when life gets busy.The power of the “why”: Long-term motivation comes from immediate benefits like energy, stress relief, and feeling better now—not distant goals like weight loss.Changing mindsets, not just behaviors: Sustainable activity starts with shifting beliefs about what exercise means. Dr. Segar calls it liberating people from cultural “brainwashing” around exercise.Key takeaway: If we want people to sustain physical activity, we must help them discover ways to feel good while moving. Enjoyment, permission, and flexible strategies—not shame, rigid goals, or generic prescriptions—are what create lifelong habits.📌 Dr. Segar will also present an MFA webinar on October 7th: Reframing Exercise: Why our approach to exercise counseling causes harm and what science shows is a better way. She will also be leading a pre-conference workshop at the ACLM annual conference in November.Connect with Dr. Michelle Segar:Website & newsletter: michellesegar.comEmail: available via her website contact pageLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellelsegar/Support the show

🚨 New Episode Alert: The Brain Health Opportunity 🚨We just dropped a powerful episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast featuring Ryan Glatt, Senior Brain Health Coach and Director of the FitBrain Program at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute Foundation.Ryan’s path into brain health is anything but ordinary—starting with childhood concussions, video games like Dance Dance Revolution, and eventually pioneering how exercise, cognition, and technology can come together to improve brain health.🎙 In this episode, Ryan shares:Why dementia rates are projected to double by 2050, and how exercise is the most powerful “neuro-polypill” we haveHow dual-task training and clinical exergaming are changing the way we approach medical fitnessSuccess stories from senior living communities and medical fitness centers implementing brain health programsThe new MFA Brain Health Program Accreditation and how it will empower facilities to lead in cognitive wellness👉 Whether you’re a clinician, fitness professional, or simply want to protect your own brain health, this episode highlights the massive opportunity to bridge neuroscience and fitness.📲 Connect with Ryan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-glatt-ms-cpt-nbc-hwc-50ba3664/Instagram: @glatt.brainhealth Support the show

🚨 New Episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast! 🚨This week, we sit down with Simon Matthews, a psychologist and global leader in health behavior change coaching. Simon has nearly 30 years of experience helping people bridge the gap between mental health, physical health, and lifestyle medicine.In this episode, we cover:✅ Why clinicians often struggle when patients present with hopelessness and helplessness—and how to prevent burnout when faced with it. ✅ The Common Factors Theory and why the patient–clinician relationship and fostering hope often outweigh any single tool or method. ✅ Practical strategies clinicians and fitness professionals can use to strengthen trust, empathy, and coaching skills. ✅ How small affirmations and helping patients recognize their own resources can create powerful momentum for behavior change. ✅ What true interdisciplinary care could look like in the future—and why lifestyle medicine may be the key to breaking down silos in healthcare.Simon also shares insights from research on empathy, his approach to coaching healthcare leaders, and a preview of his upcoming ACLM pre-conference workshop on supporting patients who feel “stuck.”🎧 Tune in now to learn how to apply these lessons in your own practice and better support patients and clients in making meaningful, lasting change.👉 Follow Simon Matthews:·       LinkedIn: Search Simon Matthews (the one connected to Jeff Young & Thomas Hammett)·       Website: www.simonmatthewsconsulting.comSupport the show

🚨 New Medical Fitness Podcast Episode!We’re joined by Dr. M. Lucius Pomerantz—orthopedic surgeon, lifestyle medicine physician, and founding member of the MFA Physician Advisory Committee.Dr. Pomerantz shares how he combines surgical expertise with lifestyle medicine to help patients not only recover but also thrive. From small, sustainable lifestyle changes to the role of exercise as “the best medicine,” his insights show how healthcare and fitness can truly work together to improve lives.💡 Highlights include: ✔️ Bridging orthopedics and lifestyle medicine ✔️ Helping patients connect health goals to purpose ✔️ Building collaborative care teams (PT, nutrition, fitness) ✔️ His vision for the future of medical fitness🎙️ Listen now and get inspired by Dr. Pomerantz’s approach to redefining patient care.Support the show

🚨 NEW PODCAST EPISODE ALERT! 🚨 🎧 Medical Fitness Podcast | Powered by the Medical Fitness Association + MRFi🔥 This one’s a must-listen for anyone serious about bridging the gap between healthcare and fitness.We sat down with Carly Headd, Director of Programming at Pinnacle Lifestyle Medicine, to unpack what real medical fitness looks like in action—from behavior change coaching and chronic disease programming to building powerful referral pathways from PTs and RDs into long-term fitness care.🏥 Carly shares:·       How she moved from exercise physiologist to leadership·       Why behavior change is often more important than the exercise prescription itself·       How to build confidence and credibility as an EP in clinical settings·       What she looks for when hiring fitness professionals in a medical model·       How Pinnacle’s Lifestyle 365 program leverages standardized assessments, education, and collaboration with PTs and RDs to drive outcomes·       How they track referral effectiveness by provider, not just clinic⚠️ Key message: You can design the best program in the world—but if the patient isn’t behaviorally ready, it won’t matter. Carly reminds us that health coaching skills are not optional anymore—they’re essential.And yes—we talk data too. You’ll hear how Pinnacle tracks referral patterns, uses CGMs in pilot programs, and avoids overwhelming patients with metrics they don’t understand.💥 Whether you're a clinician, exercise physiologist, or just someone working to build a bridge between medicine and fitness—this episode delivers.🎙️ LISTEN NOW — Available on all platforms.📬 Connect with Carly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-headd-4a3589a6/Support the show

🎙️ New Episode: Redefining Cardiac Rehab—How One Team Is Disrupting the Status Quo📍 Season 3, Episode 14 | Guests: Ashan Korala & Alex Cannon🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platformsFor decades, cardiac rehab has followed the same outdated script: light aerobic work, RPE-based guesswork, minimal resistance training, and low adherence. The result? Underwhelming outcomes and missed opportunities.In this episode, we spotlight a cardiac rehab model that challenges all of that.Ashan Korala, Director of Wellness Services at Pinnacle Lifestyle Medicine, and Alex Cannon, Lead Exercise Physiologist at Valley Medical Center, join us to break down how they’ve rebuilt cardiac rehab from the inside out—shifting from subjective, nurse-led monitoring to a progressive, data-driven, exercise science-based program that delivers real outcomes.🚨 Highlights from the conversation:✅ Objective Testing Over GuessworkPatients now undergo baseline submax VO₂ testing and 1RM assessments. VO₂ estimates are used to guide aerobic prescriptions, while strength training is periodized using real metrics, not assumptions.✅ Resistance Training Is No Longer OptionalForget light bands and 5-pound dumbbells. Their program integrates structured, progressive resistance training using Technogym’s BioCircuit system—allowing for safe eccentric overload, objective progress tracking, and meaningful improvements in lean mass and strength.✅ Quantifiable Outcomes•35.5% increase in VO₂ (vs. national average of ~10%)•12% increase in grip strength•27 average visits per patient (vs. 15 national average)•Seamless transition into a structured, self-pay phase 3 program with high continuity rates✅ Built-In Safety, Structure, and OversightThis model isn't just scalable, it's smart. Safety features in the equipment, team-based staffing models, and consistent reassessments allow for aggressive progression when appropriate, and conservative dosing when necessary.✅ Patient Retention Through Smart HandoffsThe “Vitality Visit” and integrated phase 3 transition model ensure patients don’t fall through the cracks post-rehab. Instead of handing them a generic home exercise program and hoping for the best, they’re walked directly into their next step—with purpose, planning, and accountability.💬 “This isn’t just cardiac rehab. It’s a clinic-wide systems shift—fusing medical oversight with the best of exercise science. And it’s working.”Whether you're a clinician referring to rehab, an exercise specialist working in a hospital, or a fitness pro hoping to collaborate across disciplines—this episode is a blueprint for what cardiac rehab should look like.🧠 Data-driven.💪 Strength-integrated.🔁 Patient-centered.📈 Outcome-focused.This is how we bridge the gap.Support the show

