Exercise physiologists are degree-qualified experts in exercise prescription for health, fitness, sports performance and injury management. They work with a wide variety of clients ranging from elite athletes to recreational sportspeople, the general population to those with medical conditions such as diabetes or osteoporosis, and people who want close professional supervision to make sure they are exercising safely and effectively. Our exercise physiology team are a vital link between traditional healthcare and active lifestyle choices, providing evidence-based assessments and action plans grounded in science. If you are looking for an exercise physiologist in Sydney, this post gives you all the information you need.
Understanding Exercise Physiology – Exercise Is Medicine
Exercise Physiologists complete a 3 year bachelor or masters degree plus an extensive on-the-job internship to become accredited and able to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner registration Agency (AHPRA). They have university training in areas including;
- analysing human movement
- fitness testing (strength, flexibility, motor control / co-ordination, agility, cardiovascular…)
- injury mechanisms and management
- arthritis and ageing
- mental health management
- metabolic disease processes such as diabetes and osteoporosis
This knowledge is integrated with training focusing on the use of exercise as a therapeutic tool, firmly supporting the principle of exercise is medicine. Research shows that exercise plays a primary role in many areas of health including rehabilitating injuries, managing diseases, optimising physical performance and maximising sports ability. Every exercise physiology session is designed with the latest research and methodology, ensuring that our programs are as effective, safe and innovative as they can be.
At Central Performance our exercise physiology team work closely with our physios. This means clients enjoy a holistic approach to health and fitness, easily blending injury management and rehab with ongoing exercise for maximising strength, flexibility, fitness and sports performance. Whether our exercise physiologists are working one-on-one with clients, instructing small-group classes, or liaising with our physio team, the goal remains the same: to empower individuals through exercise and education to achieve their health and performance goals.
What Is An Exercise Physiologist?
An Exercise Physiologist is a university-trained healthcare professional who specialises in the benefits of exercise to help patients get fitter for all around better health and sports performance, or to treat clients with a medical condition through exercise. They are much more than just fitness trainers; they are allied health professionals who work with clients to use exercise as a means to rehabilitate, manage, and prevent diseases or injuries. Exercise physiologists are especially trained in using exercise with specific population groups such as those with arthritis, back and neck pain, sports injuries, diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases or mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
Exercise Physiology Education and Certification
To become an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) in Australia requires completion of a three-year bachelor’s degree or masters degree in exercise and sports science or a related field, followed by a 500-hour internship. This includes experience working with specific client groups such as injury rehabilitation, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, and post-operative rehab following spinal surgery or orthopaedic surgery such as ACL reconstruction or total hip/knee replacement. Ongoing professional development is also required to maintain accreditation and membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
What Is The Difference Between An Accredited Exercise Physiologist And A Personal Trainer?
The primary difference between an AEP and a personal trainer is the level of education and the scope of practice. Accredited exercise physiologists have a university degree and are accredited to work with individuals with chronic health conditions as well as the general population and athletes. On the other hand, personal trainers are fitness professionals who guide the general population towards fitness and health goals but don’t have training in prescribing exercise for specific medical conditions.
Should I See An Exercise Physiologist Or A Personal Trainer?
Deciding whether to see an Accredited Exercise Physiologist or a Personal Trainer depends on your goals and reasons for exercise. For managing specific health conditions or injuries with exercise, an exercise physiologist is the best option. However, if you don’t have a specific medical condition or injury to manage, and are just looking to improve your general health and fitness, then either an exercise physiologist or a personal trainer should be fine. If you have higher-level sports performance goals you need to train for, then either an exercise physiologist or personal trainer with experience in your chosen sport would be suitable.
What Types Of Clients Do Exercise Physiologists Work With?
Exercise physiologists design and supervise exercise programmes tailored to the needs of an extensive range of clients. Whether it’s managing chronic conditions or improving sporting performance, exercise physiology programs are personalised and carefully designed to meet each individual’s goals and requirements.
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
Exercise physiologists are expertly trained to develop targeted exercise programs for clients wanting to prevent or recover from injuries. Exercise is proven to be among the most important and effective ways to minimise and prevent injuries (read our blog on this subject), so getting a personalised program designed for your particular needs is a highly beneficial option. And if an injury does occur, getting on the right program to fully regain your strength, flexibility, co-ordination and game-fitness is vital for a safe return to sport without further problems.
