Medical Fitness and Strength Training with Jeff Young Ep #39
In the world of fitness, we often hear about trainers and coaches who specialize in different areas of exercise and wellness. But there's a term that doesn't get as much attention - "medical fitness expert." Meet Jeff, a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience working in several world-class medical facilities. He is the president-elect of the American College of Sports Medicine's Greater New York Regional Chapter and chairs the National Strength and Conditioning Association for Special Populations Interest Group. In this blog post, we'll explore Jeff's journey into the realm of medical fitness, its significance, and how it can transform lives.
Defining Medical Fitness:
Before diving into Jeff's story, let's understand what medical fitness is all about. According to Jeff, there is no consensus definition of medical fitness, but he defines it as the proper assessment, prescription, and progression of exercise programs for people with chronic diseases and musculoskeletal conditions. In essence, it's about safe exercise programming for those with medical conditions and joint pain.
Jeff's Path to Medical Fitness:
Jeff's journey into the world of medical fitness is nothing short of serendipitous. It began after he graduated from Penn State with a degree in kinesiology and landed his first job at Duke University Medical Center's diet and fitness center, which focused on medical weight loss. Later, in 2006, he had the opportunity to join Mount Sinai Center for Health and Healing in New York City. There, he was tasked with creating and managing the fitness component for patients with a wide range of medical conditions. This experience allowed him to interact with various healthcare providers and immerse himself in the world of medical fitness.
The Importance of Exercise for Health:
During the interview, Jeff passionately emphasized the positive impact of exercise on every system in the body. From the muscular and cardiovascular systems to the nervous, skeletal, and hormonal systems, exercise plays a pivotal role in promoting overall health. He also highlighted the importance of strength training, which he believes has a particularly profound effect on muscle, bone, and nervous system health.
Jeff's Wife: A Living Testimony to Medical Fitness:
Jeff shared a remarkable story about his wife, who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in 2004. Her health was deteriorating rapidly, and it led to several challenges, including restless leg syndrome and job loss. With Jeff's expertise and dedication, he designed a personalized medical fitness program for her. Today, she is stronger than most people, even without MS, and her condition is re-diagnosed as inactive and benign. This inspiring story serves as a testament to the power of medical fitness.
Getting Started with Medical Fitness:
For individuals interested in incorporating medical fitness into their lives, Jeff's advice is to start with a safe and comfortable point. This could be through physical therapy, reputable fitness resources, or knowledgeable fitness professionals. The goal is to build capacity gradually and progress at a steady pace.
Joint-Friendly Exercises and Rehabilitation:
For those with physical barriers or injuries, Jeff stresses the importance of joint-friendly exercises and rehabilitation. A physical therapist can be an excellent resource in creating personalized plans that focus on safe movement patterns and targeted exercises for specific conditions.
Conclusion:
Medical fitness is a valuable field that focuses on safe and effective exercise programming for individuals with medical conditions and joint pain. Jeff's journey and expertise in this realm highlight the transformative potential of medical fitness. Whether you're just starting or overcoming an injury, taking the time to find a safe start point and exploring joint-friendly exercises can lead to remarkable improvements in health and well-being. Embracing the power of medical fitness can be a life-changing decision, as evidenced by Jeff's wife, who has conquered multiple sclerosis through dedication, knowledge, and personalized fitness programming. Remember, it's never too late to start moving and prioritize your health through medical fitness.
More from The Dr. Francavilla Show brand:
Subscribe to The Dr. Francavilla Show on
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher