In a time where Australia’s population is ageing, chronic illness and diseases continue to increase in prevalence, and obesity remains an epidemic, there is a strong need for health care and interventions to improve the health and wellbeing of our population. 

Among other health care professionals, that’s where Exercise Physiologists come in.

What is Exercise Physiology?

Exercise physiology involves using exercise-based interventions, movement, and physical activity to facilitate and optimise health status, function, recovery, and independence. 

In short, and Exercise Physiologist is an expert in exercise, and uses exercise as ‘medicine’ to treat chronic disease/conditions and improve the quality of life of a client. 

Using a person-centred approach, we work collaboratively with clients to screen, assess, measure their capacity, and function and prescribe the appropriate exercise to improve their health condition and wellbeing. 

Who are Exercise Physiologists for?

Exercise physiology is available and appropriate for everyone, but is commonly used for a range of chronic disease management such as:

• Metabolic diseases (obesity, diabetes)
• Pulmonary diseases (bronchitis, asthma, COPD)
• Cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease, heart failure, post-surgery)
• Neurological disease (stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, parkinsons, MS)
• Musculoskeletal injury/condition (frozen shoulder, patellofemoral knee pain, tendinopathies)
• Mental health conditions/disorders (depression, anxiety, ASD)
• Cancer

Providing people with lifestyle modifications, behavioural coaching, education around their condition, physical rehabilitation, home exercise programs (HEP), and assessing their functional capacity are all things Exercise Physiologist’s do. 

What to expect during an initial consultation:

The first session with an Exercise Physiologist involves:

• 15-minute Interview/Conversation to get an idea of your exercise history, condition/illness, medication compliance, goals, quality of life, social support and any other necessary information specific to you. 
• 30-minute Outcome Measure testing, where the EP will assess your physical and mental health through individualized measures as a baseline to then begin appropriate exercise from. 
• A plan going forward for continued sessions and a program to begin.

What qualifications do Exercise Physiologists have?

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university qualified allied health professional with:

• 4 years minimum study of a bachelor’s degree
• Over 360 hours of practical experience with real clients
• Generally, a master’s degree in clinical Exercise Physiology

So, rest assured you are in safe and experienced hands!

I now head up the RevoPT Exercise Physiology department and I would love to help you to reach your health and exercise goals. If you’d like to know a little more about me you can read my profile here South Melbourne Exercise Physiologist Yanni Staedel-Arnould or reach out via our contact us page and we can organise a time for a chat.