Exercise for Back And Neck Pain
Exercise physiologists are specifically trained to work with clients suffering from back and neck pain. Research shows that they play an especially important role in treating chronic or recurrent pain, i.e. pain that has lasts for months or years, or keeps coming and going over a period of time. Central Performance has a specific Back Pain Program lead by our exercise physiology team, which has been designed using the latest research to treat and prevent ongoing back pain.
Exercise For Rehabilitation Following Surgery
Exercise is a major part of the rehab process following many types of orthopaedic and spinal/neuro surgery. Common post-op clients who we work with include;
- ACL reconstructions
- knee arthroscopies and meniscal (cartilage) repairs
- total hip and knee replacements
- internal fixation of fractures (broken bones) with pins, plates and screws
- back and neck surgery including discectomies, fusions, laminectomies and disc replacements
- shoulder reconstructions and stabilisations
- rotator cuff repairs, biceps tenodesis and acromioplasty
Exercise for Improved Sports Performance
At central Performance our exercise physiology team work closely with athletes of all levels to enhance their sports performance. We have particular experience and expertise working with runners, including athletes competing at the national, international and Olympic level. By focusing on biomechanics, strength, and conditioning, we help athletes maximise their performance while they build resilience to stay free from injury.
Exercise for General Health And Fitness
We love working with people of all ages, fitness levels and exercise experience to help them improve their overall health and fitness. For maximum results we tailor a balanced program combining cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility exercises to safely and effectively build fitness and resilience to lead healthy, active and injury-free lifestyle.
Exercise for Diabetes
Exercise physiologists are the first-choice providers of exercise programs for diabetes management. Most general practitioners regularly refer clients to exercise physiology to use physical activity as medicine to regulate blood sugar levels, manage insulin-resistance, and mitigate diabetes-related complications. Research shows that exercise is among the most important and effective components of long-term diabetes management.
Exercise for Weight Loss Management
Exercise in conjunction with following the right diet delivers the most effective and sustainable solution to weight loss management for most people. Accredited Exercise physiologists are able to provide the right combination of strength and cardiovascular exercise to meet your needs, current fitness level, weight loss goals and exercise preferences.
Exercise for Osteoporosis And Osteopaenia
Research clearly shows that tailored exercise programs are a central part of effectively managing osteoporosis and osteopenia. The right program combines weight-bearing and resistance exercises to strengthen bones by maintaining or increasing bone density to minimise the risk of fractures. Importantly, the research shows that this type of exercise is safe as well as effective for managing osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Exercise for Mental Health – Depression, Anxiety And PTSD
It is well established that exercise is a highly effective treatment for clients with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety or PTSD. In fact, some studies have shown exercise to be as effective as pharmacotherapy interventions in the reduction of depressive symptoms. Exercise can be hugely beneficial in improving mood, with even a single session of exercise per week producing positive effects.
Exercise is also extremely effective at counteracting the side effects of many prescribed medications for mental health. This includes helping control associated weight gain and blood pressure, improving sleep patterns and reducing fatigue levels.
Exercise for Cardiovascular Disease (Heart And Lung Disease)
Exercise physiologists spend considerable time during their course learning about how to prescribe effective exercise programs to combat cardiovascular disease. The focus is to enhance heart health and increase lung capacity to give a better quality of life. They also gain experience working with clients after cardiac surgery as they regain their fitness to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
Exercise Physiologist Sydney – Personalised, Effective And Safe
At Central Performance our exercise physiologists offer a range of services tailored to meet your individual health and fitness goals. With options for one-on-one sessions, partnered sessions and small-group class memberships, your options are flexible and easy to work into your lifestyle. Our team’s extensive knowledge of movement analysis, biomechanics, sport science and injury management allows us to develop personalised programs that are safe, effective, motivating and enjoyable. Plus our focus on education means that you’ll always know what the current goals of your program are, why you’re doing each exercise, how to optimise your technique, and what’s next as you improve.
Personalised Exercise Training Programs
Each program for every client is personalised to align with their unique goals, fitness level, exercise preference, and medical and injury history. We always focus on using evidence-based practice and the latest research to deliver programs that build strength, endurance, co-ordination, technique, and resilience against injury.
