Is an Exercise Physiologist right for you?
Exercise Physiologists have a great understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Total Body Benefit provides programs to help people with broad spectrum of injuries or chronic and complex health conditions help them reach their goals as well as improve injury prevention for lifestyle related incidences.
At Total Body Benefit we:
Screen and assess physical flexibility and capability to ensure the safety and appropriateness of an individualized exercise program
Provide advice and support on lifestyle modification
Design and implement an exercise programs tailored to achieving each individuals goals, whether it be fitness, general health programs, specific targets; eg weight loss, strength and stability
Provide feedback and instruction on the correct way to complete prescribed exercises to avoid injury
Monitor progress and adapt the program as goals are achieved
Provide feedback on progress
What is Exercise Physiology?
Scientific research has proven that exercise, at the correct intensity and duration, not only improves the quality of life and independence it:
assists in the prevention of injuries of further injuries associated with, decreasing strength, poor balance, an existing injury and limited mobility
decreases the incidence of health complications and disease, such as chronic pain and sciatica, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cancer, depression and anxiety, arthritis, and osteoporosis
Exercise Physiologists conduct client consultations to determine medical and physical activity histories, perform pre-exercise screenings, use motivational interviewing to determine readiness for exercise and perform health and fitness assessments. They will then design and deliver evidence-based exercise prescriptions, apply psychological strategies to promote lifestyle modification and behaviour change, and provide client education to prevent or manage targeted cardiopulmonary, metabolic, musculoskeletal, and neurological conditions as well as cancer and depression.
The role of exercise is also well regarded by the medical profession and specialists in the treatment of pre and post-operative rehabilitation, resulting in quicker recovery and less post-operative complications. In some instances, sessions with an Exercise Physiologist may even delay the need for certain surgeries.
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) holds an accreditation awarded by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) which is only issued to Exercise Physiologists who have met criteria set by the organisation. As part of the criteria AEP's must comply with ongoing annual continuing professional development and hold current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificates and senior first aid certificates. In addition AEP's must hold professional indemnity and public liability insurance. In Australia, Exercise Physiologists also must hold a minimum four-year Bachelor University Degree and specialise in graded exercise therapy and lifestyle interventions for optimising health, performance and well-being. AEPs are eligible as providers for Medicare and Private Health Funds.
With a referral from a Medical Practitioner to an AEP, under Medicare the first six visits to the AEP are subsidised. Private Health Funds also contribute to the cost of an AEP and clients are recommended to contact their Funds to clarify the benefit paid.
See more information at the ESSA website www.essa.org.au
