Contributed by The Wellness Practice Beerwah
IF you have struggled with injuries, pain, or a chronic health condition, you’ve probably been told to ‘just exercise’. But what that means – and how to do it safely when your body doesn’t move the way it used to – can have you questioning your advice.
That’s when you should consider turning to exercise physiology. It’s an evidence-based approach to movement, delivered by Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) who are university-trained to understand how the body moves and responds to exercise, especially when health conditions and injuries are involved.
Unlike personal trainers or fitness trainers, AEPs understand how to work with differing conditions. From heart conditions to mental health conditions, diabetes and arthritis, surgery rehab, and even the general aches and pains that come as we age, your needs depend on your conditions.
There’s no one-size-fits-all program. Instead, AEPs tailor programs around each client’s goals, and their functional capacity for exercise and activity, to achieve the best results safely. During these sessions, they provide education on your condition and assist you in forming strategies to work towards your goals, all the while ensuring your safety as you exercise.
AEPs don’t just focus on getting fit (though it’s a nice bonus). Rather, they’re about improving your quality of life. Many clients report having less pain, more energy and better sleep, and even returning to some of their favourite hobbies. So, next time you’re struggling with a health condition, or a new or old injury, consider seeing an exercise physiologist.
You can speak to your local GP about a referral, but you don’t need one. You can also contact your local clinic directly about a booking. It’s never too late to start moving in the right direction.