Strength and Conditioning For Athletes And Sportspeople
Our exercise physiology team are experienced in designing sport-specific strength and conditioning programs that enhance athletic performance by improving strength, power, mobility and movement control. We incorporate the latest sport science research into our training regimes, paying close attention to proper form and technique to maximise results while minimising the risk of injury. We specialise in strength and conditioning programs for runners of all abilities, from recreational to elite, to help them boost running performance and stay free from injury.
Best Clinical Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice
Our team of exercise physiologists are continually updating their knowledge with the latest research in the relevant areas of exercise prescription. All of our programs are focused on enhancing clinical outcomes through evidence-based treatment, meaning that we regularly monitor and review each client’s progress to make sure their program is effective and helping them reach their health and fitness gaols as quickly and safely as possible.
We Track Results To Demonstrate Improvement
Our rigorous approach ensures that our programs are effectively helping our clients achieve their goals. For example, when designing and delivering exercise interventions targeted at cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, we track the results to demonstrate significant improvements in our clients’ health. This may include utilising exercise prescriptions that are clinically proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve blood glucose control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Finding the Right Exercise Physiologist in Sydney
Finding the right exercise physiologist to suit your needs is crucial. It’s important to consider their qualifications and experience, the convenience of the clinic and the facilities provided. And you also need to find someone who you feel comfortable with, who you trust and can build a great rapport with. Plus you need to compare the costs and potential health fund rebates. At Central Performance our exercise physiology team pride themselves on being the first-choice clinic for our Surry Hills community as well as workers in Sydney CBD – Central Station and the light rail are just a few minutes walk away. Click here to see two videos on why our clients love training with us at Central Performance.
Three Reasons To Choose Central Performance As Your Sydney Exercise Physiologist
1. A Great Team Working Together To Get You The Best Results
Your coaches, Chris and Zach are both Accredited Exercise Physiologists – university qualified, allied health professionals trained in the prescription of exercise for a wide variety of chronic conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, diabetes and osteoporosis.
Our exercise physiologists work closely with our physios, running coaches and Clinical Pilates instructors. This close-knit team means that you have easy access to a team of experts in any area of injury management or sports performance improvement that you need at any time.
Our AEP’s are experts in working around injuries when designing training programs: they allow you to train with injuries whilst simultaneously prescribing exercise to treat them, meaning your treatment continues whilst you train.
At Central Performance, our exercise physiologists focus on designing your strength training program around your needs, whilst building your strength levels up gradually, so as best to avoid any potential injuries arising during your exercise journey.
2. Great Gym Facilities Right In The Heart Of Surry Hills
Our state-of-the-art facility has a full onsite gym with everything you need to build strength, power, speed and flexibility. You will enjoy working out using a range of free weights, TRX, kettlebells, racks, sled track, cables and cardio machines. This wide range of equipment means your programs are varied and engaging, keeping you motivated and challenged in every session.
And we believe your sessions aren’t just about the gym equipment you use, it’s about the whole environment and experience. So our facility is small, friendly, clean and professional. It’s the type of place where everyone knows your name, welcomes you when you walk in, and you feel part of a supportive community right from your first session.
FORCEDECKS Dual Forceplate System
The Forcedecks Dual Force Plate system by Vald Health is the leading force plate assessment system used in both injury rehab clinics and elite sports performance facilities. The data it provides helps us to get you the best and fastest results possible by giving us real-time and highly-accurate measures of your strength, explosive power, movement control and balance. It automatically detects and assesses over 20 different movements, from squats to jumps and from isometric strength to functional tests such as plyometric capacity and balance assessments. There’s a test for almost any client or athlete looking to recover from injury, maximise their sports performance and minimise their risk or future injury.
3. Exercise Your Way – Convenience And Flexibility To Work With Your Lifestyle
We know you’re busy, so to make your exercise routine easier to establish and maintain we are open extended hours (from 6.30am – 7pm) so you can train before or after work, at lunchtime or through the day. Sessions are by appointment and can be booked online, by phone or in person. Once you find a session time that works for you, you can book weeks in advance to make sure you always get that time.
Getting to your sessions is easy. We are located just three minutes walk from Central Station and have the light rail and buses on our doorstep for fast access from the Sydney CBD. As well as having many clients who live or work in Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, the surrounding area and the Sydney CBD, many other clients find it easy to schedule their sessions on their commute to or from work via Central Station, the light rail or bus.
