My Story – How & Why Exercise Physiology

I truly believe the benefits of exercise are HUGE. At a young age, as a child and teenager, I probably didn’t recognise or understand the short (acute) and long-term benefits, but when I reflect on these earlier years, I can see what was happening as a result of the activity I was doing and the sport I was playing, not just physically, but mentally.

Today we have a vast and ever expanding evidence-base detailing the numerous benefits of physical activity and exercise on one’s physical and mental health. Research across the world, in individuals of all ages, healthy, injured – physically or mentally, suffering chronic disease, and with disabilities is continually demonstrating the benefits of physical activity and exercise. In an attempt to engage as many individuals as possible, research also focuses on how best to encourage and motivate individuals to make the choice to participate in physical activity and adopt more structured exercise. “Exercise is Medicine” or “Movement is Medicine” is now a regularly coined phrase.

When I enrolled in University in 1989, there was no Degree in Exercise Physiology. The closest was Physiotherapy and Physical Education Degrees. Not many universities offered the Physiotherapy course and it was an extremely competitive degree program. I think I thought about Physio for around 5 seconds. To be honest, I didn’t think I would get the HSC marks to get into the course, plus I really didn’t want to go to Sydney – being a shy young girl from the country I don’t think it would have been a good fit. So I pursued a Degree in Science at a Regional University – I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with the science degree. After a year of science I decided to change direction and in 1992 I completed a Bachelor of Financial Administration (Accounting) and this was my career until 2005.

I think I began pondering moving into the health and fitness industry in about 2003. I studied while continuing to work as a Chartered Accountant, completing a Certificate III and IV in Fitness, first becoming a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Then I completed a Diploma in Fitness (Exercise Therapy). I enjoyed working with people, helping them engage in physical activity and exercise that was both enjoyable and physically and mentally beneficial. During this time Exercise Physiology started to become more prominent in Australia mainly through what is referred to as the ‘The Medicare Moment’. In 2005 legislative changes included Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) into the national funding scheme for people with chronic diseases to access allied health professionals (AHP).

While I had been working with a diverse range of clients since 2005, in 2010 I officially embarked on my exercise physiology journey, completing a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Clinical Exercise Physiology with Honours), while continuing to work with clients, gaining accreditation as an Exercise Physiologist in 2014. During the years of study I had established my own exercise therapy and personal training business, which know rolled into an exercise physiology business.

I love to be able to provide my clients with the most up to date and relevant information and exercise prescription, which also offers choice and enjoyment. This lead me to pursue a PhD in Exercise Physiology while continuing to work with clients.

Personally exercise has helped me get through some challenging and to be honest very tough and dark times. It’s an integral part of my life; that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to get moving, but I know what happens when I don’t.

To me EXERCISE TRULY IS MEDICINE