YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health Spring 2016 | Page 19
THE INS AND OUTS OF
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
I
t is no secret that exercise and
movement is of huge benefit to all of us.
It is also no secret that some of us
can’t move as well as we would like to; we may
need more help, education and guidance when
it comes to becoming more active. Exercising
can be difficult to navigate if you haven’t been
active in a while, and if you add injury or illness
into that equation then it doesn’t get any easier.
This is where an exercise physiologist can help.
Who are exercise physiologists?
An exercise physiologist (EP) is an accredited and
university-qualified allied health professional, who
specialises in prescribing exercise programs that
are specifically designed to an individual’s goals
and capacities. They are the experts in exercise
education.
Who do EPs work with?
EPs provide a helping hand to people who
struggle to move and exercise as freely as they
would like. This could be due to a wide range of
factors including conditions such as:
• cardiac rehabilitation (hypertension, heart
failure )
• neurological conditions (Parkinson’s disease,
multiple sclerosis)
• metabolic conditions (diabetes, obesity)
• mental health (schizophrenia, depression,
anxiety)
• cancer
• stroke
• musculoskeletal pain and injuries (arthritis,
osteoporosis).
What about chronic conditions?
EPs typically have many skills. During their university
education and the broad practical hours they need to join
the profession, they learn far more than just information
about exercise and movement. They have completed
nutrition units, psychology units and have developed a
great understanding of how different medications work in
the body. All of this combined knowledge places an EP in
a powerful position to help those with chronic conditions.
Is exercise physiology offered in
YMCA facilities?
YMCA Victoria has recently collaborated with Health Team
Australia to start implementing exercise physiology in 10
YMCA centres across the state. We can’t wait to see this
number grow in the future.
To find out how an exercise physiologist could help you
become happier and healthier, book an appointment
today. You can find your local YMCA exercise physiologist
by phoning 1800 864 325 or emailing
[email protected]
DER
REA IAL!
C
SPE
Quote this article when booking
and you’ll receive a free spikey
massage ball upon completion
of your appointment.
SPRING 2016 YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE
19