Frequently Asked Questions
My doctor has recommended that I see an Exercise Physiologist. What do you actually do? How is Exercise Physiology different to Personal Training? Do I need a referral to see an Exercise Physiologist? How many Exercise Physiology sessions will I need? I have booked in for surgery. Can Exercise Physiology help? How often will I need to exercise each week? Will I have exercises to take home? Your GP has referred you to an Exercise Physiologist because they believe your health (or an injury) will benefit from tailored exercise.
Your first session will be an initial consultation where we will ascertain your full health background and assess you current functional levels. This will last approximately 60 mins. During this session your Exercise Physiologist will gather all relevant information related to your medical and health background and set some goals with you. This information will be reported back to your GP. The information gathered in this consultation will form the basis of our tailored exercise program designed by your Exercise Physiologist. Your exercise program will be specifically designed to meet your needs and goals, and your Exercise Physiologist will guide you through this program individually. Each exercise physiology session will be fully supervised by an Exercise Physiologist, and will involve you participating in your exercise program. During your sessions, your Exercise Physiologist will address all aspects of your health and fitness, including lifestyle modification strategies, to help you reach your goals. Personal training is a service available to people in the form of one-on-one or group training sessions, and is conducted by someone with a Certificate 3 and 4 in Fitness Instruction. It involves training apparently healthy people who have little or no existing injuries or conditions, and who wish to improve their general fitness. Group sessions are often run as "boot camp" scenarios, in parks or in large-scale gymnasiums, with people completing a wide variety of sometimes extreme exercises.
Exercise Physiology caters for individuals who require extra attention whilst exercising. Sessions are conducted under the supervision of an exercise professional with at least 4 years of tertiary study, including post-graduate studies and accreditation by Exercise and Sports Science Australia. Exercise Physiology is for people who may have musculoskeletal injuries, such as back pain, or who have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or heart disease. Exercise Physiology involves a one-on-one program, designed specifically with the health and fitness goals of the individual in mind. Anyone can see an Exercise Physiologist, and Medicare rebates are available when you are referred by a GP. No – you can contact Inspire Fitness directly to get started with an Exercise Physiologist! Medicare does have certain programs which subsidise exercise physiology sessions; for these programs, you do require a GP referral. However, outside of this, everyone is eligible to see an Exercise Physiologist and enjoy the benefits of training with the supervision of a professional health and fitness practitioner.
This is very individual-specific. Some clients enjoy the one-on-one training sessions and choose to continue with these sessions after their funding from Medicare has finished. Others feel they have enough skills and knowledge after their 5 Medicare-funded sessions to continue with their program in the gym or at home, and return for regular reviews with the Inspire Fitness team, to progress their program as required.
Yes! Exercise is critical to prepare you for surgery. The earlier you start exercising, the more benefit you have for the day of your surgery.
Exercise physiology can assist you in a number of ways, depending on the nature of the surgery you are undergoing. For example, in the lead up to hip and knee surgery (e.g., hip replacements, full / partial knee replacements), we can work with you to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joint PRIOR to surgery. This will build your strength and increase the muscular support of your impaired joint. In doing so, you will accelerate your recovery post-surgery, as your muscles are stronger, which will aid in restoring function and movement to the operated joint. We assist with exercise rehabilitation post-surgery, to improve muscle activation, movement control, and muscle strength around the affected joint, to speed up your recovery and quickly restore you to full movement and function within your life. In preparation for other types of exercise, we help you accelerate your recovery by improving your overall health, strength, and fitness. Our exercise planning may include assisting you to lose weight prior to the operation, to reduce the risk of complications during surgery. The higher your health level prior to surgery, the lower your risk of complications and the faster your recovery post-surgery. Exercise Physiologists help to guide you through a "pre-habilitation" process, involving exercises specifically tailored to your needs in the lead up to surgery. You will be taken step-by-step through a program designed to improve your conditioning, so that your recovery processes are enhanced. Post-surgery, a similar protocol is recommended for rehabilitation, which your Exercise Physiologist can plan and supervise. At Inspire Fitness for Wellbeing, we recommend that clients try to incorporate some form of exercise into their daily routine. This may include walking the dog, weight training, or a stretching program.
The Department of Health and Ageing recommends that adults complete 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily, which can be broken into three 10 minute blocks. Often you will be asked to complete a home-based exercise program. This may include stretching or mobility exercises, core and strength training exercises, or additional cardiovascular exercise. These exercises are given to accelerate your progress in your gym-based program, to help you achieve your goals.
Is Exercise Physiology covered under health insurance?
Exercise Physiology sessions at Inspire Fitness are covered under most major private health funds. The amount covered by your health fund will vary depending on your policy, the level of cover you hold and the company you are with. In most cases their is a gap payable. Please consult your individual health fund for specific questions on the amount you are covered for.
Here is a list of health funds covering exercise physiology; 
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| Call our Exercise Physiologists on (03) 9857 3007 |
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Clinical Exercise Physiology Accredited Exercise Physiologists |
Exercise Physiology | Personal Training | Gym
North Balwyn, Melbourne, Australia Contact Us: (03) 9857 3007 317 Doncaster Rd,North Balwyn VIC 3104 |