What is Exercise Physiology? Exercise physiology is all about the way the human body functions and responds to physical activity. Exercise physiologists study the effect of exercise on the body, the mechanisms by which exercise can reduce or reverse disease, support optimal health and aid in recovery.
This knowledge can then be applied to particular health conditions and lifestyle changes can be made in order to maximise the benefits of exercise on the body. We believe exercise is medicine and prescribe individualised exercise programs to treat, or prevent health conditions and injuries in the same way a doctor might prescribe medication. Our appointments include initial consultations, exercise delivery, education and ongoing support to help you both within the gym and at home.
Why should I see a Exercise Physiologist? An exercise physiologist is an allied health professional who specialises in prescribing exercise to help people get fitter, achieve all around good health, or to manage a specific medical condition. An exercise physiologist is not like a personal trainer at a gym. Exercise physiologists have studied at a university level Bachelors degree and then complete an additional Masters Degree and are extremely knowledgeable about and have a clinical understanding of the key systems that make up your body. They can then specifically prescribe a program of exercises to meet your health or wellbeing goals. Exercise physiologists carry specialist knowledge about exercising for the management of a number of health conditions, including but not limited to: obesity, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, depression, asthma and cardiovascular diseases.
Who is exercise physiology for?
if you would like to get fitter and/or achieve all around good health
if you have a known medical condition, including arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes or cardiovascular disease
if you have a new or old musculoskeletal condition or injury such as back pain, fatigue or fibromyalgia
if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol
if you suffer from chronic pain as a result of a musculoskeletal condition
if you are about to undergo surgery
if you have anxiety or depression
if you have undergone treatment for cancer
if you would like to exercise with high levels of clinical oversight
What training and registration is required of an exercise physiologist? An exercise physiologist have completed a minimum of 4 years of tertiary study, including post-graduate studies and have accreditation from Exercise and Sports Science Australia – the recognised regulatory body in Australia. Your exercise physiologist has the knowledge, skills and ability to design a safe and effective exercise program for people with a range of injuries, illnesses or for people living with a disability.
How is exercise physiology different to Personal Training? Personal training, in most cases, is delivered by someone with a Certificate 3 and/or 4 in Fitness Instruction and is best suited to people in relatively good overall health and who don’t have an injury. Whereas exercise physiology is more appropriate for people with an acute, sub-acute or chronic illness or injury who require or would prefer higher levels of oversight while they are training.
How is exercise physiology delivered at Breathe Move Relax
What to expect at your first appointment?When attending an exercise physiology appointment we ask that you wear comfortable clothing you can move well in and wear closed in shoes
At your first appointment with our exercise physiologists we take any relevant medical history, clinical care plans, look at how your body is moving and work with you one on one with our equipment.
We will also give you a home exercise program to begin using PhysiApp, where you can follow your exercise program via videos, record your progress and communicate with your EP directly
We will come up with a plan together, with review appointments, home programs, small group classes providing a combination of support for your movement and health goals.
Your first exercise physiology appointment will be a 60 minute which will include:
A full history and exploration of your unique goals.
A physical assessment to capture your current fitness and wellbeing.
A discussion about timeframes expected to achieve your personal goals.
Following your initial consultation, you will receive evidence based recommendations about which pathway to take. This could include one on one sessions or group exercise classes, so that you have every opportunity to achieve your health and wellness goals as outlined in your Care Plan. If we feel your health would be enhanced by input from any other health service providers (e.g. physiotherapy, yoga, podiatry, massage. pilates etc), we will recommend this as part of the Pathway discussion.
What should I wear to my exercise physiology appointment? Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and that you feel you can move in.
How regularly will I need to do exercise ? This will depend on your health and wellness goals as agreed in your Initial session. All client programs are fully tailored to the specific condition that is presented to the exercise physiologist and to your own health and wellness goals.
We find that the people who consistently achieve their goals attend 1-2 regular exercise sessions each week, in addition to completing exercises set outside of sessions by their exercise physiologist.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO COME TO GROUP CLASSES?
Like anything if you want to see change you are going to have to put in the practice and make time for it. I would recommend at least one or two sessions per week for a continued period of time if you want to see results.
Remember, change doesn't happen overnight and it is about progression not perfection
Self-practice is essential for seeing progress so take what you learn in the facilitated class home with you so you can continue your journey outside of class
All classes begin with time to check in, connect and breathe. Tuning in and becoming aware of how you are feeling in any given moment is so important so you can honour your energy levels, your mind space and how your body is feeling.
When we move without awareness we can push beyond our limits and create pain or even injury. When we move and our mind is somewhere else, we miss all the juicy information our mind - body wants to relay to us. So focusing our attention and knowing where we are starting from is important to having a great movement experience.
This moment to moment awareness without judgement or criticism is to practice being mindful, which has many health benefits such as stress reduction.
Movement is meant to be joyful, energizing and fun and I say if you are not loving what you do, then stop doing it!
Is exercise physiology claimable on my private health insurance? Most health insurance agencies do cover exercise physiology as part of extras coverage, however we would encourage you to check with your individual provider to confirm – especially in-light of recent government reforms to Private Health Insurance.
Is exercise physiology claimable on Medicare? You may be able to receive a Medicare rebate on your exercise physiology appointments and in order to do so, you will need to obtain a GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangements (formerly known as Enhanced Primary Care Plan) from your GP.
Medicare rebate is available for a maximum of five services per patient each calendar year.
Do I need a referral from my doctor for exercise physiology? Exercise physiologists are considered to be Primary Healthcare Practitioners, which means you can book an appointment without a referral from a GP or specialist. We do however accept referrals from GPs and/or specialists in cases where a GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangements (formerly known as Enhanced Primary Care Plan) has been developed.
Many GPs and specialists are likely to refer you to seek exercise physiology and we will work closely with your circle of care practitioners to ensure you achieve your health and wellbeing goals.
