Beyond the Resolution: Why Movement is Your Best Long-Term Investment
Every year, nearly 40% of Americans make a New Year’s resolution, with a quarter of them aiming to get fit or lose weight. We all know the story: the gyms are packed in January, but by March, the motivation has faded.
However, for 66-year-old Bill Mullikin, fitness wasn't about a date on the calendar—it was a literal lifesaver. Learn how to exercise for a healthier you in 2026 and beyond with Tina Bailey, a personal trainer with Cone Health Sagewell Health & Fitness in this 2 Your Well-Being conversation with WFMY.
The Wake-Up Call
Bill’s journey didn't start with a desire to "look good for a cruise." It started on a hike with his daughter when he felt a strange sensation on his left side. A follow-up physical and a trip to the cardiologist revealed a minor aneurysm. It was the ultimate wake-up call.
Today, you’ll find Bill at Sagewell Health & Fitness Greensboro, rowing 5,000 meters and hitting the cable weights. "I don’t like doctor’s offices, and I don’t like pills," Bill says. "I need to do whatever I have to do to avoid those."
The "Big Three" of Motivation
Staying consistent is the hardest part of any fitness journey. Dylan Confar, a personal trainer at Sagewell, notes that while specific goals, "carrots on sticks" (like vacations or weddings), work for some, long-term success relies on three factors:
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Competence: Knowing what you’re doing so you feel confident.
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Community: Having support and accountability.
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Choice: Having a say in the types of movement you actually enjoy.
According to Dylan, the first few weeks are the hardest. If you can force yourself to just show up—even if you only stay for five minutes—you are building the habit. In about two to three weeks, that habit takes root.
Why "Medical Fitness" is Different
Many people are familiar with general fitness, which focuses on aesthetics and physical improvement. But Tina Bailey, a personal trainer at Sagewell, explains that Medical Fitness bridges the gap between clinical care and the gym.
Medical fitness is often a referral-based system where trainers work alongside physicians and physical therapists. Whether you are recovering from a hip replacement or managing a chronic condition, medical fitness looks at how an injury impacts the entire body, from your posture to the way you walk.
The Formula for Success
If you’re starting for the first time (or the 11th time), Tina recommends a simple baseline:
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Frequency: 3 to 4 times per week.
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Duration: At least 30 minutes per session.
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The Mix: A combination of cardio for heart health and strength training for bone density and metabolism.
Movement is the Key to Pain Relief
It sounds counterintuitive, but if you are in pain, the worst thing you can do is stop moving. While it may hurt at first, regular movement reduces inflammation and improves joint health over time.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier You
If you're ready to explore how a tailored fitness approach can benefit you, Cone Health Sagewell Health & Fitness welcomes visitors for tours.
