What is an Exercise Physiologist?
An Exercise Physiologist is a university-qualified health professional who specialises in understanding the body’s response to physical activity. They use evidence-based exercise and movement strategies to prevent and manage a wide range of chronic health conditions, enhance physical performance, and improve overall health and well-being.
Movement Specialist
As movement specialists, Exercise Physiologists have in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. They assess how your body moves, identify imbalances or dysfunctions, and create safe, effective plans to improve strength, mobility, endurance, and function. Whether you're recovering from injury, managing a health condition, or aiming to achieve a new fitness goal, they help you move better—and with purpose.
Exercise Prescription for Health Conditions
Exercise is medicine—and Exercise Physiologists prescribe it with precision. Each program is tailored to your health status, physical abilities, and goals. For example:
Metabolic Syndrome & Type 2 Diabetes: Exercise is a frontline treatment. An EP will design a program that targets weight loss, improves insulin sensitivity, and enhances cardiovascular health, often incorporating aerobic and resistance training.
Lower Back Pain: Many cases of chronic back pain are related to poor posture, weak core muscles, or poor movement patterns. An EP creates a gentle yet progressive plan to build stability and reduce pain over time.
General Health & Wellbeing: Whether you're sedentary or already active, EPs optimize your routine to boost energy, improve mental health, and reduce disease risk.
Event Preparation (e.g., First 10K or Half-Marathon): Planning to run your first race? An EP can create a structured running plan that builds endurance, prevents injury, and includes strength and recovery work tailored to your current fitness level and lifestyle.
Behaviour Change & Lifestyle Modification
Creating lasting change goes beyond exercise. An Exercise Physiologist also supports:
Behaviour change strategies (based on motivational interviewing and coaching principles) to help you overcome barriers, stay consistent, and build lifelong habits.
Lifestyle modification tools that support better sleep, nutrition habits, stress management, and daily movement outside structured workouts.
Goal setting and accountability, tailored to your unique motivations and challenges.
Individualised & Prescriptive Programming
No cookie-cutter plans here. An Exercise Physiologist takes into account:
Your medical history
Current fitness level
Personal goals
Lifestyle and time availability
Preferences and past exercise experience
Then, they prescribe a program that’s uniquely you—adaptable, progressive, and realistic. Every movement, set, and rep has a purpose based on your personal blueprint.
In short, an Exercise Physiologist is your personal coach in health and movement. Whether you're managing a condition, bouncing back from injury, or chasing a personal best, they bring expert knowledge and individualised care to help you thrive through exercise.