In Exercise Is Medicine, Thompson, Sallis, and colleagues make a strong case that physical inactivity is one of the major public health problems globally. The article argues that the burden of chronic disease, metabolic dysfunction, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, pulmonary disease and many other conditions is strongly connected to sedentary behavior. The authors restate that exercise should not be viewed as optional or extras but as part of the standard toolkit of disease prevention and treatment.
One thing that stands out is the high-level framework set out in the article. The authors describe how medical professionals can integrate physical activity assessment, give brief advice, and refer patients into exercise programs. They emphasize partnerships between healthcare providers, exercise professionals, public health agencies and communities to make this happen. They also highlight that despite the strong evidence linking physical activity with better outcomes, there is often a gap between what physicians recommend and what patients actually do.
For the target audience of people over forty interested in longevity and healthspan, much of the article offers strong motivation and rationale. It reinforces that starting or maintaining exercise is not only beneficial but essential. However, the article does not always go deeply into detailed prescriptions: for example, exactly what kind of strength training, how many sessions per week, how to adapt in the face of physical limitations, etc. In that sense, it gives more of a guiding overview than a detailed applied manual. For someone already familiar with exercise science or with experience working with trainers, it offers useful justification and encouragement.
Overall the article is persuasive, well structured, and a solid reference for why exercise must be part of routine healthcare. I really appreciate the emphasis on building partnerships with clients, healthcare providers, and exercise professionals. The authors support building strength, staying active, avoiding decline, and preserving healthspan (see list of some actionable takeaways). I highly recommend it as a companion piece to more applied resources, to help clients understand why the choices you train them in matter in a broader health context.
