Imagine this: you’re bending down to pick something up off the floor and suddenly feel a sharp twinge in your lower back that causes you to fall. Now, imagine that fall wasn’t just because of a back strain, but instead the first sign of a heart attack.

Or maybe you’ve gone in for a routine check-up with your GP, only to find out your blood tests indicate you’re pre-diabetic.

In moments like these, the idea of exercise might seem risky, uncomfortable, or even impossible.
But that’s where Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) come in.

These allied health professionals are trained in using exercise as medicine — designing safe, specific, and evidence-based exercise programs that support people in managing and recovering from a wide range of health conditions.

So, Who Are These So-Called Superheroes in Healthcare?

AEPs are university-qualified experts in clinical exercise prescription and chronic disease management. They work across a broad spectrum of conditions — from cardiopulmonary disease and musculoskeletal injuries to metabolic, neurological, mental health, and cancer-related concerns.

Their goal isn’t just to treat a condition — it’s to help the person living with it thrive. That’s why their programs are highly individualised, goal-driven, and grounded in scientific evidence.

Now, this role often gets confused with that of a personal trainer or rehab coach. But it goes far beyond that.

While AEPs may prescribe movements that look similar to what you’d see in a gym or rehab setting, the real difference lies in the why and how. They understand the body at a physiological and clinical level, which means they don’t just focus on which exercises to do, but on how much, how often, and how intensely each person should move — based on their health status, goals, and medical background.

Exercise as a Prescription

Think of it this way — just as your GP would prescribe medication at a specific dose for a specific outcome, AEPs prescribe movement as medication.

Using clinical reasoning and the FITT principle (Frequency, Intensity, Type, Time), they deliver a “dose” of exercise designed to achieve measurable outcomes. These might include improving insulin sensitivity, boosting cardiovascular fitness, strengthening bones, or enhancing brain function.

Someone recovering from a heart attack will have very different needs compared to someone with osteoarthritis, persistent back pain, or long COVID. AEPs use the latest research and guidelines to determine the best approach for each individual.

They also factor in comorbidities, medication interactions, physical limitations, mental health, and even lifestyle barriers like work hours or transport — because a program only works if it fits into real life.

Case Study: How Exercise Physiology Can Make a Difference

To see what this looks like in practice, meet Linda — a 67-year-old woman recently discharged from hospital after experiencing a mild stroke.

Linda also lives with type 2 diabetes, chronic lower back pain, osteoporosis, hypertension, and depression. Since her hospital stay, she’s been feeling exhausted, anxious about falling, and increasingly isolated from her regular social activities.

To many, this might seem like a situation where rest is the safest option. However, inactivity can worsen all of Linda’s conditions.

An Exercise Physiologist can play a critical role in her recovery. They would begin by assessing her functional capacity, risk factors, and personal goals.

From there, they’d develop a progressive exercise program targeting the areas she needs most:

• Improving balance and strength to reduce fall risk

• Low-impact aerobic exercise to support cardiovascular health

• Resistance training to enhance bone density and manage back pain

Her sessions would also include education around blood glucose monitoring and strategies to support mental health through movement — such as graded exposure to walking in her community again.

Most importantly, the program would focus on what matters to Linda — not just her medical conditions. Whether it’s returning to gardening, walking with friends, or simply moving more confidently around her house, Linda’s goals would shape her care.

More Than Just Movement

AEPs are not just exercise experts — they are health professionals trained to understand the whole person.

If you or someone you know is living with a chronic condition, injury, or health challenge, know that help exists beyond medication.

Movement, when prescribed by the right professional, can be one of the most powerful tools in the recovery journey.

If you’d love to start working with myself or or another member of our Accredited Exercise Physiology team, we’d love to help. You can read more about our team here on our profile page. Or to organise a time for a quick chat send us a message through on our contact us page here.

– Quinton