What is an exercise physiologist?

An exercise physiologist can support you in your journey to improved heart health

Being active every day is essential for your physical health and your mental wellbeing. Regular physical activity improves your heart health, strengthens your muscles, builds stronger bones, and can help to reduce stress and boost your mood.  It can also reduce your risk of having future heart events.

The Australian Physical activity and exercise guidelines for all Australians recommend people work towards achieving 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise across the week. This works out to 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week.

For additional benefits, two days of strength training that works the major muscle groups of the body is recommended. Functional exercises that support mobility and balance can be included too and be part of an exercise routine that includes strength and balance.

What is an exercise physiologist and how can they help me?

An exercise physiologist is a university-qualified healthcare professional that specialises in designing and implementing exercise programs particularly for those with heart conditions and other health concerns. An exercise physiologist can support you in your journey to improved heart health after having a heart event or diagnosis. They can play an important role in your recovery by providing the most appropriate exercises for you, helping you to return to work and/or your usual activities of daily living.

An exercise physiologist can design an exercise plan for you to help you regain strength, improve your heart function and help manage your weight. They will monitor your progress and adjust your program, ensuring a slow and steady improvement.

Before starting your program, the exercise physiologist will complete an assessment to help you set your health-related goals, provide you with your tailored exercise plan based on your abilities and discuss how you can change your behaviours to lead a healthy life. Exercise physiologists often work in private clinics and also in hospital settings. You can see an exercise physiologist privately or you can ask your GP for a referral as part of a chronic disease management plan. Some private health insurers include exercise physiology services in their cover. To find out more, see your GP or contact your private health provider. Find an exercise physiologist near you to help you on your heart health journey.