🚨 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! 👇

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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.

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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!

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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.

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