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.

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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:

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In this episode, we delve into the critical transition from demonstrating the efficacy of exercise to proving its cost-effectiveness, a pivotal shift necessary for securing insurance reimbursement for supervised exercise therapy. We explore how the effectiveness of exercise, well-supported by numerous studies showcasing its benefits for various health conditions, forms the foundation. However, the challenge lies in aligning this efficacy with the economic metrics that insurance companies prioritize. Discussions will cover methodologies for quantifying health outcomes in monetary terms, the impact of long-term health cost savings, and the importance of structured exercise programs in preventive health care.

Moreover, the episode highlights the strategic approaches required to present a compelling case to insurance providers. This involves gathering robust data that not only underscores the direct health benefits and improved quality of life for patients but also demonstrates significant cost reductions in managing chronic diseases and potentially expensive medical treatments. By showcasing examples from programs that have successfully navigated this path, we aim to provide a roadmap for exercise professionals and healthcare providers. The goal is to expand access to supervised exercise therapy, ultimately making it a standard part of medical care covered by insurance policies.

Show Notes Page: www.wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode139

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Can exercise professionals become a cornerstone of healthcare? Discover how we're working to make this vision a reality as we reflect on our journey since 2021. Learning from all our amazing guests over the past three and a half years has taught us the importance of policy and system changes to integrate exercise professionals into healthcare delivery. As we move towards 2025, the focus remains on keeping you, our listeners, informed and proactively identifying opportunities for you to engage in that cement exercise professionals as vital healthcare stakeholders.

Physical inactivity is an epidemic with far-reaching health and economic ramifications. Explore how the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) is committed to reshaping the healthcare paradigm in America by embedding exercise professionals into healthcare delivery. As the president of the PAA, our host, Michael Stack, emphasizes the importance of awareness and collaboration with stakeholders to transform how society views physical activity. We aim to inspire listeners to embrace and promote movement as a critical component of health and well-being.

In this episode, we outline our commitment to provide regular updates about ongoing efforts in physical activity policy and professionalization. As the holiday season approaches, we extend our warmest wishes and look forward to continuing this journey with you in 2025.

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode138

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Discover the future of fitness with Amy Boone Thompson, CEO of IDEA Health and Fitness Association, as she unveils the secrets to a thriving career in the exercise industry. Ready to break free from isolation and ignite your professional growth? Our conversation reveals how IDEA has been revolutionizing support for fitness professionals with a legacy of 43 years, now further enhanced by their innovative mentorship program. Whether you're a newcomer or a veteran in the field, Amy shares invaluable insights on how to leverage IDEA's vast resources and educational tools to stay at the forefront of the industry.

Explore the critical role of continuous learning and the power of collaboration in today's fitness landscape. We navigate the necessity of building bridges with allied health professionals, ensuring clear scopes of practice while maintaining high standards across the board. Get a sneak peek into the upcoming Idea World event in Sacramento—a gathering designed to unite fitness and health experts. Join us as we tackle the challenges of balancing accessibility with professionalism, and learn how you can be part of this dynamic evolution in the science of human anatomy, mental health, and behavioral psychology.

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode137

Our Guest: Amy Boone Thompson
Amy Boone Thompson is the Owner and CEO of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, and the Chair of World Active. She is at the forefront of driving positive change in the global fitness community. With a passion for empowering others and fostering global collaboration, Amy’s vision and leadership continue to inspire and elevate both individuals and the industry as a whole.

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Ever wondered how healthcare systems shape public health across the globe? Join us as we welcome back Dr. Natalie Grinvalds, an expert with firsthand experience in both the American and UK healthcare systems, for a compelling exploration of their structural differences. Natalie, with her unique journey from the U.S. to England, shares invaluable insights into how exercise professionals can bridge the gap between medical care and wellness, offering a holistic approach that could transform health outcomes. This episode promises to unravel the contrasts between a privatized, for-profit model and a universal, tax-funded healthcare system.

Our discussion takes a deep dive into the heart of the UK's National Health Service (NHS), tracing its evolution and examining the pressing challenges it faces today. From long wait times exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic to the urgent need for digital transformation, we explore how the NHS is adapting to meet modern demands. We also spotlight the vital role fitness professionals could play in this landscape, supporting the shift towards community care and prevention—key elements in achieving broader public health goals.

Finally, we tackle the economic and social impacts of physical inactivity in both the United States and the United Kingdom, highlighting innovative solutions like the UK's exercise referral schemes. Dr. Grinvalds offers inspiring examples of collaboration between allied healthcare professionals, emphasizing the potential for lifestyle medicine to revolutionize our approach to wellness. By examining the strengths of each system, we uncover opportunities for mutual learning and improvement, paving the way for a future where integrated healthcare is not just a goal, but a reality.

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode136

Our Guest: Dr. Natalie Grinvalds, PhD
Dr. Grinvalds currently works as a Research Associate with Sheffield Hallam University Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) on a one-year project focused understanding the lifestyle support needs (including physical activity, nutrition, and psychological support) people living with metastatic breast cancer. In this role, she utilizes a range of skills that include research methods, stakeholder engagement, leadership, project management, relationship building and topical expertise in physical activity, nutrition, health, and wellbeing.

Her qualifications include a PhD in Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing, an MPH in Behavioural, Social and Community Health and a BSc in Applied Health Sciences, Public Health, and Nutrition Science.

Dr. Grinvalds runs her own business, Resilience Fitness + Wellbeing, focused on fitness instruction, workplace wellbeing and health coaching. Her aim is to help people build resilience through physical activity and develop and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviours.

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This is the twelfth, and final, episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll unlock the secrets to advancing your career in the exercise profession. We guarantee you'll learn how to transform your role by acting as a healthcare professional today, while staying on top of industry developments.

Join our host, Michael Stack, as we weave together the collective wisdom of our esteemed guests from this special 12-part series, delivering a powerful call to action for exercise professionals. This is our chance to elevate the exercise profession, impact more lives, and shift from mere wellness to embracing a broader, more inclusive concept of well-being.

Our episode ventures into the heart of building trust within the healthcare industry, emphasizing the crucial step of relationship-building with clients, members, and policymakers. Discover strategies for creating a collaborative referral network that combines exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, and coaching, ensuring holistic well-being and improved exercise outcomes. This is not just a reflection but a heartfelt thank you to everyone, including our listeners, the Health & Fitness Journal team, contributing authors, and the ACSM, for being part of this journey. Let's champion the power of movement together and continue advancing the professionalization path.

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episodeacsm12

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