259. Exercise and Energy - Energy For Optimal Health Series
Summary
In this episode, of Metabolism, Muscles, and Mindset, Dr. Novitsky dives into one of her favorite topics as an obesity medicine doc and fitness enthusiast: the transformative link between exercise and energy.
Listeners will gain insight into the bidirectional relationship between emotional and physical energy, the hormonal impacts of movement - including insulin sensitivity and cortisol regulation - and how exercise improves emotional regulation and stress resilience. She also touches on the importance of role models, confidence, and community, particularly for women, and how embodying strength becomes a purpose-driven, high-energy experience.
She challenges the all-too-common belief that we’re “too tired to exercise" and explores how breaking through that initial mental hurdle can unlock powerful benefits across physical, mental, and emotional energy systems.
Exercise generates ATP, the body’s basic energy currency, ramps up feel-good endorphins, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) - enhancing mood, cognition, and memory. Consistency in movement builds stamina and lowers the energy cost of exercise over time, making it easier and more enjoyable to stay active.
Dr. Novitsky encourages everyone to find their “baseline minimum” — the small, sustainable commitment to movement that keeps energy and confidence high, without burnout.
Key Points
• Breaking the Mindset Barrier: Exercise can feel tiring before it’s energizing, but getting started is the key to unlocking its benefits.
• Energy on All Levels: Movement elevates physical, emotional, and mental energy by producing ATP, endorphins, and BDNF.
• Stamina Through Consistency: The more conditioned you are, the less energy it takes to move, and the more mental energy you free up.
• Sleep & Timing: Exercise can improve sleep quality, depending on timing and intensity. Emotional regulation through movement sets the stage for restful nights.
• Hormone Harmony: Strength training boosts insulin sensitivity and regulates key hormones like cortisol, leptin, and ghrelin for steady energy.
• Emotional Regulation: Exercise fosters better thoughts by creating a calm, grounded state — reducing spirals and buffering behaviors.
• Confidence & Purpose: Strength training enhances confidence, especially for women, and becomes a powerful tool for embodying purpose.
• The Power of Community: Supportive environments elevate both energy and belief in what our bodies can achieve.
Listen to Episode 259 Here
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Chapters
00:02 – The exercise-energy paradox: feeling too tired to move
01:35 – How ATP and endorphins fuel physical and emotional energy
02:20 – Why morning workouts set the tone for your day
03:30 – BDNF and mental clarity: your brain’s “topsoil”
04:45 – The interconnected nature of physical, emotional, and mental energy
06:00 – Exercise timing and its effect on sleep and emotional regulation
07:11 – Bringing a “vacation mindset” to everyday life
08:10 – Building stamina: why conditioning makes movement easier
09:30 – Mental energy saved through physical conditioning
10:45 – Emotional regulation through movement: less stress, better thoughts
11:50 – Exercise, insulin sensitivity, and avoiding post-meal energy crashes
13:30 – Hormonal impacts: cortisol, leptin, and ghrelin
14:15 – Strength as confidence: how exercise becomes empowerment
15:45 – Role models and community: elevating female strength
16:30 – Finding your baseline minimum: the smallest step for maximum energy
Resources:
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*Ali Novitsky MD, this podcast, and podcast write-up are NOT providing medical advice. We do not recommend you start any exercise program without first consulting with your doctor!*