🏥💪 A Certified First in Medical Fitness: How One YMCA is Reshaping Community Health🎙️ In the latest episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast, we sat down with Veronica Lopez, RN, Vice President of Health Strategies at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine—the first YMCA in the country to become Medical Fitness Association certified.Hosted by David Flench, President and CEO of the MFA, this episode is a playbook for any organization looking to elevate their impact, credibility, and partnerships in the health continuum.What you'll learn:🔹 How a vision became reality: Veronica explains how her team took a bold idea—positioning the Y as a legitimate healthcare ally—and executed it across nine branches.🔹 Behind the scenes of MFA certification: From culture shifts and weekly task-force meetings to scoring a 97+ on the audit, this is the blueprint for making medical fitness real in a community setting.🔹 Why now?: With healthcare access gaps, transportation deserts, and chronic disease on the rise, the Y leaned in—not away—and created solutions like the Fit Truk, a mobile fitness and screening center.🔹 What’s next? “Prescribe the Y” is launching soon, powered by encrypted EHR and real clinical referrals. Their team of certified professionals (mostly NASM) is trained, connected, and ready.🔹 Key takeaways for leaders:Don’t wait for the perfect time—start with your “why.”Create cross-functional teams and track progress visually (think: red-yellow-green dashboards).Certification isn’t about checking a box—it’s about credibility, partnerships, and long-term sustainability.A certified facility gets a real seat at the healthcare table.Whether you’re in healthcare, fitness, public health, or community leadership, this episode shows what’s possible when standards meet passion—and when strategy meets service.👇 Tag a clinician, YMCA leader, or fitness professional who needs to hear this.Support the show

🎙️ NEW EPISODE ALERT: “From Policy to Pavement: Building a Physically Active Nation” 💪🗽In this powerful new episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast, co-hosts Jeff Young (MRF Institute) and David Flench (Medical Fitness Association) sit down with Greg Mihailovich, National Advocacy Consultant for the American Heart Association, to break down what it really takes to make physical activity a national priority.🔥 We’re not just talking about guidelines — we’re talking about action: ✅ How the AHA pushes for policy, system, and environmental change ✅ The origin and evolution of the Physical Activity Alliance ✅ The inside story behind the launch of the New York Moves Coalition ✅ The challenges and equity issues in state-level planning ✅ Lessons from success stories in NYC, Michigan, and West Virginia🎯 Whether you're a healthcare provider, policymaker, fitness professional, or someone fighting for a healthier future in your community — this episode shows how advocacy and collaboration can drive measurable change.📣 “You can’t just tell people to move more. You have to create the conditions that make movement possible — and sustainable.”👂 Tune in to learn how we’re scaling the blueprint for a movement-friendly nation. From state coalitions to national campaigns like “It’s Time to Move,” this conversation lays out what’s working, what’s scalable, and why your voice matters.🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms.Support the show

🎙️ NEW EPISODE: When PT Ends, What’s Next? A Physiatrist’s Answer to the Follow-Through ProblemDr. Sarae Jandreau is not your average physician. A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, athlete, and former assistant strength coach, she’s now a newly minted physiatrist with a mission: bridge the disconnect between therapy, medicine, and fitness.This episode is a masterclass in what can happen when a physician is trained in the science of exercise before they ever wear a white coat. Sarae gets it — the underdosing, the communication breakdowns, the passive referrals that never go anywhere. She’s not just treating back pain, she’s addressing the root cause and planning for what the patient’s body should look like 20 years from now.We dig into:🔹 What physiatry is — and why it’s uniquely positioned to bridge medicine, rehab, and fitness 🔹 How Sarae plans to use intake forms and lifestyle screening tools (like ACLM’s Epic integration) to prime patients for behavior change 🔹 What really happens when therapy “didn’t work” — and why that phrase should always prompt follow-up questions 🔹 Why physicians need to vet fitness pros — and how most clinicians don’t know how 🔹 What true collaboration across specialties should look like — not just in theory, but in practicePhysicians: if you’ve ever felt like you’re sending patients into a black hole after discharge... this one’s for you. Fitness professionals: if you want to earn the trust of clinicians... listen closely to how Sarae evaluates potential collaborators.The field is changing. We need more doctors like Sarae — who speak the language of strength, who understand dosing, and who aren’t afraid to teach, question, and collaborate.Connect with Dr. Jandreau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarae-sager-jandreau-do-cscs/Support the show

🚨 NEW EPISODE DROP! 🚨How is digital health reshaping cardiac care—especially for women and underserved populations?🎙️ On the latest episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast, we team up with the American Heart Association to bring you an insightful conversation with Dr. Ritu Thamman, cardiologist, digital health leader, and fierce advocate for women's heart health.We discuss: ✅ Why digital tools are critical to improving access and outcomes ✅ How virtual cardiac rehab can close care gaps ✅ The unique barriers women face—and how asynchronous tech can help ✅ Why certifications like the AHA’s Digital Health in Cardiac Care are becoming essential for fitness pros ✅ The game-changing role of Life’s Essential 8 in prevention🔓 Limited-time offer: Access the AHA's CPAHA Telehealth Certification FREE through June 30! → medicalfitness.org💥 Whether you're in-clinic or virtual, your role in prevention just got more powerful.🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. 👊 Keep changing lives. One heartbeat at a time.Support the show

🎙️ NEW EPISODE ALERT: The Medical Fitness Podcast 🔗This week, we sit down with one of the pioneers in exercise oncology — Dr. Karen Wonders — and if you work in the medical fitness space, this is a must-listen.Dr. Wonders is a professor at Wright State University, director of both the Exercise Science and Exercise Oncology Certificate Programs, AND founder/CEO of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance. She's been on the front lines of integrating exercise into the cancer care continuum since the early 2000s, long before most of the field even had a name for it.🔥 In this episode: ✅ What exercise oncology really means — and why it’s now part of standard of care in breast cancer ✅ How fitness professionals should collaborate with oncology teams ✅ Programming considerations during prehab, active treatment, and survivorship ✅ How her certification programs with Maple Tree (now partnered with MFA) are building the workforce we need ✅ Why patient trust and interdisciplinary credibility are everything💡 If you're a clinician, fitness professional, or educator — this episode gives you the roadmap for getting involved in one of the most important emerging areas in medical fitness.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.📣 Learn more about Dr. Karen Wonders: 🌐 Website: MapleTreeCancerAlliance.org 📱 Instagram & TikTok: @MapleTreeEducationSupport the show

New Episode Drop! 🎙️ Get ready for one of our most practical and powerful conversations yet on The Medical Fitness Podcast.We’re joined by Raina Childers-Richmond — registered dietitian, certified health coach, and a true pioneer in integrating nutrition, behavior change, and fitness inside medically integrated centers.With nearly three decades of experience, Raina brings frontline insights you won't hear anywhere else.In this episode, we dive deep into:Supporting clients on anti-obesity medications (GLP-1s and beyond): What fitness and wellness professionals must know, how to stay in scope, and why empathy matters more than ever.Nutrition for active aging and women’s health: Practical strategies to support women through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond — an underserved population that needs better solutions.Redefining medical fitness centers: How to transform your facility into a true health home, connecting nutrition, exercise, mental health, and healthcare access.Collaboration vs. Scope Creep: How fitness pros and dietitians can work together better — respecting boundaries, enhancing client outcomes, and building stronger communities.Building engagement that lasts: Real-world examples of programming that supports year-long member retention, lifestyle change, and patient trust.Emerging Trends: Why the future of medical fitness lies in longevity, healthspan optimization, and personalized programming.Whether you’re a fitness professional, clinician, program director, or health leader, this episode will leave you thinking differently about how to serve your clients and patients more effectively — and humanely.🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts — this is a conversation the medical fitness industry needs right now.🗓️ Plus: If you want to connect with Raina in person and dig even deeper into these topics, catch her live at the MFA Central Region Summit in Owensboro, Kentucky this June!Support the show

