The Australian Government has recently recognised accredited exercise physiologists as allied health professionals.

The benefits of physical activity are well founded. Among other benefits, it improves endurance fitness, improves muscular strength and endurance, reduces total body fat, improves glucose tolerance, increases bone density, decreases anxiety and depression, and enhances feelings of wellbeing.

The American College of Sport Medicine recommends all healthy adults be involved in regular physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes, five days per week or in vigorous exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes, three days per week. In addition, every adult should improve or maintain muscular strength through a minimum of two resistance training sessions a week.

The Australian Government has recently recognised the need for a more considered approach to exercise for the Australian public. In particular, individuals with underlying medical conditions can now access a higher level of support in managing an exercise program that supports their condition.

A new type of exercise professional with a high level of qualifications has emerged. They are called Exercise Physiologists (EPs for short) and differ from personal trainers in a number of ways. They have:

• Compulsory tertiary qualifications

• Accreditation with the Australian Association of Exercise and Sport Science

• Specific practical qualifications working with high-risk individuals suffering from chronic and complex medical conditions including heart disease, musculoskeletal injuries, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis as well as post-surgical rehabilitation

• The ability for clients to claim a rebate through Medicare, Work Cover, Private Health Funds or the Department of Veterans Affairs

• Recognition as an Allied Health Professional to work with GPs, surgeons, physiotherapists, etc, to facilitate a complete health management service.

Patients may be referred to an EP by their surgeon or GP to:

• Improve their post-surgery fitness levels

• Minimise the risk of injury

• Improve their quality of care

• Manage their condition on an ongoing basis

• Improve their own self-management abilities.

Starting a regular physical activity program post surgery requires special consideration and a gradual return to pre-surgery fitness levels. Firstly, patients should consult with their surgeon and/or GP regarding the appropriate timing of returning back to exercising. Additionally, there is great importance in consulting with an exercise professional such as an EP to minimise risks of injuries particularly at this sensitive phase.

Regenesis Fitness in Edgecliff is one of the first gyms in the Eastern Suburbs to introduce this groundbreaking new service. Regenesis has many highly qualified gym staff, personal trainers and now an accredited exercise physiologist to provide best practice standards in the industry.

Australian Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #47