When we think about healthcare, we often focus on medications, surgeries, or specialist appointments. But one of the most powerful tools for improving physical and mental health is frequently overlooked — movement.

Exercise Physiology explores how movement affects the human body, including its musculature, cardiovascular system, metabolism, and neurological health.

That’s where Exercise Physiology comes in. It’s a science-based discipline that uses carefully prescribed exercise to treat and manage a wide range of chronic conditions, disabilities, and injuries. Whether you’re recovering from illness, living with a long-term condition, or simply working toward greater independence, an Exercise Physiologist can help you move with more confidence and less pain.

At Bloom Healthcare, our accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) deliver targeted support for people of all ages in homes, clinics, and communities across Australia.

Exercise Physiology is also highly regarded in sports-related fields, consistently achieving top positions in international university rankings due to its academic excellence.

Exercise Physiology Definition

Exercise Physiology is the study of how the body responds and adapts to physical activity. In a clinical context, it refers to the use of evidence-based exercise to prevent, manage, and treat various chronic health conditions.

Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are university-trained professionals who work across:

• Cardiovascular and respiratory health
• Musculoskeletal rehabilitation
• Neurological and developmental conditions
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Injury recovery and fall prevention
• Strength, balance, and mobility training

What sets Exercise Physiologists apart is that they don’t offer generic workouts — they create customised, safe, and measurable programs that are tailored to the individual’s medical history, goals, and abilities.

Many programs also offer industry placements, providing students with real-world experience and enhancing their professional readiness.

What Is Clinical Exercise Physiology?

Clinical Exercise Physiology refers to the assessment, prescription, and supervision of exercise for people with diagnosed medical conditions or disabilities.

This form of Therapy is significant for those with:

• Cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, hypertension)
• Type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome
• Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
• Chronic pain and fatigue conditions
• Neurological conditions (e.g. stroke, Parkinson’s, MS)
• Cancer pre- and post-treatment
• Mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression
• Physical disabilities or limitations related to NDIS plans

Clinical Exercise Physiologists work with diverse patient populations, tailoring exercise interventions and lifestyle modifications to the unique needs and risk factors of each group, such as those with cardiovascular disease or other chronic conditions.

At Bloom Healthcare, clinical Exercise Physiology is delivered with compassion and precision. A clinical Exercise Physiologist is an accredited health professional specialising in exercise prescription and lifestyle modification for the prevention and management of injury and disease. We take the time to understand the person, not just the diagnosis, and we build a plan that supports meaningful progress over time.

Careers in Exercise Physiology

Accredited Exercise Physiologists enjoy a dynamic and rewarding career path, with opportunities that span a wide range of settings and specialisations. Whether working in clinical Exercise Physiology within hospitals, private practices, or multidisciplinary clinics, these professionals play a vital role in supporting individuals with chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease, and a range of other health conditions. Exercise Physiologists are also increasingly sought after in sports teams, workplace health programs, and community health initiatives, where they help individuals enhance performance, recover from injury, and manage long-term health.

Many Exercise Physiologists choose to specialise in areas such as mental health conditions, diabetes management, or rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries. Their expertise is crucial in designing and delivering exercise programs that are safe, effective, and tailored to each patient’s unique needs. As awareness grows about the importance of exercise in preventing and managing chronic diseases, the demand for accredited Exercise Physiologists continues to rise. According to the Australian Government National Skills Commission, employment in this field is projected to grow steadily, reflecting the essential role exercise plays in modern healthcare.

Discover the diverse roles and opportunities available to accredited Exercise Physiologists.

Education and Training

Becoming an accredited Exercise Physiologist requires a strong educational foundation and hands-on clinical experience. The journey typically begins with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, health sciences, or a related field, followed by a graduate qualification in clinical Exercise Physiology. To ensure the highest standards of practice, these programs must be accredited by a professional body such as Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

A key component of training is supervised clinical practice, where students gain real-world experience working with diverse patient populations. For example, the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours) at the University of South Australia includes over 500 hours of clinical placements, allowing students to apply their knowledge in hospitals, private clinics, and sports settings. This combination of academic study, practical experience, and professional accreditation prepares graduates to deliver evidence-based exercise programs and work confidently as accredited Exercise Physiologists across a variety of healthcare environments.

Pathways to becoming an Exercise Physiologist and the required qualifications.

Why Is Exercise Physiology Important?

Exercise Physiology is not about pushing through pain or hitting the gym. It’s about harnessing movement as a therapeutic tool — one that can reduce symptoms, improve physical function, and promote long-term independence.

Exercise performance and adaptation depend on the coordinated function of various physiological systems, including cardiovascular, muscular, and metabolic processes. These systems influence how the body responds to and benefits from exercise. Individualised exercise plans are designed to address specific health conditions and goals.

• Improvements in exercise performance are achieved by targeting the factors on which exercise depends, such as oxygen delivery, muscle energy production, and muscle function.
• The approach is evidence-based, ensuring safety and effectiveness for each person.

