
Critical Action Steps to Take as a Exercise Professional in a Rapidly Evolving Healthcare Market w/Dr. Rachele Pojednic
09/16/24 • 38 min
This is the second episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll discuss actionable steps exercise professionals need to take, with Dr. Rachele Pojednic, the co-author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Critical Action Steps to Take as a Certified Exercise Professional in a Rapidly Evolving Healthcare Market."
In an enlightening discussion with Rachele, we learn the vital importance of trust-building with healthcare providers and the general public. Discover why certification and credentialing are more than just formalities—they are the cornerstone for establishing credibility and demonstrating expertise. Dr. Pojednic merges her extensive experience in both academia and industry to reveal how evidence-based practices can be successfully applied in real-world scenarios.
Advocacy and communication are more important than ever as we work to shift the perception of exercise from a luxury to a healthcare necessity. Social media and professional credentials play crucial roles in differentiating credible exercise professionals from "fitfluencers," and we share practical tips for leveraging these platforms to build trust. Rachele shares an engaging anecdote about presenting to endocrinologists, highlighting the existing trust gap and the pressing need for exercise professionals to advocate for their indispensable role in modern healthcare. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you elevate your career and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector. Don't miss out—tune in now!
Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episodeacsm2
Our Guest: Dr Rachele Pojednic, PhD FACSM
Dr. Pojednic is the CEO and Founder of Strong Process Education and the Director of Scientific Research at Restore Hyperwellness. She holds a faculty appointment at Stanford University and is a research associate at the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She received her PhD in nutritional biochemistry from Tufts University and her current research examines nutrition, supplementation and physical activity interventions on muscle physiology, performance and recovery. She has a passion for science communication and has been featured in NPR, NYTimes, Time, Popular Science, Oprah Daily and the Wall Street Journal.
Follow us on social at the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/wellnessparadox
https://www.instagram.com/wellnessparadox/
This is the second episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll discuss actionable steps exercise professionals need to take, with Dr. Rachele Pojednic, the co-author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Critical Action Steps to Take as a Certified Exercise Professional in a Rapidly Evolving Healthcare Market."
In an enlightening discussion with Rachele, we learn the vital importance of trust-building with healthcare providers and the general public. Discover why certification and credentialing are more than just formalities—they are the cornerstone for establishing credibility and demonstrating expertise. Dr. Pojednic merges her extensive experience in both academia and industry to reveal how evidence-based practices can be successfully applied in real-world scenarios.
Advocacy and communication are more important than ever as we work to shift the perception of exercise from a luxury to a healthcare necessity. Social media and professional credentials play crucial roles in differentiating credible exercise professionals from "fitfluencers," and we share practical tips for leveraging these platforms to build trust. Rachele shares an engaging anecdote about presenting to endocrinologists, highlighting the existing trust gap and the pressing need for exercise professionals to advocate for their indispensable role in modern healthcare. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you elevate your career and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector. Don't miss out—tune in now!
Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episodeacsm2
Our Guest: Dr Rachele Pojednic, PhD FACSM
Dr. Pojednic is the CEO and Founder of Strong Process Education and the Director of Scientific Research at Restore Hyperwellness. She holds a faculty appointment at Stanford University and is a research associate at the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She received her PhD in nutritional biochemistry from Tufts University and her current research examines nutrition, supplementation and physical activity interventions on muscle physiology, performance and recovery. She has a passion for science communication and has been featured in NPR, NYTimes, Time, Popular Science, Oprah Daily and the Wall Street Journal.
Follow us on social at the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/wellnessparadox
https://www.instagram.com/wellnessparadox/
Previous Episode

Transforming the Exercise Profession through Professionalization and Advocacy
Join us for the first episode in a twelve-part podcast series brought to you in collaboration with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). This podcast series is based on the Sept/Oct 2024 themed issue of the ACSM Health & Fitness Journal on the topic of professionalization and advocacy. In this discussion, Wellness Paradox host Michael Stack (who is the editor of the themed issue), will explore the topic of professionalization in the exercise profession.
