Exercise in a pill

In unraveling the pathways by which movement helps the body, we could develop medicines that offer some of the same benefits, without the workout. We all know exercise is good for us. It builds muscle, strengthens bones, lowers blood pressure, and boosts mood. By deciphering how movement benefits the body, researchers hope to develop medicines that can offer some of the same perks--without the workout. The idea isn't to replace exercise but to bring its upsides to people who struggle with frailty, disability, or chronic illness. It will take a lot of experimentation to untangle the myriad pathways by which exercise promotes health.