🚨 NEW EPISODE ALERT — Season 3, Episode 8 🎙️ The Medical Fitness Podcast Powered by the Medical Fitness Association + the Medicine-Rehab-Fitness Institute🎧 Guest: Dr. Jessica Matthews 🎓 Tenured Professor, Program Director – M.S. Integrative Wellness, Point Loma Nazarene University 🏥 Clinical + Research Appointment – UC San Diego Health 🏆 Former Board Member – ACLM & National Board for Health & Wellness CoachingIn this powerhouse episode, we sit down with returning guest and long-time friend of the show, Dr. Jessica Matthews — one of the nation’s top voices in integrative health, health behavior change, and lifestyle medicine.🔊 What you’ll hear:✅ Why most traditional healthcare education STILL misses the mark on health behavior change – and how Dr. Matthews built a nationally recognized grad program to fix it ✅ How clinicians and fitness professionals can stop “practicing in silos” and start collaborating effectively ✅ What health and wellness coaching really is — and how it can be implemented successfully into clinical care workflows ✅ The exact skill gaps that are holding many health professionals back from effectively guiding patients through sustainable lifestyle change ✅ A raw and personal look at how Dr. Matthews’ family experiences with chronic disease + recovery shape everything she teaches ✅ Behind the scenes of UC San Diego Health’s coaching integration model — plus barriers, reimbursement challenges, and scalable strategies🧠 Whether you’re a clinician, coach, educator, or fitness pro, this episode will challenge your assumptions, sharpen your perspective, and ignite your sense of what’s possible when we get behavior change right.🎯 Big themes: • Communication as clinical competency • Interdisciplinary training done right • Coaching mindset > authority mindset • Dosing lifestyle medicine for real-world results • Bridging healthcare and fitness through trust + workflow alignment🗣️ “You can’t expect clinicians to refer unless you understand their pain points—and their workflow.” 🗣️ “Lifestyle medicine DOES work—when it’s dosed appropriately and supported by the right systems.” 🗣️ “We don’t need more buzzwords. We need more collaboration.” 🗣️ “My mom went from an A1C of 13 to under 5.7—and she was given a 1% chance to live.”Support the show

🚨 NEW EPISODE – Season 3, Episode 7 of the Medical Fitness Podcast 🎙️ “Muscle as Medicine: Strength Training for Health & Longevity”. Featuring Dr. Rachele Pojednic Powered by the Medical Fitness Association and the MRF Institute.What happens when an Ivy League scientist, Harvard educator, Stanford faculty member, and lifelong fitness advocate steps into the medical fitness conversation? You get an unforgettable episode with Dr. Rachele Pojednic—who brings the receipts and the passion..This episode is a deep dive into why skeletal muscle is one of the most powerful, underrated tools we have to combat chronic disease, improve metabolic health, and extend healthspan. Rachele breaks it down in a way both clinicians and fitness professionals can use immediately in practice..🔬 Topics we cover:Why muscle is a critical organ, not just tissue for movementThe role of resistance training in metabolism, glucose regulation, and insulin sensitivityLandmark studies on high-intensity training in the oldest old—and what they prove about aging and adaptationThe massive gap in female-specific research on strength training and performance, and how that’s finally changingCommon myths that still dominate the fitness industry around women and liftingWhy postmenopausal women CAN build muscle (despite outdated claims to the contrary)Training strategies for special populations, including women with MS, older adults, and post-surgical clientsWhy there’s no single perfect protocol—and how to find what works across life stagesHow protein intake, carbohydrate balance, and nutritional literacy impact strength, performance, and body compositionThe damaging effects of “optimization” culture and one-size-fits-all thinking in fitness and health.Rachele also shares personal insights from working in both academia and the wellness industry, and how bridging those silos is essential for real impact. She gets blunt (and refreshingly honest) about the social conditioning that keeps women away from strength training—and what we can all do to change that narrative.This is one of those episodes you’ll want to share with your clients, patients, students, and colleagues. If you're a clinician, strength coach, trainer, or anyone working at the intersection of medicine and movement, this conversation is mandatory listening.📍 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts 🔗 Full episode + show notes linked in bio 👥 Follow Dr. Pojednic at @rachelepojednic and rachelepojednic.com 🧠 Learn more about the MRF Institute and the work we're doing to connect medicine, rehab, and fitnessSupport the show

🔥 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🔥.Season 3, Episode 6 of the Medical Fitness Podcast just dropped, and we’re bringing back a powerhouse guest—Dr. Rick Howard! 🎙️💪.Rick is a leader in applied sports science, strength & conditioning, and long-term athletic development—and when he talks, people listen! 👏.This episode dives into game-changing strategies for increasing physical activity at every stage of life, from childhood through older adulthood. We cover:.🚀 The National Physical Activity Plan—How the Physical Activity Alliance is working to make physical activity a national priority, and what you can do at the local level to help. 📍 State-Level Action in Motion—How initiatives like New York Moves and Play Move Thrive are creating real change by tailoring fitness strategies to local communities. 🏋️‍♂️ Strength & Conditioning for ALL—Why it’s not just for athletes, and how coaches, clinicians, and fitness pros can integrate evidence-based training for lifelong health. 🤝 Breaking Down Silos—Why collaboration and collective impact are essential to getting people moving and shifting public health trends. 🏅 The Role of Qualified Professionals—How NSCA, ACSM, SHAPE America, and other leading organizations are stepping up to improve fitness education and programming..💡 This episode is packed with insights for: ✔️ Clinicians looking to integrate fitness into healthcare ✔️ Strength coaches & trainers who want to bridge the gap between sports performance and public health ✔️ Educators & policymakers working to improve youth and adult fitness ✔️ Anyone who cares about making movement a priority across the lifespan.🔥 Don’t miss this powerful conversation with Dr. Rick Howard!. 📢 Tag a colleague who needs to hear this!Support the show

🚨 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🚨🔥 Season 3, Episode 5 of The Medical Fitness Podcast is LIVE!In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. John Farrell, Assistant Professor and Human Performance Consultant at Texas State University. John’s expertise spans exercise training for adaptive athletes, individuals with chronic conditions, and elite performers—giving him a unique perspective on bridging the gap between rehabilitation and long-term fitness.🏀 Why is this conversation so important? For too many people, the transition from inpatient rehab to real-world physical activity is a dead end. Patients leave structured care but lose access to resources, support, and exercise guidance. John is tackling this issue head-on by exploring adaptive sports as a sustainable pathway—where fitness, function, and community come together to keep people moving for life.👀 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ The missing link between rehab and lifelong exercise ✅ Why adaptive sports aren’t just for elite Paralympians—they’re for anyone needing a fitness outlet ✅ The critical role of strength training in neuroplasticity and nervous system health ✅ How fitness professionals can step up and fill the gap in adaptive training ✅ What’s holding back medical fitness from scaling—and how we fix it🎧 Tune in NOW and let’s reimagine fitness as healthcare beyond the clinic. Available on all major platforms!Support the show