He’ll walk you through his introduction article to the themed issue entitled Professionalizing the Exercise Profession— What It Means and Why it Matters. Michael will dive into all critical aspects of the work underway to allow qualified exercise professionals to ascend to the status of Qualified Healthcare Professionals. In doing so, he’ll explore the topics covered in the themed issue and in this special podcast series. Most importantly he’ll make the clear case for why remaining informed, unified, and intensely focused in the professionalization effort will lead to the improved financial health of the fitness industry, while at the same time improving the health of our nation.
Join Michael as he outlines the “movement for movement” created by the professionalization effort in the exercise profession. This episode is truly a must-listen, not just for anyone in the health and fitness industry, but anyone involved in healthcare and health policy more broadly.
Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episodeacsm1
Our Guest: Michael Stack, ACSM-EP/EIM/PAPHS, CSCS
Michael is the creator and the host of the Wellness Paradox Podcast, produced in conjunction with University of Michigan. He is the founder & CEO of Applied Fitness Solutions and the Michigan Moves Coalition. He is also a faculty lecturer for the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology.
Michael is an exercise physiologist by training and a health entrepreneur,
health educator, and fitness industry advocate by trade. He is dedicated to the
policy and system changes to ensure fitness professionals become an essential
part of healthcare delivery.
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https://www.instagram.com/wellnessparadox/
Next Episode

Mastering Posture for Any Lifestyle w/Kristen Schuyten
Unlock the secrets to impeccable posture and peak physical performance with our latest episode featuring Kristen Schuyten, a veteran physical therapist from Michigan Medicine. Kristen's extensive experience with athletes—ranging from athletes and performers—offers a comprehensive look at the critical role of posture in injury prevention and optimal function. Whether you're a fitness professional or a strength coach, Kristen's insights will prove invaluable.
Gain a deeper understanding of the natural curves of the spine and why maintaining alignment is essential for overall body health. We discuss the modern-day culprits of poor posture, such as prolonged computer use and weight gain, and how these factors lead to muscle imbalances and spinal issues. Kristen provides practical advice on addressing tightness in the front body and weakness in the back to ensure balanced musculature and prevent injuries during workouts.
Finally, navigate the landscape of postural improvements and clinical pathology with expert guidance. Learn how to distinguish between issues that can be managed through standard exercise interventions and those requiring professional medical attention. Kristen emphasizes the importance of warm-up and cool-down routines, offering practical tips and resources to integrate into your daily regimen. This episode is packed with actionable advice and strategies to help you or your clients achieve and maintain optimal posture for superior performance and health.
Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode131
Our Guest: Kristen Schuyten, PT, DPT, MS, SCS, CSCS
Dr. Kristen Schuyten is a Physical Therapy Clinical Specialist and Performing Arts Rehabilitation Program Coordinator at MedSport Domino’s Farms and a Physical Therapist with the School of Music, Theatre and Dance Wellness Initiative. She holds her Board Certification in Sports through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA.
Dr. Schuyten received her undergraduate education from University of Michigan, and her Master’s and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Central Michigan University. She performs staff training in the evaluation, screening and treatment of Performing Arts patients and coordinates and performs on-site triaging, backstage treatment services for the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD).
She has collaborated in the creation of return to dance post-operative protocol, gymnastic, instrumentalist, post-concussion return and figure skating injury risk screening for these specialized patient populations. For over a decade, she has coordinated injury risk screening for the UM SMTD including analysis of individual screenings and customized exercise prescription.
Dr. Schuyten volunteers with the US Figure Skating Team USA, serving on their medical as Team Physiotherapist and supporting the team supported the team in Olympic and World Championship events. Through US Figure Skating and Michigan Medicine collaborations, she has served as a Co-Chief Medical Officer for 2019 National Figure and Synchronized Skating Championships.
Follow us on social at the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/wellnessparadox
https://www.instagram.com/wellnessparadox/
The Wellness Paradox - Critical Action Steps to Take as a Exercise Professional in a Rapidly Evolving Healthcare Market w/Dr. Rachele Pojednic
Transcript
And welcome back to the Wellness Paradox podcast . I'm so grateful that you can join us on this journey towards greater human flourishing . This is episode number two in a 12-part series in collaboration with the American College of Sport Medicine , on the September-October themed issue of the Health and Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy . As always , I'm your host , m
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