What Happens When Your Trainer Teams Up with Your PCP?
When we talk about health, most of us think in silos: diet, exercise, sleep, mental health, and medical care all exist as separate entities.
But what if they were meant to work together?
When I started Purposeful Strength, I always believed that fitness should be functional, personal, and connected to the bigger picture of your life. It’s not just (entirely) about aesthetics—it’s about moving better, feeling better, and thriving as you age. And that’s exactly where a quality primary care physician (PCP) comes in.
Too often, fitness and medicine operate on separate tracks. You go to your trainer to get stronger, and you go to your doctor when something goes wrong. But there’s a huge opportunity being missed when your trainer and your doctor aren’t on the same page.
Fitness IS Preventive Medicine
Exercise isn’t just good for you—it’s medicine. We now know that structured strength and cardiovascular training can improve blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammatory markers. I’ve worked with clients to support healthy changes in their blood panels, lower their resting heart rates, and even reduce their need for medications—all through exercise, consistency, and lifestyle support.
But to really move the needle, it helps to have a primary care provider who understands and supports your fitness goals. When your PCP appreciates the power of resistance training and aerobic conditioning, they’re more likely to encourage it, monitor your progress with intention, and collaborate with professionals like me to make sure your workouts are aligned with your medical needs.
Meet Dr. Sara Headley of Mint Health
Dr. Sara Headley is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (APRN for those who do better with bunched up letters, haha) and the founder of Mint Health, a brand new concierge-style primary care practice opening in Waterbury, VT. She’s also a Purposeful Strength client—and someone who truly understands the value of integrating exercise into a broader health strategy.
Dr. Headley brings a personal, preventative, and empowering approach to health care. Her practice is intentionally small, so she can give her patients the time and attention they deserve—whether that’s a deep dive into lab work, help managing a chronic condition, or a conversation about how exercise can impact your long-term vitality.
One of the things I appreciate most about Dr. Headley is that she doesn’t just “recommend” exercise—she actively partners with people like me to make it actionable. That means prescribing strength training to improve bone density or reduce insulin resistance, tailoring cardiovascular routines to support heart health, and tracking metrics that reflect true progress—not just a number on a scale.
If you’re curious about how her practice works, I highly recommend reading her recent blog post: Understanding Concierge Care. She does a great job explaining how this model gives her the flexibility to spend more time with patients, offer proactive care, and collaborate with your wellness team—including your trainer.
Why This Matters to You
If you’ve ever felt like your doctor rushed through your annual checkup, or that your lifestyle habits were overlooked in favor of a prescription pad, you’re not alone. The traditional model of health care often limits the kind of holistic, preventative guidance that makes a lasting difference.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
By working with a PCP who values movement, you can finally bridge the gap between fitness and medical care. You’ll get clearer insights into your labs, better support with health challenges, and the ability to work toward goals like reducing blood pressure, improving energy, or managing stress with a full team in your corner.
Build Your Health Team
Your health deserves a team effort. As your personal trainer, I’m committed to helping you move well, stay strong, and feel confident in your body. But when we bring in a medical professional like Dr. Headley, the possibilities multiply.
So if you’re looking to take your health to the next level—whether it’s getting off certain medications, improving your cholesterol, or just feeling more in control of your long-term wellness—consider checking out Mint Health and scheduling a consult.
Dr. Headley is currently accepting new patients, you can click here to schedule a discovery call, and I can’t think of a better partner to support your fitness journey.