Dr. Peter Attia, a physician and a renowned longevity expert, calls exercise “the single most powerful longevity drug” we have. Unlike experimental geromedical compounds or cutting-edge therapies, this one is free and accessible to nearly everyone.
In Lifestyle Medicine, physical activity is not treated as a chore or punishment. It is a science-backed tool that builds metabolic resilience, emotional stability, and structural integrity.
But movement is not one-size-fits-all. Knowing what to do is one thing. Integrating it into daily life and making it sustainable is another.
What the Guidelines Say
According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which are indorsed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should aim for:
- 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, swimming)
or
- 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity activity (e.g., running, HIIT, stair climbing)
Plus:
- At least two days per week of muscle-strengthening activities involving major muscle groups (e.g., resistance training, bodyweight exercises, Pilates)
Even short bouts of 10 to 15 minutes at a time are proven to be beneficial. The point is not perfection. It is consistency.
Why It Matters for Your Health
Movement enhances more than fitness. It is deeply connected to longevity, mental health, and quality of life. Regular physical activity has been shown to:
- Improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar
- Lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers
- Support brain health through increased blood flow and neurotrophic factors (like BDNF)
- Improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety
- Enhance muscle and bone strength, reducing risk of injury and frailty
Physical exercise is about building the physical and neurological capacity to move through life with clarity, control, and confidence.
When Movement Backfires
Not everyone needs more intensity. For some, pushing harder is not the answer - it is the problem.
High achievers, caregivers, or those navigating grief, trauma, or burnout often approach exercise as a coping mechanism. But when the nervous system is already in overdrive, intense workouts can elevate cortisol and deepen fatigue. That is when a “healthy habit” turns counterproductive.
This is a critical nuance that is often overlooked in conventional fitness advice, but central to Health and Wellness Coaching in the Lifestyle Medicine model. Physical activity is essential, but it should not come at the cost of your health or nervous system. Whether you are rebuilding from burnout or training for performance, movement needs to be individualized.
How Health and Wellness Coaches Help
At VitalLife, our Health and Wellness Coaches help bridge the gap between clinical recommendations and what is actually doable and safe in the real world.
They do not prescribe workouts. They co-create movement strategies that are rooted in science and aligned with your current lifestyle and energy.
That might mean:
- Replacing rigid routines with flexible micro-movements throughout the day.
- Starting with joint mobility, walking, or breath-led movement for those in recovery.
- Identifying signs of overtraining or adrenal imbalance — and shifting toward restoration.
- Building accountability and celebrating progress (even when it’s small).
Health and Wellness Coaching turns exercise into something you look forward to, not just something you “should” do.
In our next article we shall dive into Restorative Sleep: The Silent Healer and explore how sleep affects everything from immune health to metabolism, and how small, strategic lifestyle modifications supported by Health and Wellness Coaching can bring your sleep cycles back into balance.
About The Author
Tanya Stockdale is a Mayo Clinic and Institute for Integrative Nutrition-certified Health and Wellness Coach, and a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in the wellness space. Her approach combines evidence-based coaching with a deep understanding of nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and root-cause healing. She is also a trained meditation teacher, with a strong interest in the mind-body connection and brain-heart coherence. Outside of her clinical work, Tanya prioritizes movement, time in nature, and practices that support long-term resilience and vitality.
