Intelligence

Smarter Exercise Improved Lives

Evidence-based articles on physical activity, wellness, behavioral change, healthy aging, and preventing chronic diseases. Our focus is to provide guidance on maintaining good health and well-being as we age, while emphasizing the importance of physical activity. (Editorial articles. Not product claims)

Exercise Snacking: The Science Behind Short Workouts and Better Engagement

Adaptive Coaching,Agentic AI,AI Training Technology,Behavior Change,Preventative Health

Physical inactivity continues to be a persistent and costly challenge for health plans and organizations working to improve population health. Traditional exercise programs often require 30 minutes or more of continuous activity, creating a barrier for people who are inactive, deconditioned, or short on time. But improving health doesn’t necessarily require lengthy workout sessions. There…

GLP-1s and Muscle Preservation: A New Measure of Treatment Value

Agentic AI,GLP-1,GLP-1 & Weight Loss

For health plans, provider networks, and pharmaceutical leaders supporting GLP-1 therapy, clinical success is no longer just about the number of pounds lost. At a net cost of $7,000 to $10,000+ per member annually, the treatment's value increasingly depends on the quality of weight loss, specifically how much fat is lost, how much muscle is…

How HR Teams Are Restructuring GLP-1 Benefits

Agentic AI,Corporate Wellness,GLP-1 & Weight Loss

With employer healthcare costs projected to rise by 8% to 9% in 2027, many organizations are reevaluating high-cost benefits such as GLP-1 coverage. Demand for these medications remains strong, but because treatment may be long term, offering broad coverage can put significant pressure on pharmacy budgets. However, eliminating coverage can limit access to effective treatment…

Supporting Your GLP-1 Population Now and Over Time

GLP-1 & Weight Loss

For organizations investing in GLP-1 therapies, providing access to medication is only the first step. Success depends largely on how well individuals navigate the day-to-day realities of treatment: Are they getting enough protein and fluids? How should they exercise when they feel tired or nauseous? How do they lose weight while preserving muscle? And over…

From Numbers to Next Steps: Turning Data into Exercise Guidance

Health data is everywhere. Wearables monitor sleep, heart rate, and activity. Connected devices measure everything from weight to medication use. Yet, each day, all that information still has to help answer one practical question: What should I do today? For organizations aiming to improve outcomes across large populations, answering that question intelligently and repeatedly could…

Inside Adaptive Health AI: 5 Steps That Turn Data Into Recommendations

It’s easy for fitness technology to seem personalized. Ask someone about their age, goals, preferences, and fitness level. Feed those answers into an algorithm to generate a plan. But true adaptation begins after that plan is created. For AI to adapt to an individual, it needs to keep learning from new information and use what…

What Is Agentic Health AI, and Why It Matters Now

Health and wellness technology has become very good at collecting information. Wearable devices can track heart rate, sleep, activity, and recovery. Apps can record workouts, monitor progress, and provide recommendations. But there’s a difference between collecting data and knowing how to use it. That gap between information and action is helping to drive agentic health…

Walking the Talk: PEAR CEO Signs National Physical Activity Pledge

Corporate Wellness,Employee Health

When it comes to workplace wellness, actions speak louder than words. That’s why Bob Allison, co-founder and CEO of PEAR Health Labs, the AI-driven platform behind the Aaptiv fitness app, recently signed the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) CEO Pledge for Physical Activity. This nationwide initiative calls on business leaders to adopt movement-friendly strategies that improve…

How Fitness Benefits Help Employees Attract Other Healthy Habits

Corporate Wellness,Employee Health

Beyond strengthening the heart, muscles, bones, and brain – even reducing the risk of certain cancers – exercise has yet another superpower: it acts as a “health magnet,” naturally attracting other healthy behaviors. Explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and how employers can leverage the effect to help all employees achieve optimal health. Exercise: A…

Going Against Evolution: Becoming More Active in an Inactive World

Corporate Wellness,Employee Health

Imagine a world where every step you took was essential for survival. For our hunter-gatherer ancestors, movement wasn't a choice but a necessity. Hunting, foraging, and evading predators demanded constant physical activity. Today, however, technology and modern conveniences have made movement optional. This drastic shift has created a disconnect; while our bodies are designed for…

Alzheimer's Prevention: Changing Your Brain Through Exercise

Preventative Health

As baby boomers age and more people live longer, Alzheimer's is on the rise. While researchers have studied the disease for decades, there is currently no cure. However, there’s promising news on the horizon. Studies suggest that a simple lifestyle change could not only help prevent Alzheimer’s disease but also slow its progression. Learn more…

Movement is Medicine: The Link Between Chronic Disease and Exercise

Preventative Health

It’s natural for people to worry about chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which rank as the top three leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. While medicine has made great progress in treating these conditions, there’s universal agreement that preventing chronic diseases altogether is far preferable. The encouraging news is…

Will Anti-Obesity Drugs Get More People to Exercise?

