Episode 6

Exercise as a Means, Not an End: Insights from the Military

Published on: 23rd September, 2026

In this episode of The Movement Prescription Podcast, Callum speaks with Dr Jodie Blackadder-Weinstein, a GP in the Royal Air Force, about physical activity, lifestyle medicine, and behaviour change in military and primary care settings. Jodie discusses her systematic review of nudges in primary care, noting how administrative prompts, like reworded letters and text messages, empower staff to encourage healthier patient choices.

She also reflects on a recent summit in Finland focused on warfighter performance, population health, and national preparedness. The conversation explores how this contingency mindset might translate to the UK without relying on fear-based messaging. Finally, Jodie shares her thoughts on military exercise culture, highlighting the value of making small, practical lifestyle changes tailored to a person’s unique motivations and past experiences with fitness.

Key Takeaways:

  • How administrative nudges, such as appointment letters and text messages, can be used by practice staff to drive positive behaviour change.
  • Why viewing physical fitness through the lens of national resilience and preparedness offers a new perspective on population health.
  • The importance of understanding a patient’s past experiences with exercise to help them build lasting, foundational habits around sleep, nutrition, and movement.

Resources Mentioned:

  • RCGP Veteran Friendly Practice network
  • Churchill Fellowship
  • British Society of Lifestyle Medicine: bslm.org.uk

Produced with support from the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Find us at https://themovementprescription.co.uk/ and join the conversation!

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About the Podcast

The Movement Prescription
Welcome to The Movement Prescription, the podcast where movement meets medicine. Hosted by three dynamic GPs, Dr. Callum Leese, Dr. Suzy Scarlett, and Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi, this show is your go-to resource for understanding the transformative power of physical activity in healthcare.

Backed by the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, The Movement Prescription shares the society's bold vision: transforming healthcare and tackling health inequalities through the principles of lifestyle medicine.

Designed for everyone but with health professionals in mind, this podcast aims to educate, inspire, and empower listeners to integrate physical activity into healthcare settings. Whether you're a clinician, a health advocate, or someone passionate about promoting well-being, our episodes offer actionable insights, real-world examples, and expert interviews.

In Season Two, we dive deeper, challenging misconceptions about physical activity and exploring innovative ways to address it across diverse healthcare scenarios, including for disease-specific groups. Join us as we unlock the potential of movement to revolutionize health and bridge the gaps in healthcare for a healthier, more equitable future.

In season 3, a new series of The Movement Prescription brings together Hussain, Suzy and Callum for six engaging conversations on the power of physical activity to transform health and wellbeing. Across a wide range of topics—from multiple sclerosis and diabetes to prehabilitation—they explore how movement can be promoted in real-world clinical and community settings. Joined by inspiring guests, including consultant orthopaedic surgeon and BMJ columnist Ms Scarlett McNally, this series blends evidence, experience and practical insight to champion movement as medicine.

Tune in, and let’s get moving, together.