Beyond the Script: Health Talks with SANA

Rethinking Exercise & Health with Dr Paul Batman

SANAMethod Season 1 Episode 19

In episode 19, hosts Dan Lowry and Dr Richard Ralph sit down with long-time educator and fitness expert Dr Paul Batman for a thoughtful conversation about how we view exercise, health and movement, particularly as we get older.

With over 50 years in the health and fitness space, Dr Batman shares his career journey and how his own health challenges led him to rethink the role of exercise in everyday life. Rather than promoting intense workout routines, he introduces the idea of ‘movement as well-being’, a more balanced, sustainable approach to staying active.

This episode offers practical advice for anyone looking to improve their health without needing to hit the gym hard. Whether you're in your 30s or over 50, the discussion touches on realistic ways to make physical activity enjoyable, meaningful and part of your daily routine.

What you'll hear:

  • Dr Batman’s career path and key turning points
  • How a health scare shifted his perspective on exercise
  • Why walking more, and faster, can make a real difference
  • The science behind movement, longevity and quality of life
  • Thoughts on motivation, enjoyment and ageing well
  • A critique of fitness culture and where it may be missing the mark
  • Simple strategies to move more, without overdoing it.

If you're interested in ageing well, moving with purpose or simply finding a more manageable way to look after your body, this episode is for you.

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Bio
 00:32 – Paul’s Career Journey
 01:15 – Health Scare and Realisations
 03:26 – Movement as Well-being Concept
 05:19 – Fitness Industry Critique
 11:20 – Cancer and Exercise
 16:35 – Understanding METs
 18:54 – The Benefits of Increasing Your Walking Speed
 19:16 – Muscles as Endocrine Organs
 19:30 – The Importance of Intermittent Movement
 20:07 – Motivation and Enjoyment in Exercise
 20:39 – Personal Stories and Experiences
 20:51 – Running Culture and Fitness Insights
 22:52 – Optimal Running Distances for Health
 24:54 – Intensity vs Duration in Exercise
 25:45 – Modern Tools and Accurate Measurements
 28:46 – Practical Exercise Recommendations
 32:55 – Incorporating Physical Activity into Daily Life
 36:02 – Final Thoughts and Contact Info