What is an Exercise Physiologist — and how are they different from a personal trainer?

If you’ve ever Googled “how to get stronger” or “who can help me with my back pain”, you’ve probably been flooded with personal trainers, gyms, and fitness apps. But what if what you actually need is something more clinical — someone who understands how your body responds to exercise at a medical level?

That’s where an Exercise Physiologist (EP) comes in. And if you’re based in Gladesville, Ryde, or the Inner West of Sydney, chances are you haven’t heard nearly enough about them.

What does an Exercise Physiologist actually do?

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university-qualified allied health professional who specialises in clinical exercise interventions. That means they use exercise as medicine — designing programs specifically to manage, treat, or prevent chronic health conditions, injuries, and physical decline.

At AS Health Movement in Gladesville, our Exercise Physiologist works with people managing conditions like:

• Chronic pain and musculoskeletal injuries
• Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
• Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
• Osteoporosis and osteopenia
• Post-surgical recovery
• Age-related strength and mobility loss

This isn’t fitness. This is evidence-based exercise prescription — written and supervised by someone with the clinical knowledge to make it safe and effective for your specific body.

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How is an Exercise Physiologist different from a personal trainer?

This is the question we get most often, and it’s a great one.

A personal trainer is a fitness professional. They’re skilled at motivation, programming for healthy individuals, and helping people hit body composition goals. They do not hold a university degree in health science, and they are not registered health professionals.

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist, by contrast:

• Holds a minimum 4-year university degree in Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science
• Is accredited by ESSA (Exercise & Sports Science Australia)
• Is a registered allied health provider under Medicare, private health insurance, NDIS, DVA, and WorkCover
• Can work with complex medical conditions that require clinical oversight
• Can communicate with your GP, specialists, and other treating health professionals

If you have a chronic condition, are recovering from surgery or injury, or have been told by your doctor to “start exercising” — but you’re not sure how or if it’s safe — an EP is the right first call.

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Can I access Medicare rebates for Exercise Physiology?

Yes. If your GP has put you on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan — previously called a Team Care Arrangement — you may be eligible for up to 5 Medicare-funded allied health sessions per year, which can include Exercise Physiology.

Many of our clients at AS Health Movement have never been told this by their GP. If you have a chronic condition and you’re not sure whether you qualify, get in touch and we can help you find out.

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Does private health cover Exercise Physiology?

Most private health funds with Extras cover do include Exercise Physiology. Coverage amounts vary by fund and level, but this can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of your sessions.

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Why choose AS Health Movement in Gladesville?

We are a multi-disciplinary allied health clinic. That means our Exercise Physiologist works alongside our Physiotherapist and Remedial Massage Therapist under one roof — which means your care is genuinely coordinated, not siloed.

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Whether you’re 45 and noticing your strength isn’t what it was, 60 and managing a chronic condition, or 70 and working to stay independent, we’ll build a program that fits your body, your goals, and your life.

Ready to find out if Exercise Physiology is right for you?

Book a consultation at AS Health Movement in Gladesville and let’s have a proper conversation about where you’re at and where you want to be.

📍 Based in Gladesville, NSW — serving Ryde, Hunters Hill, Meadowbank, and surrounding suburbs.