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Across numerous studies, exercise is repeatedly demonstrated as the most effective intervention to improve physical and mental health, with benefits for both lifespan (length of life) and health span (quality of life). It’s for this reason that attention to exercise is prioritized in our program. That said, we recognize that exercise is hard. We are committed to working with you to develop and modify exercise regimen recommendations that promote enjoyment, maximize time efficiency and account for any neuromuscular/joint limitations you might have.
In addition to the fitness focus, our program also involves comprehensive lab testing, cancer screening, cardiovascular health assessments, advanced cardiac imaging, personalized nutrition guidance and attention to mental health to enhance your interpersonal relationships, relationship with yourself and ability to manage stress. Beyond the above, you will work closely with a longevity medicine physician to optimize other areas of your medical care, ensure that care coordination occurs with the other members of your care team and determine any need for additional specialist consultation.
During your in-person visits with our exercise physiologists, you will undergo two types of assessment sessions. In one of these, we will have you use either a treadmill or stationary bike to measure your VO2max. This metric provides the most precise and objective assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness, which pertains to your body’s ability to sustain whole-body endurance exercise. In the other, we will use equipment more commonly found in a gym to assess your strength, mobility and balance.
Together, these assessment sessions will inform creation of personalized, structured exercise routine recommendations designed for you. Repeat reassessments will track your progress, ensuring that the program evolves in parallel to you. This approach empowers you to sustain or improve your physical independence, helping you maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle for years to come.
Dr. Lucas’ interest in longevity medicine emerged out of his care for patients with obesity; he saw that weight loss, while very beneficial, is only one part of the journey towards optimal health and opposing the effects of aging. With his goal to provide more formalized support for improving fitness and health, the idea for the Weill Cornell Longevity Medicine Program was born. As the creator and director of the program, Dr. Lucas works individually with patients and oversees care coordination among the various clinical experts on each patient’s clinical team. Some of Dr. Lucas’s most rewarding professional moments have come from supporting patients to achieve health goals they once believed were impossible for them.
David’s approach is grounded in a deep understanding of functional and optimal movement patterns. His belief is that training should reflect the dynamic, three-dimensional nature of everyday life with emphasis on multi-joint, multi-planar exercises that are both relatable and translatable. Since muscles function primarily to facilitate movements, it’s the movements themselves that should be the focus. He specializes in strength training, conditioning, fitness and nutrition.
Dan's professional journey began with a fascination for the human body's capacity for adaptation and resilience. He is particularly passionate about leveraging advanced methods to enhance athletic performance and facilitate rehabilitation. Daniel helps each individual reach their goals by using educational and motivational practices to bring out their best physical and mental capabilities. He sees tremendous growth among all his clients with improvements in their confidence, resilience and well-being.
Melenie’s strong understanding of how the human body functions allows her to support others in improving their overall health and well-being. She is passionate about exercise for its ability to transform lives for the better. Her greatest source of fulfillment from her work is the creation of partnership with her clients to overcome barriers and support their achievement of health goals.
Jason’s early experience as an athlete and commitment to personal growth led him to exercise physiology. He uses his experience as a performance health coach to work closely with each of his clients in helping them reach their individual health and fitness goals.
Nutrition is an evolving and ever-changing science. Laurie has dedicated her career to exploring how food and nutrition contribute to the prevention of disease, the maintenance of good health and medical nutrition therapy. Her aim is to provide evidence-based information and help people recognize the complex behavioral and cultural components that often affect personal food choices. Together with your health care team, she creates an action plan to meet your health care goals.
As a registered dietitian, Virginia works closely with patients to slowly foster dietary changes to help them work towards a healthier lifestyle. The support, advice and meal plans she offers patients are personalized based on patient-specific lifestyle challenges, goals and behavior modifications.
