An exercise physiologist designs and delivers prescribed exercise as a form of treatment — to manage chronic conditions, recover from injury, and improve strength, fitness and function. An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a four-year university-qualified allied health professional, recognised by Medicare, the NDIS, WorkCover, the TAC, DVA and private health funds. In short: where a personal trainer builds general fitness, an exercise physiologist uses exercise clinically, tailored to your health condition. At Revolution Personal Training in South Melbourne, our ESSA-accredited exercise physiologists do exactly this — in a real gym, not a clinic cubicle.

What does an exercise physiologist actually do?

An exercise physiologist assesses how your body moves and functions, then prescribes a personalised, evidence-based exercise program to treat or manage your specific situation. Their work typically includes assessing your movement, strength, fitness and medical history; designing a graded exercise program for your condition and goals; coaching you through it safely and adjusting as you progress; educating you on how to manage your condition through activity; and coordinating with your GP, specialists or case manager. The aim is measurable improvement in your health, function and quality of life — not just a generic workout.

What conditions do exercise physiologists treat?

Exercise physiologists work across a broad range of conditions, including chronic diseases (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, obesity and metabolic conditions), musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain, neurological conditions, osteoporosis and bone health, arthritis and joint conditions, and mental health and general deconditioning. They also support healthy people who want a safe, structured program — particularly those returning to exercise after a long break, an injury, or during and after pregnancy.

What’s the difference between an exercise physiologist and a personal trainer?

The key difference is qualification and scope. A personal trainer holds a Certificate III and IV in Fitness and coaches general health and fitness goals. An exercise physiologist holds a university degree, is accredited to work clinically with injuries and medical conditions, and their services can attract Medicare, NDIS, WorkCover, TAC, DVA and private-health funding. If you’re healthy and chasing general fitness, a personal trainer is a great fit; if you have an injury, chronic condition or need funded care, an exercise physiologist is the right professional. Revolution Personal Training has both under one roof, so you can be matched to the right person.

What happens in your first exercise physiology session?

Your first session is an assessment and planning consultation. Your exercise physiologist reviews your health history and any referral, talks through your goals, and assesses your movement, strength and function. From there they explain their findings and start building your individualised program — often including some exercise in that first session. You’ll leave understanding what’s happening and what the plan is. At RevoPT, the initial consultation runs 60 minutes.

When should you see an exercise physiologist?

See an exercise physiologist when you have a chronic health condition you want to manage with exercise, you’re past the acute stage of an injury and need to rebuild, you’re returning to work after an injury, or you want a safe, structured program tailored to your body rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. You can see one privately, or with funding through a GP Medicare plan, the NDIS, WorkCover, the TAC, DVA or private health. To find out if exercise physiology is right for you, call 1300 362 311 or visit our exercise physiology page.