How can you discuss functional training with physicians to improve mood and reduce anxiety?

1 Why functional training matters for mental health

Exercise is widely recognized as a natural and effective way to boost your mood and reduce anxiety. It can stimulate the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that regulate your emotions, motivation, and pleasure. It can also lower your cortisol levels, which are associated with stress and inflammation. Functional training, in particular, can enhance your mental health by increasing your self-efficacy, confidence, and sense of accomplishment. By performing exercises that simulate real-life tasks, you can feel more capable and empowered to handle everyday challenges and cope with stressors.

2 How to introduce functional training to physicians

One of the first steps to discuss functional training with physicians is to educate them about what it is and how it differs from other forms of exercise. You can explain that functional training is not just about lifting weights or doing cardio, but about improving the quality of movement and function in daily activities. You can also emphasize that functional training is adaptable and customizable to each individual's needs, goals, and preferences. You can use examples of functional exercises that target specific areas of the body, such as squats, lunges, push-ups, rows, planks, or kettlebell swings. You can also demonstrate how functional training can be performed with minimal equipment, such as bands, balls, or bodyweight.

3 How to present the evidence for functional training

Another step to discuss functional training with physicians is to present the evidence for its effectiveness and safety. You can cite reputable sources, such as peer-reviewed journals, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or guidelines, that support the use of functional training for improving mood and reducing anxiety. You can also highlight the mechanisms and pathways by which functional training can influence the brain and nervous system, such as neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, neuroprotection, or neuroinflammation. You can also address the potential risks and contraindications of functional training, such as injuries, overtraining, or medical conditions, and how to prevent and manage them.

4 How to address common barriers and objections

When discussing functional training with physicians, it is important to address any barriers and objections they may have. These can range from lack of time or resources to prescribe or monitor functional training, to lack of knowledge or confidence in recommending or supervising functional training, to lack of interest or motivation to try or promote functional training, and even lack of evidence or consensus on the optimal dose, frequency, intensity, or duration of functional training. To overcome these barriers and objections, you can offer solutions such as providing simple and practical tools like templates, checklists, and apps to prescribe or monitor functional training. You can also provide ongoing education and training such as workshops, webinars, and courses to enhance knowledge and confidence. Additionally, incentives and recognition like rewards, certificates, and badges can be used to encourage and acknowledge functional training. Clear and consistent guidelines like recommendations, standards, or protocols should be provided to define the optimal dose, frequency, intensity, or duration of functional training. Finally, regular and constructive feedback such as reports, surveys, and testimonials should be used to evaluate and improve functional training.

5 How to collaborate and communicate with physicians

A final step to discuss functional training with physicians is to collaborate and communicate with them effectively. You can establish a rapport and trust with them by showing respect, empathy, and professionalism. You can also use active listening and open-ended questions to understand their perspectives, concerns, and expectations. You can also use clear and concise language and avoid jargon or technical terms to convey your message and avoid confusion. You can also use positive and constructive feedback and avoid criticism or blame to reinforce your message and avoid conflict. You can also follow up and document your communication and collaboration with them to ensure accountability and continuity.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?