What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)?
Nowadays, most people are aware that they should exercise regularly. However, it is extremely important that you exercise in a way that is appropriate for who you are. If you are some one that wants to improve your health and wellbeing or has a chronic condition or injury… an exercise physiologist can help you with this.
AEP’s role:
- AEP’s apply science to getting you fit and healthy whilst taking into account any health concerns, chronic conditions or injuries.
- An EP will use exercise prescription as a form of medicine to assist with improving overall lifestyle, to improve quality of life and function, to slow disease progression and compliment any medical treatments.
How does an AEP differ from a Personal Trainer?
- An AEP is university qualified (Master’s level).
- Undergoes strict accreditation requirements.
- Can register with Medicare, DVA, TAC, WorkCover and is recognized by many health insurance providers.
- An AEP has the skills to prescribe exercise to people wanting to improve their general health and wellbeing to people living with chronic diseases or injuries.
How can an AEP help you?
- Improve overall health and wellbeing
- Mental health
- Weight loss
- Increase strength
- Reduce musculoskeletal pain (chronic/acute)
- Cancer rehabilitation
- Help manage osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol
- Improve posture
- Improve Sports performance-prehab/rehab
- Neurological conditions ie MS, Parkinsons, Cerebal Palsy etc.
- Falls prevention
- Pregnancy (pre-natal, ante-natal)
- Health screening
What to expect at your first EP session?
The EP will carry out an initial assessment. This involves taking a detailed medical history, including any previous/current conditions, injuries or concerns.
They will assist you with setting goals and will help to identify any barriers to exercise that may arise for you along your exercise journey.
They will use a battery of assessment tools specific to your presentations/goals. These outcome measures will indicate your capabilities in specific areas of fitness such as cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility etc.
The EP will use the above information to prescribe your exercise program, this will be closely monitored and assessed as you progress. They may supply you with “home exercises.” They may also contact any other practitioners you may be attending to ensure everybody is on the same page.
What happens next?
Depending on your specific needs, goals and any conditions or injuries that need to be taken into account there are many different options at Unified for you to avail of;
