Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

Throughout human history we moved from an era dominated by vigorous physical work to our current time where sedentary activities dominate.

Sedentary lifestyles have become a major global health crisis that experts compare to the risks associated with smoking. Sustained physical activity plays an essential role in keeping the body healthy by affecting weight control alongside heart health and blood sugar balance while also supporting brain function together with mental health and sleep quality and strengthening bones and muscles. The importance of exercise cannot be overstated, with four main types of exercise recommended for optimal health: Physical activity is essential for health maintenance and includes aerobic exercises like jogging and cycling alongside strength training such as weightlifting and balance practices including yoga. Remaining active requires more than just scheduled workouts because daily movement is essential to fight against sedentary lifestyle consequences. Traditional exercise routines can be supplemented with unique and enjoyable activities including skijoring where skiers are pulled by dogs, karaoke spin classes that combine music with spinning workout sessions, the Gospel Workout which mixes prayer with exercise amidst gospel music tunes, Zuu workouts that imitate animal movements, naked yoga sessions, and Jukari which uses circus exercises to enhance fitness routines. Unique fitness activities deliver physical benefits while bringing enjoyment and freshness to workout routines. Genetic factors determine how inclined individuals are toward physical activity as they account for roughly 40-60% of the variation in activity levels between people. Physical activity genes affect multiple bodily functions including dopamine production, metabolic processes, appetite control mechanisms, natural opioid production and blood sugar regulation. Genetics establish the foundational tendencies for activity levels but lifestyle decisions and environmental conditions play a major role in determining how active someone becomes. Simple daily habits can substantially increase physical activity levels beyond regular exercise routines. You can fight sedentary behavior by choosing to walk rather than drive along with using stairs instead of elevators and doing housework while exercising during TV time and avoiding machines that save effort as well as playing with kids or pets and dancing to music which all add up to more daily movement. Prioritizing physical activity remains critical for sustaining superior health and well-being given the sedentary nature of today's lifestyle. Implementing a combination of standard and unique exercise routines along with active daily lifestyle choices and knowledge about genetics and environmental effects enables people to actively pursue better health through increased physical activity. Explore the Precision Health & Wellness tests from PlexusDx and obtain personalized fitness insights into your genetic predisposition available at PlexusDx.com as well as Amazon and Walmart. Begin your path to improved health and more physical activity right now.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.