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Why do I need to exercise?

Regular physical activity can improve your health and reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Exercise has both immediate and long-term benefits for physical and mental well-being. No matter your current fitness level or life situation, exercise can enhance your quality of life. If exercise were a pill, it would be prescribed to everyone!

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What is an Exercise Physiologist?

An Exercise Physiologist is an Allied Health Professional, similar to physiotherapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths. They use exercise-based therapy to treat and manage injuries and health conditions. For more details, visit ESSA, our accrediting body.

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How is an Exercise Physiologist different from a Personal Trainer?

While both professionals help individuals with exercise, their qualifications and expertise differ significantly:

• Personal Trainers complete a certification program (typically 6-12 months) and work with "apparently healthy" individuals—those without pre-existing injuries or medical conditions.

• Exercise Physiologists complete a 4-5 year university degree, providing them with in-depth knowledge of human anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology. They specialize in working with high-risk individuals who have injuries or medical conditions, ensuring safe and effective treatment plans.

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How is an Exercise Physiologist different from a Physiotherapist?

• Exercise Physiologists focus on active, exercise-based interventions and education to manage chronic (long-term) injuries and conditions.

• Physiotherapists primarily use passive (hands-on) treatments and are more involved in the management of acute and sub-acute (short-term) injuries.

• Exercise Physiologists excel in strength and conditioning, training load management, and behavior modification but do not provide clinical musculoskeletal diagnoses.

• Both professionals may use balance training, postural education, mobility exercises, and manual handling techniques in their treatments.

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What do I need to bring to my initial session?

Please bring:

• Comfortable gym attire, including enclosed footwear.

• Any relevant referrals or letters from your doctor or other health professionals.

• A complete list of medications.

• Reading glasses if required.​

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What should I expect from my initial session?

During your first session, we will discuss your medical and exercise history, as well as your short- and long-term health goals. Physical assessments may be conducted to determine your current fitness level. This information allows us to develop a tailored exercise plan to help you improve as efficiently as possible.

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Do I need a referral?

No referral is necessary to see an Exercise Physiologist. However, we do accept referrals from GPs through programs such as Medicare, WorkCover, and NDIS.

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Can I claim under Private Health Ancillary benefits?

Yes! Our Exercise Physiologists are registered with private health insurers, so you may be eligible for a rebate. We offer on-the-spot rebates via our HICAPS machine, meaning you’ll only need to cover the gap payment. Please check with your health fund to confirm your coverage for Exercise Physiology services.

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What services do you offer?

We provide both 1-on-1 and group exercise physiology sessions. Group sessions include:

• Strong & Stable Group

• Hydrotherapy Group

• Type 2 Diabetes Group

• Blood Pressure Group

• Stay Active Group
  All new clients must first complete an initial 1-on-1 consultation to determine suitability for group sessions.

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Will I need to join a gym?

No. You do not need to be a member of Mount Annan Leisure Centre to access our Exercise Physiology services. We can tailor your treatment to include home-based exercises if you prefer to work out outside of a gym setting.

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Will I have to pay a gap for Medicare-referred sessions?

No. Medicare-referred sessions under your GP’s Chronic Disease Management (CDM) or Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan are fully bulk billed—meaning no out-of-pocket costs.

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What is your cancellation policy?

To support your progress and help you avoid fees, we ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for any cancellations. Cancellations made with less notice may incur the full session fee.

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For further inquiries, feel free to contact us!