🚨 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🚨 🔥 Season 3, Episode 4 of The Medical Fitness Podcast is live, and this one is a must-listen! We’re sitting down with Ken Gorman, CEO of Power Wellness, to talk about the future of medical fitness, increasing physician referrals, and scaling fitness centers within healthcare systems. With nearly 30 years of experience leading the largest medical fitness management company in the U.S., Ken shares how Power Wellness is bridging the gap between fitness and healthcare—bringing evidence-based exercise programs to those who need them most. 🏥 Why does this matter? Because 75% of Americans don’t regularly engage in exercise, and 50% have at least one chronic condition. Traditional gyms aren’t designed to serve these populations, but medical fitness centers are changing the game by providing safe, structured programs designed by degreed and credentialed professionals. Power Wellness operates over 50 centers across the country, helping hospitals, academic institutions, and municipalities implement the medical fitness model to improve health outcomes on a massive scale. 👀 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Why commercial gyms fail most people—and how medical fitness is the missing link ✅ How integrating fitness centers with healthcare systems is driving more patient referrals ✅ The role of technology and data tracking in improving patient engagement and long-term success ✅ How Power Wellness has built scalable, sustainable medical fitness solutions that work in hospitals, community centers, and beyond ✅ What the future holds for insurance reimbursement, virtual medical fitness, and value-based care🎧 Tune in NOW and join us in redefining fitness as healthcare! Available on all major platforms.Power Wellness Website: https://www.powerwellness.com/Support the show

🎙️ Next Episode Alert: The Medical Fitness Podcast 🎙️Are you ready to uncover the life-changing power of exercise as medicine?Join us as we welcome Dr. Rob Newton, a world-renowned exercise oncology pioneer and the 2019 Western Australia Scientist of the Year, to the podcast! Dr. Newton shares groundbreaking insights from his decades of research at Edith Cowan University, where he leads the Exercise Medicine Research Institute.💡 What You’ll Learn:The science behind exercise creating a cancer-suppressive environment.How skeletal muscle acts as your body’s personal pharmacy against cancer.Why precision exercise medicine is transforming cancer care.Real-world applications of high-intensity resistance training and interval work for patients—even those with advanced cancers.🚨 Exclusive: Dr. Newton reveals findings from the groundbreaking Movember-funded Interval GAP4 study and discusses his upcoming book, Exercise Medicine for Cancer!This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about bridging the gap between medicine and fitness, and especially for clinicians and patients looking to revolutionize cancer treatment.Empower yourself with knowledge. Demand exercise medicine. Your journey starts here.#MedicalFitnessPodcast #ExerciseOncology #CancerCare #PrecisionMedicine #ExerciseIsMedicineSupport the show

🚨 Part 2 is Here! 🎙️ Ready for the next chapter in the evolution of medical fitness? The latest episode of The Medical Fitness Podcast is live!In Part 2, Jeff Young, Dr. Thomas Hammett, and David Flinch go beyond the “why” of medical fitness and dive into the "how"—breaking down the tools, technology, and strategies revolutionizing exercise as a medical intervention.💡 Highlights include:Tech & Tools: Explore how advanced equipment and virtual solutions are transforming patient outcomes.Programming Excellence: Discover how tailored, periodized exercise programs elevate care for patients and clients alike.Case Studies in Action: Real-world examples of medical fitness programs leading the charge in health innovation.🎧 If you're a fitness professional, clinician, or health enthusiast, this is the gold standard in patient-centered care. Tune in now to learn how medical fitness is bridging the gap between healthcare and fitness—one program at a time.👉 Listen to Episode 2 now! Links below 🔗🎙️ Join the conversation—what stood out most to you in this episode? Drop your thoughts below!Support the show

🚨 New Year, New Episode! 🎙️ Start 2025 with a thought-provoking dive into the evolving world of medical fitness! In the latest episode of The Medical Fitness Podcast, Jeff Young, Dr. Thomas Hammett, and David Fletch tackle the why behind the medical fitness movement and its critical role in bridging the gap between fitness and healthcare. From its early origins to its growing relevance in today’s healthcare landscape, this episode explores how medical fitness is uniquely positioned to combat chronic disease, improve population health, and revolutionize exercise as a true medical intervention.💡 With a $112 billion health and fitness industry projected to nearly double by 2030, why do chronic disease rates continue to climb? The hosts break down the key challenges and opportunities in ensuring exercise becomes an essential part of the healthcare continuum. Discover why traditional fitness models fall short for many populations and how medical fitness provides a higher standard of care through tailored exercise programs, clinical oversight, and outcome tracking.🌟 But this is just the beginning! This is Part 1 of an exciting two-part series. In two weeks, we’ll return to delve deeper into the how of medical fitness, covering the tools, technology, and program designs that are setting the gold standard in patient-centered care. Plus, hear case studies and insights on what it takes to make medical fitness accessible, scalable, and impactful.🎧 Whether you're a fitness professional, clinician, or simply passionate about health, this is the episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform, and let us know what topics you’d love to hear more about in Part 2! 👇Support the show

In this episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast, we sit down with Doug Ribley, a seasoned leader and pioneer in the medical fitness industry with over 40 years of experience. Doug shares his journey from helping to build world-class wellness centers at Cleveland Clinic Akron General to advising health systems nationwide on how to create successful, sustainable wellness programs. He dives into the critical importance of using data-driven strategies to design and operate wellness centers, ensuring they align with market needs while delivering meaningful health outcomes. Doug emphasizes that achieving financial sustainability is not just about reducing costs but also about creating efficient, impactful programs that fulfill the mission of keeping communities healthy and well..Doug also explores the key elements that differentiate the medical fitness model from traditional fitness facilities, including medical oversight, qualified staff, clinical integration, and a focus on safety. He highlights innovative strategies such as the “surround wellness” approach to improve access for underserved populations and stresses the growing role of technology and virtual services in the future of medical fitness. This episode is packed with actionable insights for healthcare leaders, fitness professionals, and anyone passionate about building stronger, healthier communities through evidence-based wellness programs. Don’t miss this inspiring and informative discussion!Support the show

We’re excited to share the latest episode of The Medical Fitness Podcast, featuring a groundbreaking conversation with Dr. John Jakicic, an internationally renowned expert in exercise science and obesity treatment. With decades of research and clinical experience, Dr. Jakicic brings invaluable insights into how physical activity can be integrated into modern healthcare to create transformative outcomes for patients.In this episode, we explore key updates from the 2024 ACSM consensus statement on physical activity and obesity, highlighting why the conversation needs to move beyond weight loss to focus on holistic health and well-being. Dr. Jakicic unpacks the complexity of obesity treatment, emphasizing the importance of personalized care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the vital role of credentialed fitness professionals in bridging the gap between fitness and medicine.Whether you’re a clinician, fitness professional, or someone passionate about improving healthcare, this episode offers actionable insights and a vision for the future of medical fitness. Don’t miss this engaging discussion that challenges the status quo and inspires a new way of thinking about obesity treatment.Support the show

