So, you’re ready to take the next step and develop a new exercise routine? Good for you! But before you start lacing up your running shoes, it’s important to understand how your new routine will impact your overall health and wellbeing. If you’re looking for some professional guidance, you need to consult with an expert. But which health professional will best suit your needs? A question we often hear at Active One is, ‘what is the difference between an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and a personal trainer?’ In this blog, we look at some of the services each of these professionals provide, so you can better understand how they can assist you.
What Are The Required Qualifications?
To become an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, you must study for a minimum of 4 years at an appropriate university. You must also complete a significant amount of clinic hours across a broad range of health conditions. To become a personal trainer, you can complete a short course online, which may take as little as 18 weeks.
Accredited Exercise Physiologist or Personal Trainer?
Personal trainers are ideally qualified for providing exercise guidance and motivation to people who are “apparently healthy”. Accredited Exercise Physiologists also work with healthy people, however, their qualifications (and insurance) allows them to work with clients who require more specific expertise in managing chronic diseases, injuries and/or pain.
Accredited Exercise Physiologists can provide:
· Clinical exercise/movement programs (self-improvement plans)
· Plans to assist with chronic disease prevention and management
· Weight management and mental illness
· Plans to help reduce the risk of falls in elderly clients
· Treatments for a range of conditions including MS, Parkinson’s Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and more
Qualified Personal Trainers can provide:
· Specialised fitness plans
· Guidance on workouts and form
· Help with weight management, toning, building muscle mass
· Motivation
· Support
Complete Approach To Health
Accredited Exercise Physiologists often consult with a team of health professionals — such as Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Dietitians, Diabetes Educators and Podiatrists — to provide a holistic approach to client health. They can also assist with advice on lifestyle modifications and perform functional capacity assessments for clients.
Allied Health Professionals
As Accredited Exercise Physiologists are Allied Health professionals, they are recognised by health funds — so you may receive a rebate with your sessions. They also receive referrals for Exercise Physiology sessions funded by Medicare, the NDIS, TAC, workers compensation or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Accredited Exercise Physiologists In Melbourne
Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists are available for sessions in Brighton and Frankston, Victoria. We’re committed to providing prescribed clinical exercise routines where the chance of injury is low and the chance of success is high. If you’d like to learn more, send us an enquiry online or phone 03 8707 0830.