We have showers for you to use, and a change room if you need it. You also have access to a free bag storage area to store your stuff safely during your workout. For private sessions we have the HICAPS system for claiming on-the-spot health fund rebates, and our group fitness membership runs on the Clubfit app so payments are done automatically and you can book into any class at any time directly via the app.
Access Exercise Physiology, Physio, Pilates, Massage And Running Coaching
Another way we make it easier for you is by having access to a range of services all at one location. Our exercise physiology team work closely with our physios, clinical Pilates instructors, run coaches and massage therapists. So if you want to add some Pilates to your routine, relieve some muscle pain with a massage, or need to have a niggle checked out by a physio, you can do all of this at one convenient location.
Can You Claim Health Fund Rebates For Exercise Physiology?
Yes. Accredited Exercise Physiologists are recognised by all of the major private health funds, so you can claim a rebate for sessions. You need to check with your health fund to confirm that you are covered for exercise physiology. We have the HICAPS system for on-the-spot health fund rebates.
Booking your First Exercise Physiology Session
Booking your appointment is easy. You can book online or call us on 9280 2322 to find a time that suits. We are open from 6.30am until 7pm (5pm Fridays), so coming before or after work, or at lunchtime, is easy. Give yourself 45 minutes for your first session.
What Happens In Your First Exercise Physiology Consultation?
During your first consultation your exercise physiologist will take a comprehensive history including;
- what you want to get out of your exercise program; what motivated you to contact us
- specific injuries or conditions you want to work on
- performance goals, for example sporting goals, weight loss, strength or gym training goals…
- any medical history or previous injuries
- your current fitness level
- your previous exercise history and experience, plus preferences for the type of exercise you enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking to begin working with an exercise physiologist in Sydney, here are some frequently asked questions you may find helpful.
Which health conditions can an Exercise Physiologist help manage?
Exercise physiologists can assist in managing many health conditions including injuries (sports injury, back and neck pain, sprains…), post-operative rehab, arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, osteopenia and osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health conditions. Exercise prescription is beneficial for both prevention and rehabilitation.
How can an Exercise Physiologist assist in injury rehabilitation?
Tailored exercise and rehabilitation programs promote recovery and prevent future injuries by fully restoring your strength, flexibility, stability and movement control. A targeted exercise program to build your game-ready fitness can significantly reduce your risk of any further injury when you return to your sport. Movement analysis, biomechanical screens and specific injury risk movement screens can highlight areas of weakness or tightness that can increase your risk of injury, then a tailored corrective exercise program can be prescribed to improve movement mechanics and strengthen weaker areas to minimise your risk of future problems.
What is the average session duration with an Exercise Physiologist?
A typical session with an exercise physiologist usually lasts between 30-45 minutes, although some sessions are up to 60 minutes. This session length allows plenty of time for assessment, exercise performance and progression, and education on exercise technique and expected program advancement.
Can Exercise Physiology services be claimed on private health insurance?
Yes, exercise physiology services can be claimed on all major private health insurance funds, depending on your level of cover. We recommended that you check with your health fund for details regarding your eligibility. We provide the HICAPS on-the-spot health fund claims system for your convenience.
How Is An Exercise Physiologist Different To A Personal Trainer?
Exercise physiologists are allied health professionals with university-level training in the use of exercise to manage injuries and other medical conditions. So, if you have a specific injury or medical condition that you want to work on, choosing an exercise physiologist would be best for you. Both exercise physiologists and personal trainers can work with the general population to improve their overall health and fitness. For competitive athletes, finding the right exercise physiologist or trainer who has experience in strength and conditioning for your particular sport is important.
Easy Access From Surry Hills, Sydney CBD, Darlinghurst, Redfern, Haymarket And Paddington
Central Performance: Exercise Physiology Sydney – Just Three Minutes from Central Station
Central Performance is located in the heart of Surry Hills, just 3 minutes walk from Central Station. The light rail goes right outside (use either Surry Hills or Central Chalmers Street stops), and buses on Elizabeth Street are just around the corner. We are open from 6.30am – 7pm and you can book online, so scheduling appointments is easy. For more information or to book your exercise physiology session click below or call us on 9280 2322.