Episode Title: Breaking the Fitness-Medicine Barrier with Josh LyonsAre you a clinician frustrated with vague exercise prescriptions that don’t stick? Or a fitness professional aiming to elevate your impact in the healthcare arena? Tune into a game-changing episode where we dive deep with Josh Lyons, CEO of Pinnacle Lifestyle Medicine, as he shares a bold new approach to transforming lives through medical fitness.🩺 What’s Inside:Rethinking Exercise as Medicine: Discover why traditional fitness models struggle to serve chronic health needs and why the “self-serve pharmacy” approach falls short.Beyond Sick Care: Josh and our host break down the "false health curve" and the urgent need for a proactive, optimum-health mindset. Are you ready to be part of this paradigm shift?A Proven Medical Fitness Model: Get inspired by Pinnacle’s data-driven system, which marries fitness and healthcare to tackle chronic disease head-on—combining precision, accountability, and real health outcomes.Metrics That Motivate: Learn how a science-backed approach to goal setting can replace entertainment-based fitness, creating lasting change and high patient satisfaction.Bridging the Gap: From Technogym’s revolutionary equipment to real-time patient data, hear how Josh’s team is building trust with medical providers, proving that fitness deserves its place in the continuum of care.Why You Should Listen: Join us for this insightful conversation and gain actionable advice on how to:Build credibility with medical providers.Design fitness programs that meet clinical standards.Empower clients with meaningful progress and measurable success.Whether you’re a clinician or fitness professional, this episode will challenge you to rethink, redesign, and redefine your approach to health and fitness!🎧 Ready to transform the future of fitness in healthcare? Listen now to learn from the best and start making a real difference.Support the show

🎙️ New Episode Alert! Dive into the Future of Medical Fitness! 🌍Join us on this special episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast, featuring the inspiring journey and invaluable insights of Jeff Jeran, a seasoned leader in medical fitness and the senior director for Power Wellness. From transforming personal challenges into a thriving career to pioneering solutions in patient referrals and integrated care, Jeff shares the strategies and dedication that keep his centers at the cutting edge of fitness and wellness.Hear firsthand about innovative collaborations between fitness and healthcare, unique patient referral programs, and powerful ways to bridge gaps between medical and fitness professionals. Whether you’re a clinician looking to enhance patient outcomes or a fitness professional aiming to expand your role in medical wellness, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and inspiration for all. Don’t miss it – tune in now and step up your understanding of what’s possible in medical fitness!Support the show

In our latest episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast, powered by the Medicine-Rehab-Fitness Institute and the Medical Fitness Association, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Amy Bantham, CEO of Move to Live More and former president of the Physical Activity Alliance. Amy shared insights from her extensive research on integrating healthcare with health and fitness, including the barriers clinicians face when referring patients to fitness programs. She highlighted the importance of building trust between healthcare providers and fitness professionals and emphasized the need for standardized qualifications in the fitness industry.We also explored Move to Live More’s mission to bridge the gap between healthcare and community-based fitness, ensuring that patients receive effective, evidence-based exercise prescriptions. Amy discussed how small changes, like incorporating physical activity data into electronic health records, can significantly improve patient outcomes and support clinicians in promoting exercise as medicine.This episode is a must-listen for clinicians and fitness professionals dedicated to enhancing patient care through physical activity. Don’t miss out on these game-changing strategies to create seamless healthcare-to-fitness referral pathways!👉 Listen now! #MedicalFitness #ExerciseIsMedicine #HealthcareIntegration #MoveToLiveMore #PatientCare #FitnessProfessionals #ExerciseReferralsConnect with Amy:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybantham/www.movetolivemore.comwww.movetolivemore.com/podcastwww.movetolivemore.com/newsletterwww.movetolivemore.com/bookListen on your favorite channel:1.     MRF Institute: https://www.mrfinstitute.org/podcasts2.     Medical Fitness Association:  https://www.medicalfitness.org/medical-fitness-podcast3.     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themedicalfitnesspodcast4.     Apple: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/the-medical-fitness-podcast/c92ecde2-19e0-499f-825c-0c65fa6bc27b/episodes5.     Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5W888QKdHRQIB2zc5CDfly6.     Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd14c612-43d0-464d-ae9b-adc22d6983ed/the-medical-fitness-podcast7.     TuneIn + Alexa: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Health--Wellness-Podcasts/The-Medical-Fitness-Podcast-p3709603/?topicId=3474920148.     Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6134311Support the show

In this insightful episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast, co-hosts Jeff Young and David Flench sit down with Dr. Cedric Bryant, the President and CEO of the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Dr. Bryant shares his personal journey from academia to his current leadership role at ACE, highlighting how he integrates science-backed education and behavior change strategies into fitness programming. The conversation explores topics such as the importance of evidence-based practices, the need for a continuum between "moving more" and structured exercise, and the role of behavior change in promoting long-term healthy lifestyles.Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the fitness industry, especially regarding collaboration between fitness professionals and healthcare providers. Dr. Bryant emphasizes the importance of networking, lifelong learning, and professionalizing the fitness industry to ensure fitness professionals can effectively contribute to public health initiatives like Active People, Healthy Nation. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a health professional, or simply interested in improving your well-being, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to keep moving forward.Tune in to hear more about Dr. Bryant’s career, his approach to effective exercise programming, and the role of fitness professionals in the larger healthcare continuum.Catch this episode now and start applying these key takeaways to your professional practice or personal fitness journey!Support the show

In this engaging episode of The Medical Fitness Podcast, Dr. Andrew Mock, a leader in lifestyle and preventive medicine, brings listeners into his practice to demonstrate how he seamlessly transitions patients from medical and rehabilitation care into the fitness domain. Using practical assessments like the sit-to-stand test, Dr. Mock shows how simple screens can serve both as interventions and teaching tools, making strength training accessible and relevant for clinicians and patients alike. His approach highlights the current gaps in medical education, particularly regarding resistance training, and the crucial role it plays in optimizing patient outcomes.Dr. Mock also discusses his proactive efforts to bridge the gap between medicine, rehab, and fitness by personally vetting local fitness professionals to create a trusted referral network. He emphasizes the need for clinicians to better understand and incorporate strength training principles into their practice. This episode is essential listening for clinicians seeking to overcome common barriers to exercise referrals and learn how to collaborate effectively with fitness professionals. Dr. Mock’s unique perspective as both a competitive strength athlete and physician provides valuable insights into why strength training should be a core component of healthcare. This "outside-the-box" thinking is exactly what’s needed to reshape patient care today.Support the show

In this episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast, Dr. Laurie Whitsel, a leading policy expert from the American Heart Association and advisor to the Physical Activity Alliance, explores the intersection of public policy and healthcare in promoting physical activity. She discusses the ongoing efforts to make physical activity assessment, prescription, and referral a routine part of clinical care in the U.S. healthcare system. Dr. Whitsel shares exciting initiatives such as the development of standardized measures in electronic health records and the collaboration with healthcare systems to reduce barriers and ensure physical activity becomes part of the clinical workflow.Listeners will gain insight into the significant policy work being done behind the scenes to create opportunities for qualified exercise professionals to be recognized within the healthcare team and ultimately improve patient outcomes. This episode is packed with actionable insights for fitness professionals, clinicians, and policymakers alike who are interested in the future of physical activity in medicine and the broader movement towards value-based care.Support the show

In this captivating episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast, hosts David Flench and Jeff Young are joined by Michael Stack, a highly respected exercise physiologist, health entrepreneur, and advocate for the fitness industry. Michael's career spans over two decades, and he has made significant strides in elevating the role of fitness professionals within the healthcare system. As the founder of Applied Fitness Solutions and host of the Wellness Paradox Podcast, Michael shares his journey from working in commercial fitness to becoming a prominent voice in medical fitness and policy change.Listeners will be intrigued by Michael's discussion on the importance of values in both personal and organizational growth, as well as his unique approach to integrating fitness professionals into the healthcare ecosystem. He provides insight into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from a commercial fitness model to a medical fitness center and offers valuable lessons learned along the way. Michael also highlights his work with the Physical Activity Alliance and his role as guest editor for a special themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine's Health & Fitness Journal, focusing on the professionalization of exercise professionals.This episode is packed with insights on advocacy, policy change, and the future of medical fitness, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of fitness and healthcare. Whether you're a fitness professional, healthcare provider, or simply passionate about improving public health, Michael's perspective will leave you inspired and eager to engage in the ongoing transformation of the fitness industry. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in medical fitness—tune in to this episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast!Please be sure to check out Mike's amazing podcast, The Wellness Paradox, at: https://www.wellnessparadoxpod.com/You can also follow Mike on social media at:https://www.instagram.com/wellnessparadox/https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-stack-b74a5319/Support the show

