Let's Uncomplicate: Exercise

A 58-year-old banker came to me. She was walking every day but still felt stiff and fatigued. Diabetes looming. Fear of falling. And zero interest in going to a gym. We added resistance bands, easy balance drills, and hip mobility stretches at night. In 8 weeks? Lower sugars, more energy, and she hadn’t tripped once. Also, her dog got fitter thanks to her new-found enthusiasm for evening walks. Sometimes the fix can be simple!

What does movement really do?

• Glucose disposal crew: Your muscles literally mop up sugar from your bloodstream, no insulin required.

• Inflammation modulator: Regular movement keeps chronic inflammation in check—no fancy turmeric shots needed.

• Hormone whisperer: It improves insulin sensitivity, cortisol rhythm, sex hormones and helps you sleep better.

• Mood elevator: Physical activity boosts endorphins, dopamine, and even BDNF (brain fertiliser). Yes, it can be your therapist!

But you don’t need a fitness tracker-induced identity crisis. You need consistency, not perfection.

The other day someone asked me, “Doc, I’ve started walking 20 minutes every day. That’s good enough, right?”

And the answer is: it’s a great start. But let’s be clear—movement isn’t one thing. It’s not just cardio. It’s not just gym workouts. And it’s definitely not just pacing in your living room while pretending to listen to your work Zoom call. If you truly want to use movement as medicine—not just for fat loss, but for metabolism, hormones, immunity, and longevity—you need to understand that it rests on four key pillars.

1. Endurance (Aerobic Activity)

This is your heart’s happy place. Walking, jogging, cycling, swimming—anything that makes you breathe a little harder, sweat a little, and question why your playlist only has sad songs. This is also what comes to mind for most people when we talk about exercise! Tell anyone about exercise, things like 10k steps and jogging is what immediately comes to mind. I'm yet to come across anyone who starts off saying how many push ups I need to do!?!

What it does:

• Boosts cardiovascular fitness and oxygen efficiency

• Improves mitochondrial function (your cell’s energy factory)

• Enhances insulin sensitivity

• Increases BDNF (brain fertilizer!)

• Helps with mood and sleep—especially after arguing with your Wi-Fi router

Think: brisk walks, stairs, or dancing around your house like no one’s watching (because, let’s be honest, they’re not).

Yes, this is an important part of your routine, but if there is one thing you take away from this blog, it must be this - endurance training alone isn't enough.

2. Resistance (Strength Training)

And when I mention strength training, the image running through most people is a bulky body builder and most women look at me with a sense of "Will I become bulky?" No, you won't if you don't want to!

Muscles aren’t just for flexing. They’re metabolically active, hormonally supportive, and quite literally your organ of longevity.

What it does:

• Increases your metabolic rate (burns more even at rest)

• Improves blood sugar control (muscles soak up glucose)

• Prevents age-related muscle loss (aka sarcopenia)

• Reduces risk of falls and osteoporosis

• Boosts myokines—anti-inflammatory signals from muscles

And no, you don’t need to grunt under a squat rack. Even resistance bands, bodyweight, or carrying groceries with dramatic flair count. Dedicate at least 2 days a week to get some strength training.

3. Balance

Until you trip over your pet or twist your ankle stepping off a curb, balance isn’t on most people’s radar. But it should be. Especially if you are no longer a spring chicken!

What it does:

• Prevents injuries, especially as you age

• Improves coordination and reaction time

• Helps your brain know where your body is in space (proprioception!)

• Supports posture and stability

Try standing on one leg while brushing your teeth. Or yoga. Or walking on uneven ground without looking like a cartoon character. If you want to up your game, pick up a balancing board (and be very careful while at it)!

Falls are the biggest cause of mortality as folks age and are a significant source of medical expenses. Dedicate one day a week at least for balance training and your future self (and bank balance) will thank you immensely!

4. Flexibility (Mobility)

It’s not about turning into a pretzel. It’s about giving your joints the freedom to move without protest.

\What it does:

• Reduces risk of injuries

• Improves range of motion

• Makes everyday tasks (like picking up a sock) easier

• Speeds up recovery after other types of training

Keep it simple - dynamic stretches before, static stretches after. Foam rolling counts too.

And if you can’t remember the last time you stretched… that’s your sign.

Your body isn’t one-dimensional. Your movement shouldn’t be either. This isn’t about crushing workouts. It’s about crushing life—being able to lift your bags, climb stairs without gasping, and dance at weddings like no one’s watching (again: they’re really not).

Because movement isn’t just reps and sets. It’s your long-term freedom plan.

So start somewhere. Just don’t stop.