Physicians’ Weekly, along with Greg Wells, PhD, recently co-hosted the third installment of the #PWChat series on the topic of “Exercise as Medicine.”
The topics covered include the types of exercise Dr. Wells would recommend for patients solely looking to lose weight who are otherwise healthy, the pros and cons of cross training, how to inspire patients who have the desire to get in shape with exercise but try something for a week or 2 and then fall back into a no-regular-exercise routine, and much more.
If you missed any part of the previous discussions, you can read Part I and Part II.
View our upcoming schedule, or read our other #PWChat recaps here.
Below are the highlights from the chat. You can read the full transcript here.
Question 1
Q1: For patients solely looking to lose weight who are otherwise healthy, what types of #exercise would you recommend?#PWChat #bebetter
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) January 10, 2018
#PWChat Regular exercise is key. Success has been achieved with walking, swimming, cycling, weights, yoga. When we match regular exercise with healthy nutrition the benefits are amplified. Sleep is another factor that can help with weight loss and also helps people eat smarter.
— Dr. Greg Wells (@drgregwells) January 10, 2018
#PWChat There is also good evidence to support the use of resistance exercise as a modality to help people decrease their fat mass. Important to differentiate between weight loss and fat loss. The goal should often be fat loss not necessarily weight loss.
— Dr. Greg Wells (@drgregwells) January 10, 2018
HIT (High Intensity Training), if they can tolerate it. This seems to give the most weight loss bang for the time put in buck.
— PNW Doc (@DocPNW) January 10, 2018
Question 2
Q2: What are your thoughts on cross training? We’ve heard mixed opinions on its effectiveness.#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) January 10, 2018
#PWChat Q2. I am a huge fan of cross training. I have used this with almost all the athletes that I have worked with. Benefits are both physiological and psychological. The goal is to find exercise modalities that are complimentary to what the person is seeking to achieve.
— Dr. Greg Wells (@drgregwells) January 10, 2018
PWChat Q2. So for example, a tennis player may benefit from yoga and resistance training to build mobility and strength to improve their game. A swimmer might benefit from running to help build more endurance.
— Dr. Greg Wells (@drgregwells) January 10, 2018
Question 3
Q3: How do you inspire patients, such as myself, who have the desire to get in shape with exercise but try something for a week or 2 and then fall back into a no-regular-exercise routine?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) January 10, 2018
#PWChat A few keys: 1. Start small. 15 minutes a day can be beneficial. Even one class a week might be a good place to start. 2. Get an accountability partner. Find someone to go to your class / gym / walk with. 3. Build it into your day. Go for a walk at lunch. Ride to work.
— Dr. Greg Wells (@drgregwells) January 10, 2018
Great! Few more 1) Have fun! 2) Do as much as you like. One Km is better than none, one time per week is better than nothing 3) Find out what makes you feel good after the shower following exercise
— George Nassis (@gnassis) January 10, 2018
#PWChat. I am a big fan of the post-workout, post-shower single really really good espresso…. (even though caffeine is a performance enhancer and can just as easily go before workout…).
— Dr. Greg Wells (@drgregwells) January 10, 2018
#PWChat And perhaps most importantly find things to do that bring you joy. I love cycling with my kids on the weekend. So we go – often. If you enjoy music then listen to great music while walking to work. If you like competition play tennis.
— Dr. Greg Wells (@drgregwells) January 10, 2018
Q3- Encourage small behavioral changes at first. Tie to a medical condition they can positively affect w/ exercise. Mention as key intervention, not afterthought. Next visit, ask about exercise FIRST (reinforces how important it is). Encourage app like @MyFitnessPal #PWChat
— Nicholas DiNubile MD (@drnickUSA) January 10, 2018
Question 4
Q4: Why is it important to help patients “get back to basics” on #exercise?#PWChat #bebetter
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) January 10, 2018
Because very basic abilities & capacities of daily living need continued training. Last month I had a Patient who came for physiotherapy for wrist pain. He lost his ability to use his legs to get up & down from sitting & sprained his wrist while trying to get up.
— healthfx (@healthfxtoronto) January 11, 2018
Question 5
Q5: What sorts of #exercise should clinicians be recommending to their patients in general, and how should these be tailored to each patient? #PWChat #bebetter
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) January 10, 2018
Do you have an opinion on this question?
Please leave your answer in the comments section below.
Question 6
Q6: Where should clinicians direct their patients online for reliable #exercise information?#PWChat #bebetter
sorry for firing off the last few questions in rapid fire, but we’re running short on time and we wanted to get them in.
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) January 10, 2018
#PWChat. That is a tough one especially for the exercise medicine information that we need for patients. For running programs I like Running Room: https://t.co/Ajgrx0ICQ7. For mobility I like MobilityWOD https://t.co/BovvMKgees.
— Dr. Greg Wells (@drgregwells) January 10, 2018
Great question #exercise should be prescriptive and tied into the diagnosis. 1-2 key exercises (or behavioral changes) performed at the right dosages x 4-5 days should make a difference. Ie. Treat exercise like a dose of medication and then reassess.#WCChat
— healthfx (@healthfxtoronto) January 11, 2018
