Future Practice co-founder and Modern Wellness podcaster, Oliver Patrick, kicks off the HCM Summit today in central London.

Patrick explains how we’re living in an anxiogenic, obesogenic and exposome environment. Everything is labour saving and moving towards gaining weight. The environment of perpetual light and perpetual news is keeping us just a little bit worried and we're getting constantly exposed to things which are bad for health. Autopsies show that microplastics are in all human tissues – even the brain and the testicles.

"We're living in a very odd world to be well," says Patrick.

Patrick goes on to talk about the opportunity which the shift towards preventative health presents for the fitness industry. For example, no one currently owns sleep: "this is an untapped area for the fitness industry to move into."

In terms of future proofing our bodies, Patrick’s recommendations include measuring HRV; retaining muscle and VO2 max, especially as we age; stacking wellbeing interventions, such as cold water swimming, biophillia, cardio and social. And, when it comes to sleep, routine wins over interventions: go to bed with a clear head, clear room, cool skin and in the dark.

Almost 300 delegates have gathered at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster for the event which includes book signings by Elaine Jobson and Baz Moffat; networking opportunities, an after-show party with live music sponsored by Les Mills; food tasting from Kauai and rugby legend, Jonny Wilkinson, will be handing out free samples of kombucha from his One Living brand.

If you have FOMO watch the live stream here The Gym Group CEO, Will Orr, is up next at 9.30am.