Dr. Steven Conroy, an IRONMAN triathlete and founder of Boost Performance & Longevity Center, combines endurance athleticism and medical expertise to advance wellness. He sat down with us to share insights on balancing physical health and mental resilience and the evolving future of integrative and functional medicine.
How has your journey as an endurance athlete shaped your approach to patient care?
As an endurance athlete, my focus has evolved from purely physical performance to understanding the critical balance between mental resilience, recovery, and long-term health. Over the years, I’ve learned to prioritize recovery through tools like heart rate variability (HRV), optimize nutrition for sustained energy, and adapt training to life’s demands. Recently, I’ve emphasized the importance of sleep and mindfulness in maintaining focus and performance. These insights now guide my holistic approach to helping patients achieve their health and wellness goals.
What advice do you give patients starting fitness later in life to ensure safety and steady progress?
I always recommend starting small. I recommend that patients focus on small, attainable goals. Do not just go right out and start training for a 50K trail race or an IRONMAN without first starting a simple 5K, trail run, or even a local triathlon. It is also important for an older athlete to focus on proper strength training, mobility, and stability work starting from the ground up to avoid injuries. I cannot stress enough the importance of a proper warm-up and a slower progression, gradually working up miles and distance to avoid overuse injuries. The more consistency you have in training, the more success you will have, especially when you are injury-free. I also recommend a solid recovery program that includes adequate protein intake, as well as proper hydration and sleep.
What new strategies will Boost implement in 2025 to improve patient outcomes?
We are utilizing more AI-driven diagnostics for advanced cardiac testing and precision genomics to help patients assess risk and optimize their health.
How do you view mental resilience and its impact on patient health outcomes?
At Boost, we view mental resilience as a skill that can be cultivated through mindfulness, stress management, goal setting, and support systems. We recognize it as a critical factor in achieving sustainable health and peak performance.
What trends do you foresee shaping integrative and functional medicine, and how is Boost adapting to those changes?
We align with the healthcare shift toward personalized care by offering evidence-based, individualized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs. Leveraging AI for advanced diagnostics and treatment customization, we focus on preventive care through tailored strategies in nutrition, stress management, and fitness, ensuring our approach evolves with the latest advancements in personalized medicine.
Dr. Conroy’s philosophy and methods reflect a transition from reactive to proactive healthcare. By combining his emergency medicine expertise with a dedication to functional and integrative care, he empowers patients to optimize their healthspan. Take charge of your health by visiting BoostPLC.com or 512-888-9086.
"As an endurance athlete, my focus has evolved from purely physical performance to understanding the critical balance between mental resilience, recovery, and long-term health."