The Movement Prescription

In this episode of The Movement Prescription Podcast, hosts Suzy and Callum sit down with clinical exercise specialist Rob Bird to explore the critical role of exercise in healthcare. Rob shares his journey from the traditional fitness industry to clinical exercise, highlighting the importance of tailored movement for individuals with chronic conditions. They discuss the barriers many face when engaging in physical activity, the need for healthcare professionals to guide patients effectively, and how behavioral change principles can enhance adherence to exercise. Rob also breaks down key assessment strategies, the evolution of functional movement, and why the people who need exercise the most are often the least likely to access it.

Whether you’re a healthcare provider or simply interested in the science of movement, this episode provides valuable insights into making exercise a powerful tool for long-term health and well-being.

Produced with support from the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Find us at https://themovementprescription.co.uk/ and join the conversation!

In this episode of the Movement Prescription Podcast, Callum sits down with GP and lifestyle medicine experts Hussain and Suzy to explore the transformative role of GLP-1 agonists in obesity management. They discuss how medications like Saxenda and Wegovy work to modulate hunger and satiety, and emphasize the importance of pairing these treatments with lifestyle changes—especially regular physical activity—to achieve sustainable weight loss. The conversation also delves into potential side effects, the benefits of preserving muscle mass through resistance training, and the broader challenges faced within the NHS. Tune in for evidence-based insights and actionable strategies for integrating pharmacological and lifestyle interventions in the fight against obesity.

Produced with support from the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Find us at https://themovementprescription.co.uk/ and join the conversation!

Join host Callum and Andrew Telfer, co-founder of WildStrong. They discuss community-focused movement in nature, challenging traditional fitness norms and promoting a playful, inclusive approach to health.

Produced with support from the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Find us at https://themovementprescription.co.uk/ and join the conversation!

Suzy interviews Dr. Polly Swan, an elite rower and medical doctor, on the Movement Prescription podcast. They delve into Polly's Olympic success, medical career, and balancing both endeavors. The discussion covers Polly's challenges, including injuries and overtraining, and the support she received. Polly shares her pandemic training experience, emphasizing the importance of outdoor activities. They explore Polly's Olympic journey, partnership with Helen Glover, and the legacy of inspiring others through sports. The conversation touches on empowering young women through sports, Polly's TEDx talk, and promoting physical activity in the medical field.

Produced using funding from NHS Tayside Educational Fund and the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Find us at https://themovementprescription.co.uk/

Join me in a conversation with Robert Jamison, a pioneering architect known for the BBC/Netflix show “Your Home Made Perfect”. Robert offers an insight into his life, and how yoga plays a central part of his daily routine and well-being. And we talk about how the convenience of 21st century building and architecture is engineering movement out of our lives, and the various ways we can address this (including the squat toilet!). Robert has a unique perception of space, which inspires possibility, and challenges the norm.

Produced using funding from NHS Tayside Educational Fund and the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Find us at https://themovementprescription.co.uk/

Urban green and blue spaces (UGS) are hugely beneficial to human and planetary health. With the environments in which we live, and the rapid growth of urbanization, we as healthcare professionals have an advocacy role in promoting green space. 
Join me as I chat with Sarah and Dan from the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. We talk about the importance of green space for health, some of the amazing ongoing examples of promotion in health care and the offerings on the table. This includes NHS Forest, being led by Dan and Sarah, which promises to give trees to any GP practice!!

Greener Practice – Greener Practice – UK's primary care sustainability network

Green Exercise | University of Essex

Tree Equity Score (free, online, mapping tool): https://uk.treeequityscore.org

NHS Forest website: https://nhsforest.org/

Natural England review of reviews: https://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5939107801595904

Food growing toolkit, here's the link to it in the networks: https://networks.sustainablehealthcare.org.uk/resources/food-growing-toolkit-healthcare-settings

Recent WHO Publication:
Urban Green Space for Health: a review of the evidence Urban green spaces and health (who.int)

