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Doctors' Notes: Exercise

Jan 20, 2026
Dr. Jo Blodgett, a Senior Research Fellow specializing in life-course epidemiology, shares her expertise on the nuances of exercise. She reveals that movement throughout the entire day is crucial, emphasizing the risks of sedentary lifestyles. Jo discusses the importance of strength training for women, especially during menopause, and how it can alleviate menstrual symptoms. She also highlights that it's never too late to start exercising—benefits can be gained at any age. Plus, her background as a semi-professional footballer lends a unique perspective on balancing sport and exercise.
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INSIGHT

Adopt A 24‑Hour Movement View

  • Think of movement across the whole 24-hour day rather than isolating 'exercise' as a separate sacred activity.
  • Combining sleep, sedentary time and active periods gives a fuller picture of health impact.
ADVICE

Progress Slowly To Avoid Injury

  • Start exercise with realistic, graded goals to avoid injury and sustain habits.
  • Increase duration or intensity gradually rather than jumping from zero to heavy training.
ADVICE

Match Intensity To Your Capacity

  • Use perceived effort (heart rate, breathing) to tailor intensity for your age and capacity.
  • Aim for activity that elevates heart rate comfortably and safely for your condition.
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