Show Notes for Ep. 28 Interview with Grace McNamara, CEO of EXI (Exercise Intelligence)

by | Jan 15, 2024 | Alternative Medicine, Business, Health Care, Leadership, Science

Given all the big, weighty topics that we cover on this podcast series, you may wonder why I recorded this episode about an exercise phone app. Well, the theme my producer and I were hunting down was the growing interest in alternative medicine, as in non-pharmaceutical intervention treatments. We found great experts to discuss truly non-mainstream topics like psychedelics and hypnosis but it turns out, simple physical exercise is an important treatment unto itself. And when you look at all the fitness centers and workplace fitness programs offered out there, “getting exercise” is a major industry. Yet, so many people struggle to get the results they are looking for and end up in a cycle of on-again, off-again exercise routines.

Grace McNamara, CEO of Exercise Intelligence, took a look at this problem and decided to take a different approach. If the mainstream fitness industry is all about one-size fits all classes, and workout plans, Grace determined that most people need a personalized workout plan that meets their unique needs, while offering incentives to keep on track. And then, the goals and milestones should align with a licensed primary health care provider, who can track your progress and determine if any other treatments can accelerate the gains.

Grace took time to speak with me about her company and its personalized healthcare app, one that can be prescribed by a doctor who can use it to monitor adherence to a care plan. Grace highlights the powerful role of exercise in managing various conditions and the need for proven behavior change methodologies. She also discusses the integration of exercise into healthcare systems and the barriers faced in doing so. Grace also shares advice for entrepreneurs and the importance of finding a work-life fit.

A few key takeaways from this episode include:

 

  • Personalized exercise programs and incentives are crucial for encouraging adherence to physical activity.
  • Exercise is beneficial for managing various conditions and should be integrated into healthcare systems.
  • Behavior change methodologies play a key role in sustaining exercise routines.
  • Entrepreneurs should surround themselves with a supportive team and build a strong network.
  • Practices like meditation and yoga complement exercise in improving overall health.

Chapters of interest if you want to reference back include:

 

  • 03:02 Formation of the Company
  • 05:32 Approval Process and Benefits of Exercise
  • 09:06 Personalized Programs and Incentives
  • 11:35 Types of Exercise and Personalization
  • 14:11 Tailoring Programs for Age and Health
  • 17:38 Exercise in the Healthcare System
  • 20:39 Barriers in Integrating Exercise into Healthcare
  • 21:24 Exercise for Different Conditions
  • 23:30 Behavior Change and Sustaining Momentum
  • 25:32 Integrating Exercise into Healthcare Systems
  • 28:36 Personal Exercise Routine and Adaptation
  • 32:55 Transition to Entrepreneurship
  • 36:08 Importance of Exercise Timing
  • 39:47 Complementary Practices and Improving Healthcare
  • 40:59 The Complementary Nature of Lifestyle Behaviors
  • 42:16 The Importance of Sleep
  • 43:26 The Fallacy of Sacrificing Sleep
  • 45:11 Where to Find More Information

To learn more about Grace:

This interview is just a conversation starter, I invite you to join in and share this episode with your personal and professional network. Listen to the interview, then give me your perspective. You can also find the latest show preview clips on my YouTube Channel. I encourage you to subscribe to the channel, share the clips and leave your comments.

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