Recent Paper published in Lifestyle Medicine:
Urban green and blue spaces for influencing physical activity in the United Kingdom: A narrative review of the policy and evidence - Leese - 2024 - Lifestyle Medicine

Produced using funding from NHS Tayside Educational Fund and the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Find us at https://themovementprescription.co.uk/

Suzy, Lubna, and Dimple discuss the importance of integrating movement into diverse communities to empower patients from ethnic minority backgrounds. Lubna, a clinical specialist pharmacist, stresses a holistic approach in cardiovascular clinics, addressing lifestyle factors beyond diabetes control. Dimple, a GP, underlines the value of creative health promotion through lifestyle medicine pillars. The conversation focuses on cultural sensitivity in healthcare, offering tailored interventions and inclusive community activities to overcome barriers and promote physical activity effectively. Speakers also emphasize the role of language nuances and building trust with patients to improve health outcomes and well-being.

Produced using funding from NHS Tayside Educational Fund and the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Find us at https://themovementprescription.co.uk/

Join Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi as he explores the magic of nature with Maggy Blagrove from Open Minds Active. This UK-based organisation is all about bringing people together outdoors for better mental health.

What Open Minds Active Does:

• Open Minds Active helps people reconnect with nature through outdoor activities like wild swimming and yoga.
• They have a team of experts who make sure everyone feels welcome and included.

Their Core Values:

• Community: Creating a friendly space where everyone can have fun together.
• Equality: Making sure everyone, no matter their background, can enjoy nature.
• Environment: Respecting and enjoying the great outdoors.
• Resilience: Helping people feel mentally strong through outdoor movement.
• Adventure: Encouraging exploration and excitement in nature.
• Self-care and Care of Others: Teaching skills to cope with life's challenges and supporting each other.

Nature's Healing Effects:

• Spending time in nature reduces stress and improves mental well-being.
• Activities like wild swimming and yoga outdoors can boost resilience.
• Inclusive Communities:
• Open Minds Active creates safe spaces where everyone can join in outdoor fun, regardless of who they are.
• Many people have found joy and support in this community.

Open Minds Active aims to reach more people and spread the benefits of outdoor activities for mental health.

Discover the power of nature for your well-being with Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi and Maggy Blagrove. Open Minds Active is making outdoor adventures accessible to all, showing that nature truly has the ability to heal and unite us.

Produced using funding from NHS Tayside Educational Fund and the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Find us at https://themovementprescription.co.uk/

What do you think of when someone mentions resistance training? Is it rust filled testosterone fuelled gyms? Or a Californian-style sweat free embodiment of perfection? Or something else? 

Whatever you think it is, resistance training should form a crucial part of our lives. And is even recommended for everyone by the WHO. Join me in a conversation with GP and lifestyle expert Dr John Sykes as we discuss the power of resistance training whilst also acknowledge the number of challenges in getting widescale uptake. John emphasizes the need collaboration, debunks exercise misconceptions, and highlights the importance of personalized approaches in sustaining physical activities. The conversation addresses the efficacy of resistance training in disease prevention and promotes safe engagement in resistance training for overall health. We explore practical ways to normalize resistance training in primary care and explore how to tailor recommendations.

Produced using funding from NHS Tayside Educational Fund and the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Find us at https://themovementprescription.co.uk/

Tune in to this week's episode as Hussain sits down with Chrissie Wellington, the Health and Wellbeing Lead at parkrun UK, to delve into the incredible phenomenon that is parkrun. Many of you will know Chrissie as the greatest female long distance triathlete of all time, winning a mind boggling 4 Ironman world titles! They discuss the importance of shifting perspectives and aims from physical activity as we age. parkrun is celebrating its 20th year, and has become more than just a run/jog or walk in the park; it's a powerful social prescribing initiative that has touched countless lives. Join us as we explore how parkrun has transformed communities and individuals alike, and discover how healthcare professionals can engage with this movement through initiatives like the RCGP parkrun Practice. Get ready for an inspiring conversation on health, wellbeing, and the magic of parkrun!

Produced using funding from NHS Tayside Educational Fund and the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Find us at https://themovementprescription.co.uk/