In this continuation of our conversation with Dr. Bill Kraemer, a leading figure in strength and conditioning research, we explore several key concepts that are crucial for both practitioners and clinicians alike. Dr. Kraemer discusses the significance of periodization in resistance training, emphasizing the need for flexibility and individualized approaches across different rep ranges and training modalities. He discusses the importance of training across the full continuum of rep ranges to optimize muscle and tendon stiffness, which are critical for enhancing both performance and injury resilience. Dr. Kraemer also sheds light on the foundational principle of motor unit recruitment, known as Henneman’s Size Principle, and its implications for effective strength training. This principle underpins the need for progressive loading to activate higher-threshold motor units, which is essential for both strength gains and neuroplasticity. Throughout the episode, Dr. Kraemer also touches on the role of strength and conditioning within the broader context of healthcare, advocating for an integrated team approach that spans across medicine, rehabilitation, and performance. His insights provide valuable guidance on how to apply these principles in both athletic and clinical settings, making this episode a must-listen for anyone involved in human performance or patient care.Support the show

Join us as Dr. William Kraemer shares his incredible journey from aspiring football player to world-renowned sports scientist, offering insights into the evolution of strength training and the importance of evidence-based programming - citing his recently published book, "Developing the Athlete: An Applied Sport Science Roadmap for Optimizing Performance" as a resource. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of sports science and practical application.  Dr. Kraemer's Biography:Dr. William J. Kraemer, Ph.D., FACSM, FNSCA, is a distinguished sports scientist and researcher in strength and conditioning. His illustrious career spans several prestigious academic institutions. Recently retired as a full professor from The Ohio State University (OSU), Dr. Kraemer continues his work as a Research Scientist at OSU, focusing on NIH and Department of Defense grants. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus at the University of Connecticut and has previously held significant positions at Ball State University and Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Kraemer began his academic journey at the University of Connecticut after serving as a Captain in the U.S. Army.Throughout his career, Dr. Kraemer has made substantial contributions to the field through his extensive research and publications. He has authored over 500 peer-reviewed publications listed on PubMed, along with more than 100 book chapters and 14 books. His expertise continues to shape the field with a recently published book on Athlete Development in 2024 and the 4th edition of his Exercise Physiology text in 2025.Dr. Kraemer's professional contributions extend beyond his research. He is a Fellow of several prestigious organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). His leadership roles include serving as a past President of the NSCA and as a Board of Directors member of the ACSM. Notably, he founded and served as Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research for 30 years.His exceptional work has earned him numerous accolades. In 2024, he received the NSCA's Alvin Roy Award for his career contributions to strength and conditioning. He was also awarded the ACSM's Citation Award in 2020. The University of Jyvaskyla in Finland recognized his global impact by awarding him an honorary doctorate in 2016. These are just a few among many prestigious awards he has received in the fields of sports science and strength & conditioning.Dr. Kraemer's impact on the field is further evidenced by his ranking as one of the top 5 Sports Scientists out of 31,313, according to a 2023 Stanford University study. His significant contributions span physiological sciences and sports sciences, with a particular emphasis on resistance training physiology and athlete development in sports medicine.Through his extensive research, influential publications, and widespread recognition, Dr. William J. Kraemer has firmly established himself as one of the world's leading sports scientists and strength & conditioning researchers.Latest Book: Developing the Athlete: An Applied Sport Science Roadmap for Optimizing PerformanceAmazon.com: Developing the Athlete: An Applied Sport Science Roadmap for Optimizing Performance eBook : Kraemer, William J., Ratamess, Nicholas A., Newman, Thomas: Kindle StoreSupport the show

Join us for this episode with Dr. Jon Bonnet; David Flench and Jeff Young as they talk about Lifestyle Medicine and the importance of disease prevention and overall wellness in our healthcare system. Dr. Jonathan Bonnet is board-certified in family, sports, obesity, and lifestyle medicine. He is an associate professor (affiliate) at Stanford University School of Medicine and the Program Director of Medical Weight Loss at the Clinical Resource Hub Weight Management Center at the Palo Alto VA. Jonathan has a background in exercise physiology and is a certified personal trainer. He completed his undergraduate and medical school degrees at Ohio State University before finishing his family medicine residency at Duke University, and his sports medicine fellowship at the University of Florida. He also holds a master’s degree in public health from Harvard.Dr. Bonnet serves on the board of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine and co-chairs the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's (ACLM) 30-hour CME board review course. He also serves as the advisor for the Emory University Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group and previously served on the board of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He has co-authored two editions of the Lifestyle Medicine Handbook and the first edition of the Medical Fitness Bible. He has published research in sleep medicine, nutrition, sports and exercise, obesity, and behavior change and serves on the editorial board of the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.Support the show

Episode 1: Dr. Renee Rogers Interview with David Flench & Dr. Thomas HammettDr. Renee Rogers is a Senior Scientist at the University of Kansas Medical Center and a Consultant and Strategist for Ideal Consulting.She is an expert in developing bio-behavioral healthy lifestyle interventions for obesity treatment with special focus on physical activity and relevant strategies to promote long-term success. She has worked in weight management and physical activity research and programming for 20+ years playing many professional roles that include working as an instructor, practitioner, program director, researcher, designer, and consultant and strategist to large corporations.As the anti-obesity medications are exploding on the market, with over 100 in the pipeline, we, as fitness professionals, have a role to play in the health journey of those using these medications to ensure their success in the long term.Join us as we explore this notion with Dr. Renee Rogers, an expert in bio-behavioral healthy lifestyle intervention in obesity and chronic disease care with a focus on relevant engagement strategies to promote long-term adherence.Click here to read the article, Contemporary Treatments for Obesity: Physical Activity in the Context of Antiobesity Medications, in the Translational Journal of the ACSM by Dr. Renee Rogers and Dr. John Jakicic of the Division of Physical Activity and Weight Management, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS and Dr. Caroline Apovian of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MASupport the show

In this episode, Kelli gives great insight into how she goes about designing primarily weight loss programs for her clients, many of whom have gotten caught up with unsuccessful yo-yo dieting, quick fixes, and other unsustainable methods with her clients.  She also discusses topics such as: how she addresses lack of adherence if it becomes an issue, why tracking fats, carbs, protein, at least initially, is so important in setting up a successful weight loss journey, the importance of progressive resistance training as part of a weight loss program, addressing common misconceptions around weight loss, and views on the “body weight set point theory”, which is a theory that proposes our bodies have a set point that it gravitate towards, which may make it harder to successfully lose weight.This was a great episode that I’m sure you’ll enjoy!Follow Kelli:IG: KelzBFitFacebook Group:  Anti-Dieting Methods For Forever Fat Loss With KelzBFit   https://www.facebook.com/groups/1108524286335617Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellibrower30Support the show

In this fun and informative episode, David Flench, the President and CEO of the Medical Fitness Association, shares his insight and experience on building a successful career; the state of medical fitness in the US today; the need to build trust between clinicians and fitness professionals, and ways to accomplish it; examples of highly collaborative facilities, and much more!  See the time stamps below for more information:1:07 - David’s introduction, background, and trajectory to the president/CEO of the MFA6:54 – Jeff asks David to expound on his advice for people to lead to a successful career (e.g., the importance of networking and “getting involved”)9:34: - David’s response17:14 – How does David define “medical fitness” and what does medical fitness look like in the U.S. today22:51 – David discusses what medical fitness facility certification and qualifications look like.  His answer includes how critical it is to create a level of trust between clinicians and fitness professionals29:11 – David discusses the primary initiatives the Medical Fitness Association is currently focused on32:48 - Benchmarks: what does it mean to track data/benchmarks and which are important to track?39:04 – What are David’s thoughts on physical therapy private practices being “medical fitness facilities waiting to happen,” and the collaboration with physical therapists as part of the medical fitness landscape?48:45 – What are examples of highly collaborative facilities where clinicians and fitness professionals are working well together?51:54 - What is the biggest problem that the field of medical fitness is facing today and needs to solve?56:20 - What innovations in medical fitness does David hope to see in the next 5 to 10 years?  He touches on this “obesity medicine explosion” with the GLP-1 agonist medications and the importance of medical fitness as part of this landscape as well.1:03:30 – Wrapping up…why listeners would benefit from becoming members of the Medical Fitness Association and how to stay connected with DavidDavid Flench Biography:David Flench servesd as the Board Chair (2021-2023) of the Medical Fitness Association Board of Directors and is the current President and CEO.He has over 20 years of experience working in the health and wellness industry. Previously, David was the Director of Wellness Centers and Diabetes Center at Hancock Health in Greenfield, IN.David obtained his Master of Business Administration from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio and his Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Exercise Science from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He also has achieved a range of certifications including Six Sigma Green Belt, American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-cEP), and ACSM Level 2 Exercise in Medicine, certified Health Care Manager by the Indiana Hospital Association, and board certified in healthcare management as a Fellow of ACHE, demonstrating that he is committed to furthering the medical fitness industry.David also serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Medical Fitness Foundation. He has previously served on the Certification, Education, Conference, Budget & Finance, Ethics, and Nominating committees with MFA.http://www.medicalfitness.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidflench/Support the show

In this episode I interview my friend and colleague, Sheila Hautbois, PA-C.Sheila gives insight into her patient visits -- how she goes about discussing lifestyle medicine and exercise.  She also talks about how she determines which patients are candidates for referral; how she uses her own progressive strength program to plant seeds, intrigue, and motivate patients, and why this is such an important part of the referral process; how she developed trust in me, and the trainers who work with me; the qualifications she looks for in a trainer and the importance of the vetting process to determine who is qualified.Finally, she explains why she likes my virtual medical fitnes business model – which is a "give people the tools and create informed consumers so they can exercise on their own" model...instead of the usual "entertain to retain clients" that nearly every fitness professional in the industry does.If you're interested in learning from an outlier clinician who REALLY understands the importance of connecting medicine and fitness, and how she goes about it, this is a great listen.Sheila also provides consulting services for clinicians who are interested in setting up a medicine-to-fitness model as part of their practice.  She has presented on this at national conferences, and is an amazing resource for clinicians to tap in to.Support the show

In this episode, Thomas and I begin discussing what I like to call the 'six components to needed to create a healthy musculoskeletal system' – a topic I cover in most of my presentations, including a recent presentation for the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Personal Trainers National Conference.But our talk ended up evolving into an even better discussion on how this concept is actually a small part of the bigger picture on why we need to merge the PT and fitness fields together.If having a better understanding of the medicine to rehab to fitness pathway is important to you, this podcast is worth your while.Support the show

I’m excited to post this podcast because I’ve been working in clinical, rehab settings for nearly 20 years in very traditional settings, where the primary goal is pain management and “fixing the person’s broken part.”  I, like many people, including most physical therapists, assumed this was the norm..And then I met an exercise specialist named Joe Copeland, who introduced me to my friend, colleague, and co-host of our Medical Fitness Podcast, Dr. Thomas Hammett.  They flipped my world upside-down..This episode is a case study, where Thomas does most of the interviewing, and our guests are a few of his colleagues in Seattle, WA – two physical therapists and a PT assistant..The discussion revolves around a situation where they were also practicing in a traditional setting, and then were told that they needed to transition to a lifestyle medicine and wellness-based model, where their care would be integrated along with a dietitian and exercise physiologist..This case study is an example of how PTs can and should transition their practices to something like this.  It makes perfect sense, benefits everyone, and also increases revenue for the facility.  In the big picture, if every practice operated in this way it would have a SIGNIFICANT impact on public health..Physical therapy should be holistic and should serve as a pit stop to transition patients into long-term fitness and wellness..Please listen to how this is accomplished.  And if you’re interested in help with transitioning your practice to a more holistic, integrative medical model – or if you have any questions at all, including fitness professionals who would like to know how to get involved in something like this – don’t hesitate to reach out.  Helping people establish this type of practice is what we do..It’s models like this that fuel the fire for the passion that I have in connecting medicine, rehab, and fitness..Please visit MRFInstitute.org.Support the show

 Resistance training programming..So many clinicians and fitness professionals want to know more, be better at discussing it, be better at prescribing it, and just generally feel more comfortable about it..A big reason why there's a disconnect between medicine/rehab and fitness is because so many fitness professionals SCARE clinicians with their programming. It lacks a "continuity of care" which safely bridges what the patient has experienced in rehab, or what they are experiencing in daily life with their medical and musculoskeletal conditions with the fitness program itself..In this episode of The Medical Fitness Podcast, Thomas and I discuss a best practice approach on how to begin a resistance training program, and how this applies to both the physical therapy (and clinical) and fitness worlds..We also discuss how the initial familiarization phase differs from the rest of a properly designed resistance training program, and why it’s a critical start point from a fitness, medical, and even a behavior context..This is a unique opportunity to listen to a seasoned clinician and a seasoned exercise specialist discuss resistance training programming. We'll dive even deeper into the topic in future episodes. Support the show

This episode was the first of what will be many where Jeff and Thomas discuss their perspective on various topics.  It provides an opportunity to listen to a seasoned clinician and seasoned exercise specialist discuss their views on building the bridge between medicine, rehab, and fitness from a very unique perspective.Both Jeff and Thomas either have experienced or are currently involved in successful medical referral models which everyone can learn from.In this episode we discuss:• How do clinicians make the patient referral to fitness professionals and what does the exercise prescription and plan of care look like?• What do we mean by “medical plan” or “plan of care” following the patient visit, and how can we use it to catapult the patient into exercise?• In the plan of care, what is the difference between including physical activity and exercise?  How do the prescriptions differ from each other?• How can clinicians make it easier to collaborate with fitness professionals and refer their patients?• What should fitness professionals learn about the patient when receiving referrals?• And how can we overcome perceived barriers to referral, such as lack of time and lack of money, which tend to be the most common barriers?I hope you enjoy the conversation!For more information about Thomas, Jeff, and the education we offer, please visit our website at www.MRFInstitute.org or email [email protected] for any questions.Support the show

