AEPs (Accredited Exercise Physiologists) are like your go-to experts for all things exercise and health. They’re university-qualified pros who really know their stuff when it comes to exercise assessment and prescription.

Whether you’re dealing with a new injury, managing a chronic condition, or just aiming to boost your overall health, they’ve got you covered. They don’t just focus on the science of exercise and physiology—they also help with lifestyle changes and behavioral tweaks to get you closer to your fitness goals.

So, if you’re looking to optimize your health, an AEP at Empower Gym is your best bet!

For your first appointment at Empower Gym, make sure you wear comfy clothes and footwear that are good for light exercise and movement. It’s also a great idea to bring along a water bottle and a gym towel to all your sessions. If you can, try to bring any details about your current medical conditions or injuries, like medication names, recent test results, or scans.

And if you have exercise-induced asthma, don’t forget your puffer, or if you’re diabetic, bring some sugary snacks or drinks. Our Exercise Physiologists will appreciate having this info to better tailor your plan!

When you come back for your follow-up appointments at Empower Gym, what happens next will depend on whether you’re doing one-on-one treatments or joining a class. If you’re sticking with 1.1 treatments, we’ll check on your progress, do the exercises we’ve set up for you, and keep pushing towards your goals. Your personalized plan might include face-to-face appointments, home or gym workouts, or occasional check-ins.

If you’re joining one of our group classes, our Exercise Physiologists might start with 1-2 one-on-one sessions to help you transition smoothly into the group setting. However, if you’re already an experienced gym-goer, this might not be necessary. Regardless of whether you’re in group classes or doing 1.1 treatments, we’ll review your progress every 3-6 months to reassess your goals and see how well the program is working for you.

At Empower Gym, Exercise Physiology is often covered by major private health funds under their ‘extras’ cover. How much you get back depends on your level of cover, and there are annual limits, so it’s best to check with your health fund for the details.

If you’re referred to us by your GP through the Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Program (formerly the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program), you can claim a portion of your fees from Medicare, with a maximum of 5 visits per year. For those with diabetes, your GP might give you a CDM referral that covers one 1.1 assessment and up to 8 group class visits each year.

Absolutely, we can help with that! If you want to use RTWSA for your exercise physiology consultations at Empower Gym, just make sure to bring all the necessary paperwork to your first appointment. This includes your claim number, insurance company details, and your case manager’s contact info.

For our DVA clients, please bring a valid referral from your GP for exercise physiology services. We’ll make sure everything’s set up smoothly for you!

In simple terms, an exercise physiologist at Empower Gym helps you manage and improve your condition through tailored exercise. They might also check your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and heart rate. On the other hand, a physiotherapist assesses, diagnoses, and treats your condition using hands-on techniques (manual therapy), along with education and exercise.