Key benefits include:

• Improved strength, balance, and flexibility
• Better management of chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease
• Increased confidence and independence in daily life
• Reduction in falls, hospital admissions, and physical decline
• Boosted mental health and resilience
• Reduced pain and fatigue through targeted conditioning

Most importantly, the right exercise plan can help individuals reconnect with their goals, whether that’s walking to the letterbox, playing with grandkids, or rejoining the workforce.

Mental Health and Exercise

Exercise Physiology is recognised as a powerful tool for supporting mental health and wellbeing. Accredited Exercise Physiologists are trained to develop exercise programs that address the unique needs of individuals living with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Through carefully prescribed physical activity, Exercise Physiologists help clients experience improvements in mood, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.

Research shows that regular exercise can increase insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the growth of new brain cells, all of which contribute to better mental health outcomes. Accredited Exercise Physiologists work closely with clients to find the right balance of activity, ensuring that exercise is beneficial without causing the adverse effects sometimes associated with prolonged exercise or strenuous exercise. By promoting safe, enjoyable, and sustainable physical activity, Exercise Physiologists empower individuals to take an active role in managing their mental health and overcoming the challenges associated with various health conditions.

Effect of Exercise Physiology in Real Life at Bloom Healthcare

Here’s what Exercise Physiology can look like in practice:

• A 67-year-old woman with chronic back pain learns strengthening techniques that specifically target her skeletal muscles to improve function and reduce pain, enabling her to garden again without discomfort. Maintaining muscle mass is especially important for older adults, such as her, to prevent physical decline.
• A young adult on the autism spectrum uses structured movement routines to reduce anxiety and improve sensory regulation.
• A stroke survivor works with an Exercise Physiologist to rebuild strength, balance, and walking ability.
• A person with depression and fatigue discovers that a personalised walking and resistance program boosts their energy and mood. Exercise also enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscles, supporting energy levels and metabolic health.
• An individual with cerebral palsy receives a tailored exercise intervention from an Exercise Physiologist to improve motor control and functional movement, addressing the unique challenges of this neurological condition.

These are the real-world impacts of Bloom Healthcare’s Exercise Physiology team: transforming daily function, emotional wellbeing, and independence through personalised sessions at a time.

What’s the Difference Between Accredited Exercise Physiologists and a Personal Trainer?

This is a common question — and an important one.

Exercise Physiologists are trained to identify the primary limiting factor in a client’s exercise capacity, such as cardiovascular or respiratory constraints, using exercise testing and maximal exercise assessment, allowing them to tailor interventions effectively.

At Bloom, our AEPs collaborate closely with Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, other allied health professionals, and allied health professionals to ensure that care is integrated and safe.

How Bloom Healthcare Delivers Exercise Physiology Services

We make it easy to access high-quality, client-focused care, whether you’re an NDIS participant, private client, or supported under Medicare/aged care funding.

Here’s what we offer:

• Home-based and community programs for real-world functional goals
• NDIS-funded supports, including for core or capacity-building goals
• Collaboration with your support coordinator and allied health team
• Clear progress tracking and reporting for plan reviews and outcome measurement
• Flexible scheduling and inclusive communication

Learn more about our services here:
Bloom Healthcare Exercise Physiology

Is Exercise Physiology Covered by the NDIS?

Yes — if the service is aligned with your goals and disability-related needs, Exercise Physiology can be funded under:

• Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
• Sometimes, under Core Supports, depending on the context

In addition to NDIS, services provided by accredited Exercise Physiologists are recognised and covered by most private health insurers for a range of health conditions. Private health insurers may offer rebates for Exercise Physiology services depending on your health condition and policy.

At Bloom Healthcare, our team can help you:

• Identify where exercise fits into your goals
• Provide evidence and reporting for NDIS planning meetings
• Coordinate care with your other providers

Exercise Physiology examines how physical activity influences oxygen consumption, blood flow, and oxygen supply to active muscles, especially during intense activity and heavy exercise. Adaptations such as increased plasma volume, enhanced red blood cell production, and efficient muscle contraction contribute to improved force generation and power output. During exercise, increased skin blood flow and effective body temperature regulation are crucial for maintaining thermoregulation and sustaining performance. Moderate exercise supports metabolic health by promoting fatty acid oxidation and glucose regulation, while growth hormone plays a key role in tissue adaptation. Motor control is essential for human movement. Individualised exercise programs are designed to optimise these physiological responses for each person. Systematic reviews provide strong evidence for the effectiveness of Exercise Physiology interventions across diverse populations.

Exercise Physiology is about more than just exercise — it’s about restoring function, confidence, and wellbeing through tailored, evidence-based movement. For people living with a disability or chronic condition, it can be the bridge between where they are and where they want to be.

At Bloom Healthcare, our Exercise Physiologists take the time to understand each person’s unique story, needs, and strengths, and build programs that improve daily life, one step at a time.