Dr. Rick Howard is an assistant professor in Applied Sports Science at West Chester University in Philadelphia, PA and holds a PhD in Health Promotion and Wellness.  In this podcast Rick does a masterful job of merging his education and experience as he discusses the importance of making fitness fun from childhood to old age as a primary way to improving exercise adherence in the pursuit of public health. Some of the topics covered include:•            His ability to tie in fitness, sports, athleticism, health, wellness, and other related topics from both an academic/science and application perspective.•            His view on the importance of cradle to grave fitness, exposing fitness and good health behaviors, and physical literacy while we’re young.•            Connecting the need for physical fitness to what’s fun and enjoyable for the individual instead of dictating what people should do, which is a very common problem in our society.•            The importance of the medical fitness continuum in lifelong health and fitness.•            The importance of personal responsibility for health, and common roadblocks. It’s always worth your time to learn from the best, so I hope you enjoy our conversation! Speaker Bio:Rick Howard, DSc, CSCS *D, RSCC *E, FNSCARick Howard is an Assistant Professor of Applied Sports Science, the Sports Performance Coordinator, and Coaching Minor Advisor at West Chester University (PA); Visiting Professor at Reykjavik University, Iceland; and Teacher at Keilir Health Academy in Ásbrú, Iceland. He earned his doctorate from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (Provo, UT). Rick is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (with distinction), a registered strength and conditioning coach (Emeritus), and a fellow of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.Rick contributes peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and books, as well as blogs and podcasts. Rick presents nationally and internationally on a variety of topics- most notably long-term athletic development (LTAD) and the application of concepts of sports performance and foundational coaching principles for coaches, students, personal trainers, physical education teachers, and those who wish to improve the lives of young people of all ages. Rick is a master’s Strongman competitor. Links:NSCA Long-term Athletic Development SIG: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1618121688456853NSCA Special Populations SIG: https://www.facebook.com/groups/504773110959370NSCA Strongman SIG: https://www.facebook.com/groups/584604148900213Support the show

Jeff Jeran is the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Medical Fitness Association for a reason – he is an ALL-STAR in this space.  Jeff has opened SIX successful, award-winning medical fitness facilities over the past 18 years, which are a testimony to his amazing ability to build fitness centers which cater to the 80% of the population that don’t use traditional gyms and health clubs, and who prefer to train in a safe environment.  It is also a testimony to his ability to successfully collaborate with clinicians across a wide spectrum of care, and create models where clinicians refer to fitness professionals.In our awesome discussion, Jeff talks about his windy path to success, which is something I always find intriguing – it’s so interesting to listen to successful people talk about how they got to their point of success. • He also talks about what makes the Medical Fitness Association great and unique, which includes their desire to SHARE best practices and collaborate as an organization - something that all organizations should learn from and mirror,• The Medical Fitness Association’s desire to collaborate with the National Strength and Conditioning Association,• Strength coaches working with patients in clinical settings,• Valley Health’s provider-referral program and “medical integration services” – unique models which should serve as a prototype in the industry,• How fitness professionals can connect and collaborate with clinicians – how to be successfully proactive,• And the importance of “cradle to grave” fitness.It’s always worth your time to learn from the best, so I hope you enjoy our conversation!Support the show

Just shy of 2.5 years ago I was introduced to Dr. Thomas Hammett, DPT.  A week or two later he live-streamed me in to a presentation he gave to a couple dozen physical therapists, where he explained to them the importance of going well beyond “fixing pain” as the standard treatment approach, and instead, looking at patients through a lens of lifestyle medicine, the pursuit health and wellness, and using PT treatment as a bridge to medical fitness and a long-term plan of care..He talked about chronic disease (and associated chronic inflammation) as a significant contributor to most patient’s pain and dysfunction, and that to treat the patient optimally, we need to treat the whole person..Having worked alongside physical therapists for a little over 15 years to that point, I could immediately see that Thomas was different and someone I wanted to collaborate with..Since then we have co-presented on Building the Bridge between PT and Fitness for the Medical Fitness Association, the American Physical Therapy Association’s annual Combined Section Meeting, Building a Bridge Between Medicine, Rehab, and Fitness (along with Sheila Hautbois, PA-C) at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s annual conference, and for the American College of Sports Medicine Greater New York Regional Chapter.  We’ve also built an online “Medicine, Rehab, and Fitness Institute,” and are now co-hosting a podcast..I interviewed Thomas last week so that people could begin to get some insight as to who he is and what he’s about as a professional..During the interview he talks about what led to his unique insight and approach to patient care, the unique model where he works as Director of Clinical Services (and much more) at Pinnacle Medical Wellness in Seattle, and how the field of physical therapy and the field of medicine could best integrate exercise into medicine..If you’re a physician, advanced practice provider, rehab practitioner, or fitness professional please take the time to listen to this podcast.  We’ll build on it over time and dive deeper into specific topics, many of which will relate to how clinicians and fitness professionals can better collaborate.Support the show

Dr. Jessica Matthews is an industry leader who I could have on the podcast a dozen (or more) times to talk about completely different topics that she’s become a subject matter expert on.  We revolved this talk around health coaching, and more specifically, behavior change.  This topic is something she’s very passionate about, and during the interview she gave a bunch of great practical information that we can all apply.From a scientific standpoint, the principles and approaches to how to improve fitness, eat healthy, manage stress, and optimize sleep are pretty well established.  The problem is that people don’t take the time to learn and abide by the principles.On the topic of behavior change and how to influence the masses to change behavior and stick to it, that’s the million dollar question that has yet to be fully answered.  Fortunately, we have Dr. Jessica Matthews to listen to and learn from on this topic.Things we discussed included:•Training, education, and credentialing with health and wellness coaches, what this field of practice has done right, how to differentiate between “good” and “bad” (or not so good) health coaches, and what they got right that the fitness industry can learn from.•The theoretical underpinnings of behavioral science and the practical coaching skills – i.e., the science vs the art.•What coaching looks like in a clinical setting.•Behavior change and why it’s the foundation of Lifestyle Medicine.•Why every clinician and fitpro should take a “coach approach” (it doesn’t require becoming a health coach).•Important tips for helping people change their behavior.•A plug for a health coaching conference she and her husband have developed which is scheduled for this June in San Diego, CA.Guest Speaker Bio:Jessica Matthews, DBH, NBC-HWC, DipACLM, FACLMDr. Jessica Matthews is an associate professor and program director in the College of Health Sciences at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU). An award-winning and innovative educator, she created the Master of Science in Kinesiology- Integrative Wellness program at PLNU, a graduate degree blending lifestyle medicine and health and wellness coaching.Additionally Dr. Matthews serves as director of health and wellness coaching at UC San Diego Health. There she spearheaded the development of health and wellness coaching services within clinical practice and research, to include developing and supervising a team of board certified health and wellness coaches in the Centers for Integrative Health.A passionate advocate for lifestyle medicine, health behavior change and whole person health, Dr. Matthews is co-creator of The Health and Well-Being Coaching Conference— the first and only dedicated professional conference for health and wellness coaches. Additionally, she serves as Vice Chair of The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) and was among one of the first national board certified health and wellness coaches (NBC-HWCs) in the country. Additionally, Dr. Matthews is board certified in lifestyle medicine (DipACLM) and also serves on the board of directors for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM). In 2021, Dr. Matthews was named a Fellow of ACLM for outstanding achievement in the field of lifestyle medicine and exceptional dedication to advancing the organization's mission, and presently she is the only ACLM Fellow in all of San Diego County and one of only 64 ACLM Fellows around the world. With extensive professional experience and education— to include undergraduate and graduate degrees in exercise science and a doctorate in behavioral health with a focus in clinical integrated care—Dr. Matthews is a sought after keynote speaker and consultant for leading fitness and wellness organizations as weSupport the show

Before my co-host Thomas and I get too deep into our podcast series we thought it would be a great and commonsense idea to interview each other so viewers and listeners can have a better idea of who we are and why it's worthwhile to subcribe and tune in!  Thomas interviewed me first, so this podcast is a dive in to my background, the evolution of my passion for medical fitness, building the bridge between medicine rehab and fitness, my role as an educator, and what I hope viewer will get from the podcast series.So if you want to know more about me, have a listen!Support the show