EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY

If you want to look and feel your best but are not sure where to start, our Exercise Physiologists are here for you. The science of health professionals and the encouragement of a trainer. We're here to help you get back to your best.

Exercise Physiology is for everyone who wants to feel great again. That's all of us, right?

Your exercise physiologist (EP) is your allied health professional who is an exercise expert.

By applying their scientific knowledge, our EPs are able to use the right exercise to treat disease, injury, chronic conditions or pain when we are suffering.

Yes, used correctly, exercise is a 'wonder drug' that can enrich your life by optimising performance and reducing wear and tear.

Why Exercise Physiology Is For You

If you've ever felt flat and lethargic and not yourself, seeing an accredited exercise physiologist is for you.

If you have one of a wide range of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease or diabetes, an exercise physiologist is for you.

If you struggle to find time for or appreciate physical activity in your daily life, that's right, exercise physiology is for you.

EPs are effective at treating, coaching, training and guiding you to exceptional health and wellbeing outcomes for such a broad range of conditions it's hard to find someone who cannot be helped by exercise physiology.

When we asked our regular exercise physiology clients what they get out of their EP sessions, the most common themes were:

  • Increased my motivation
  • Improved my independence
  • Walking better / walking further
  • Increased social connection
  • Increased confidence
  • Improved well being/feeling good
  • Decreased pain
  • Increased health/exercise knowledge

And that's just the start. Your physical activity levels might already be pretty good but you're looking to perform at an exceptional level. Applying the knowledge of an exercise scientist to your body, clinical exercise physiology can boost performance in elite athletes with tailored training programs.

There are two options for your exercise programs at PridePlus Health. Both options start with personal one-on-one sessions where you and your EP develop your exercise plan. From there you might like to join the small group exercise classes we host in our in-clinic gym, The Strong Room. Or you might prefer to work on your physical function and goals with continued personal training from your EP.

Group Exercise Classes at PridePlus Health

Our Exercise Physiologists run personalised group exercise classes where you can join a small group of like-minded peers to work on your own goals. This is not your boot camp in the park type of exercise.

Prior to commencing a class, you will sit down 1:1 with an EP and plan your goals with all your history, challenges and expectations all taken into account.

Your EP then utilises their knowledge of all aspects of medical, physiological and anatomical systems to plan your program.

Joining the groups allows you to conduct your exercise program in the safety and comfort of our gym (The Strong Room) where you will be supported by your EP and fellow athletes.

_DSC3021
_DSC3026

What is an Exercise Physiologist?

An exercise physiologist is the health professional of the future. Exercise physiologists are experts in exercise and your body. They understand how all your body systems work together and the role different exercises, movements and medicine has on them.

Where you might go to a GP when you're feeling poorly and looking for medicine, you head to an exercise physiologist when you're looking to feel better, more motivated and energised.

Exercise physiologists play a similar role to that of your doctor. When seeing an Exercise Physiologist, they will ask about your health status and history. They will then work with you as your trainer, coach and supporter, prescribing movement and appropriate exercises to achieve your goals.

Learn more about our team of exercise physiologists.

What is the role of an Exercise Physiologist?

The role of an exercise physiologist is to guide you towards your ideal health goals. For some, this is improving blood sugar levels. For others, it's improving blood pressure or reducing cholesterol.

For many of us there is a combination of improving our biochemistry, our function and our mood with appropriate exercise and lifestyle interventions.

Exercise physiologists play a role in managing chronic disease, mental health, rehabilitation of injuries and improving sporting performance.

How do you become a Exercise Physiologist?

To become an exercise physiologist you must first study for a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Exercise Physiology. Next, you'll need to be registered by ESSA, Exercise & Sports Science Australia as an accredited exercise physiologist.

To maintain this accreditation exercise physiologists must complete continue professional education.

Is an Exercise Physiologist a doctor?

An exercise physiologist is not a medical doctor. In Australia Exercise Physiologist's are able to use the title Dr, however, most choose not to.

What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Physiotherapist?

Both exercise physiologists and physiotherapists are allied health professionals. To become either an exercise physiologist or a physio you must study around 4 - 5 years at university and become registered to practice.

Both professions prescribe exercise and movement to improve function, confidence and reduce pain.

Where an exercise physiologist is strongest is providing long lasting support and motivation to continue to complete the right exercises for you and your needs. This could be related to your mood and mental health or a chronic medical condition like diabetes mellitus or arthritis.

Where physiotherapists are strongest is in the assessment and management of injury and pain.

Usually a physiotherapist and exercise physiologist will work closely together. The physio being there early to assess, touch and get you through your early phase of your journey. Your exercise physiologist will be involved here taking you through the tricky times where motivation wanes and will guide you towards your goals.

What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a personal trainer?

While there's plenty who shy away from this comparison. An exercise physiologist is like a personal trainer with a degree and a heap of knowledge about medical, social and mental health. That's not to say a personal trainer isn't an important part of your overall wellness team. Your exercise physiologist often works closely with PT's adjusting training programs to get great safe, functional outcomes.

If you have any medical conditions or risks an exercise physiologist will safely assess and prescribe the best training programs to overcome or work around any hurdles in your path. Prescribing movement as part of your exercise program to improve your quality of life with a strong focus on functional capacities.

A strong advantage of being an allied health professional, when you see an EP you can get rebates from both private health insurers, Medicare, the NDIS and other 3rd party funds. For some of these (like medicare, WorkSafe and TAC) you will need a referral from your medical practitioner. For most private health insurers if you have the coverage you do not need a referral from a medical practitioner to start your treatment.

What are the best Exercise Physiology exercises?

The best exercise physiology exercises are the ones that are tailored to your needs.

We all inherently know we need to exercise, but to know what kind of exercise, how much, how often? That is the domain of your exercise physiologist.

For most of us, our exercise program will include aspects of strength and conditioning, aerobic fitness, mobility and mindfulness.

Is Exercise Physiology For You?

By now many readers will appreciate the benefits of exercise and how an EP can help with a how a range of conditions including chronic disease management.

So when your daily activities are becoming harder than they used to, or if your medical practitioner is having to increase your medication dosage. Start your journey with your accredited exercise physiologist.

Your allied health professional is ready to work with you, challenging you, supporting you to your goals.

You'll find that visiting one of our allied health professionals, your out of pocket expenses are much less than you thought it would be.

How Exercise Physiology Can Help You?

Our exercise physiologists can help you with:

Visit the Experts at PridePlus Today

We Take Pride in Your Health.