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 health intervention available to Americans.

This glaring oversight serves as a wake-up call for everyone passionate about movement and health. We simply aren't winning as a physical activity community when we remain invisible in national health policy conversations. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence showing that just 150 minutes of weekly movement delivers more health benefits than any other intervention of comparable time commitment, physical activity continues to be marginalized or completely forgotten in public health planning.

In this episode, we outline concrete steps for becoming effective advocates – from building relationships with local officials to engaging with state and federal representatives. The path forward requires both top-down organizational advocacy and grassroots engagement from passionate individuals willing to have conversations that elevate physical activity to its rightful place alongside food, water, and environmental factors. Until we secure our seat at the policy table, America's health will continue to suffer from this critical oversight.

Show Notes Page: https://www.wellnessparadoxpod.com/podcast/episode/142

Our Host: Michael Stack

Michael Stack is the founder & CEO of Applied Fitness Solutions, the Michigan Moves Coalition and the More than Movement Foundation. He is a faculty lecturer for the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology and the President of the Physical Activity Alliance. He is also the creator and the host of the Wellness Paradox Podcast, produced in conjunction with University of Michigan.

Michael is an exercise physiologist by training and a health entrepreneur, health educator, and advocate by trade. He is dedicated to the policy and system changes to ensure exercise professionals become an essential part of healthcare delivery.

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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 the already-active 20-25% of Americans while giving mere lip service to concepts like "exercise is medicine." This division threatens our collective ability to address America's physical inactivity crisis when the professionalization moment arrives—and make no mistake, that moment is coming whether we're prepared or not.

This professionalization effort isn't merely about industry status. When qualified exercise professionals become qualified healthcare professionals (QHPs), they gain the trust of medical communities, can bill insurance for services, increase earning potential, and dramatically expand their reach beyond traditionally fit populations. More importantly, they become positioned to transform healthcare delivery through what is undeniably the most profound intervention one can make on a minute-by-minute basis for health improvement.

For this transformation to succeed, we need comprehensive changes across our industry. Facility owners must evolve their imagery and messaging beyond young fit models, hire truly qualified professionals, reconstruct compensation models away from commission-based systems, and develop evidence-based programs that produce measurable outcomes. Exercise professionals must pursue proper education, obtain registry-recognized certifications, specialize in working with chronic disease populations, and hold themselves rigorously accountable for client results.

This is my rallying cry to everyone in our field: educate yourself on these coming changes, adjust your practices accordingly, and help spread awareness throughout our industry. The future of fitness—and possibly healthcare itself—depends on how we respond to this historic opportunity.

Show Notes Page: https://www.wellnessparadoxpod.com/podcast/episode/141

Our Host: Mike Stack, BS, ACSM-EP, ACSM-EIM, ACSM-PAPHS, CSCS, FMFA

Mike Stack is the founder & CEO of Applied Fitness Solutions, the Michigan Moves Coalition and the More than Movement Foundation. He is a faculty lecturer for the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology and the President of the Physical Activity Alliance. He is also the creator and the host of the Wellness Paradox Podcast, produced in conjunction with University of Michigan.

Michael is an exercise physiologist by training and a health entrepreneur, health educator, and advocate by trade. He is dedicated to the policy and system changes to ensure exercise professionals become an essential part of healthcare delivery.

Follow us on social at the links below:

https://www.facebook.com/wellnessparadox

https://www.instagram.com/wellnessparadox/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellness-paradox-podcast

https://twitter.com/WellnessParadox

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 physical activity as a frontline intervention.

Uncover the startling reality that only 23% of young adults are fit for military service, and learn why the lack of fitness in the population poses a genuine national security threat. We explore the critical importance of promoting physical literacy among youth to combat early onset of chronic conditions and secure a healthier future. By rethinking the narrative and emphasizing immediate economic benefits, we aim to galvanize a movement that positions physical activity alongside essential public health initiatives, securing the investment needed to implement effective programs at all levels of society.

Show Notes Page: http://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode140

Our Host: Michael Stack

Michael Stack is the founder & CEO of Applied Fitness Solutions, the Michigan Moves Coalition and the More than Movement Foundation. He is a faculty lecturer for the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology and the President of the Physical Activity Alliance. He is also the creator and the host of the Wellness Paradox Podcast, produced in conjunction with University of Michigan.

Michael is an exercise physiologist by training and a health entrepreneur, health educator, and advocate by trade. He is dedicated to the policy and system changes to ensure exercise professionals become an essential part of healthcare delivery.

Follow us on social at the links below:

https://www.facebook.com/wellnessparadox

https://www.instagram.com/wellnessparadox/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellness-paradox-podcast

https://twitter.com/WellnessParadox