I am thrilled to share reflections from my recent visit to Italy, where I had the privilege of attending a science and technology summit hosted by our longtime and valued partner, Technogym. This gathering was not only a celebration of our ongoing collaboration, but a vivid demonstration of what happens when the concept of ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine Program is brought to life.
At the Technogym headquarters, I was struck by how the entire environment embodies the principle that exercise is not just a healthy habit, but a way of life, as well as a critical factor in preventing and treating noncommunicable chronic disease. Walking through the campus, engaging with members of the Technogym team, experiencing the smart equipment and seeing how exercise programming is tied to data, monitoring and personalized prescription reaffirmed how important these types of partnerships are as our field moves deeper into clinical and preventive health spaces.
At ACSM, our mission is to educate and empower professionals to advance the science and practice of health and human performance in all related sectors. Working in partnership with organizations like Technogym enables us to truly make a global impact in the health and fitness industry. Their AI-driven digital strategy and precision equipment allow for personalized, data-driven exercise prescriptions—and align perfectly with our vision to extend and enrich lives through the power of movement. Together, we are moving beyond gym floors and into health care systems, community wellness programs and the digital health space to ensure safe, science-based movement for all.
Our hosts at Technogym were extraordinary. From laboratory tours to scientific updates and session discussions, the energy, hospitality and shared vision were palpable. They opened their doors and invited clinicians, scientists and other stakeholders to engage deeply about where we are and where we are going, while facilitating transparent dialogue across disciplines and geographies.
I had the honor of meeting clinicians and researchers from 12 countries— physicians, exercise physiologists, rehabilitation specialists, digital health experts — all drawn together by the common goal of leveraging exercise and technology to prevent and treat chronic disease. The richness of these conversations underscored why our partnerships matter. When practitioners from around the world share their insights, we accelerate progress in ways that purely local or isolated efforts cannot. It was a true example of my presidential initiative of “Moving Together to Move Forward!”
One of the most exciting take-aways from the summit was the sense of untapped potential we uncovered together, including personalized exercise prescriptions, preventing chronic disease, embracing Technogym’s concept of “healthness” (an integrated view of health, technology, wellness and lifestyle), innovation and science convergence, and expanding our global reach. Over just two days, the summit revealed numerous avenues for collaboration on research, professional education and implementation programs as we envision the impact we can have in the 100 countries we reach together.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our hosts at Technogym, the clinicians and researchers who traveled from across the globe and our ACSM team who helped bring the summit to life.
As we look to finish 2025 and begin the new year, I am energized by what we can achieve together — bringing exercise prescription into every clinic, embedding it in every wellness strategy and ensuring that the future of health and fitness is anchored in rigorous science, fueled by technology and led by meaningful partnerships.
Together, we reaffirm that Exercise is Medicine and, with partners like Technogym and the expertise of ACSM members and certified professionals, we will continue to elevate the health of individuals and communities everywhere.
Special Note Regarding ACSM and the Presidential Youth Fitness Test
I want to acknowledge that we received some concerns from members regarding the August statement published by ACSM on the Presidential Youth Fitness Test (PYFT). The statement was by no means meant to negate this incredible work that our members have done to keep our youth healthy and active using evidence-based methods and approaches. We acknowledge and are grateful for the exceptional work ACSM members have contributed to the PYFT in the past and are working in collaboration with ACSM leaders in this field to ensure the best science is put forward as this next iteration is developed. Led by our Health & Science Policy Committee, ACSM will publish an issue brief in the coming weeks, and I encourage you to read that once it is available.
Best,
Carrie A. Jaworski, MD, FACSM, FAAFP