Preventative Health

Until recently, the recipe for weight loss focused almost exclusively on lifestyle-based approaches, basically “eat less and exercise more.” But today, the new generation of weight-loss medications is dramatically reshaping the dieting landscape. While there are concerns that relying on a “pop-a-pill” approach might deter people from adopting healthier habits like exercise, a growing consensus…

Running Strong: New Postpartum Program Reshapes Fitness for Military Moms

Postpartum Health

For new military mothers, progressing from walking to running is a key milestone. As they prepare to pass their mandatory physical activity assessment, they need to build up their cardio and strength to endure the impact of running. Yet many new military mothers don’t get any guidance or training on how to do this slowly…

Fit for Duty: Revolutionizing Postpartum Fitness for Military Moms

Postpartum Health

Having a baby is a life-changing event for anyone. But for women in the military, it can be especially challenging. Besides the physical and mental demands of postpartum recovery, they also face the added pressure of passing the mandatory Physical Fitness Test (PFT) within 12 months of giving birth. Enter Fit Warrior Mom, a first-of-its-kind…

How to Create a SHIELD Against Cognitive Decline

Healthy Aging,Preventative Health

Eat more blueberries or dark chocolate. Try fish oil supplements. Exercise more. Be social. There are lots of strategies out there on what to do to prevent, or even reverse cognitive decline. But which are the most important to focus on? We spoke with Dr. Amy Lee, Chief Medical Officer at Pear Health Labs, to…

Running From Cognitive Decline

Healthy Aging,Preventative Health

There is no question that exercise provides tremendous benefits. It can ward off disease, strengthen the heart, lungs, and other internal organs, and significantly improve overall health. However, a mounting body of research shows that exercise can do much more than enhance physical health. It could also help prevent cognitive decline and dementia, making it…

Reversing the Aging Process through Exercise

Healthy Aging,Preventative Health

Like the pop superstar Cher, do you ever wish you could “turn back time”? While it’s not possible to hop into a time machine and recapture some of the energy and vitality of youth, there is a powerful and cost-effective alternative. Research shows that exercise holds incredible potential to reverse the effects of aging muscles,…

Vicki's Success Story: How PEAR and Aaptiv Helped Her Regain Strength and Mobility

Accessible Exercise Programs for Healthy Aging The number of people aged 65 and older in the United States has grown rapidly over most of the 20th century, from 3.1 million in 1900 to 35 million in 2000. Their share of the population has grown as well, from 12.4% in 2000 to 16.0% in 2018.” This…

Empowering Seniors to Stay Active and Healthy: Overcoming Barriers to Exercise

As the population ages and the demand for senior healthcare services increases, the need for preventative healthcare will become more and more important. Empowering seniors to take control of their health through physical activity can help create a happier, healthier, and more engaged senior population. Benefits of Increasing Physical Activity Increasing physical activity levels is…

The Science Behind Behavior Change: How to Make Lasting Health Improvements

Behavior Change,Employee Health,Preventative Health

Living a healthy lifestyle requires daily physical activity and healthy habits. For many people, making the transition to a healthier lifestyle can be challenging. In order to successfully increase daily physical activity and form healthy habits, behavior change is necessary. What is Behavior Change? Behavior change is the process of modifying one's actions, attitudes, and…

Combating Employee Burnout: Strategies for a Healthier Workplace

Corporate Wellness,Employee Health

Employee burnout is a prevalent issue that can negatively impact an individual as well as the entire organization. According to Gallup's latest report titled "Employee Burnout: Causes and Cures," nearly 76% of employees experience burnout at work, with 28% of them feeling burned out “very often” or “always.” This leads to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism,…

The Importance of Preventative Healthcare: Shifting Towards a Proactive Approach to Improve Health and Reduce Risks

Preventative Health

Preventative healthcare is becoming increasingly critical as chronic diseases and health issues continue to increase. Instead of solely treating illnesses, there is a growing emphasis on prevention. The traditional healthcare system is reactive, only responding when an individual presents a health problem. However, research shows the importance of a preventative approach. This shift gives the…

Future of Fitness: AI-Powered Coaching in Fitness Apps with PEAR Technology

Adaptive Coaching,AI Training Technology

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various industries, and the health and fitness industry is no exception. With the use of wearables and biometric feedback, it is possible to create fitness plans that are tailored to an individual's needs, goals, and overall health. This technology of AI-powered coaching has the potential to revolutionize the way…

The Benefits of Including a Fitness App in Your Employee Wellness Program

Corporate Wellness,Employee Health

Businesses aiming to attract top talent and prioritize employee well-being are turning to health and wellness apps as key tools for enhancing overall health. Global installations of these apps are forecasted to rise by 42% in the near future, as per Sensor Tower. Integrating an all-in-one fitness app can effectively promote employee health and wellness.…

Understanding PEAR Training Intelligence Enhanced Vo2Max Metrics

AI Training Technology,PEAR Exercise Data