Exercise Physiology in Chirnside Park
What does an Exercise Physiologist actually do?
If you have never heard of an Exercise Physiologist before, you are definitely not alone. A lot of people first hear the words "Exercise Physiology" when their GP, hospital team or another health professional suggests it, and even then it is not always obvious what an appointment is actually going to involve.
I'm Robyn Papworth, an Accredited Exercise Physiologist based in Chirnside Park, and the way I work is probably a little different from what some people imagine when they hear the word exercise. I want movement to feel approachable, functional and as enjoyable as I can make it, while still helping you work towards meaningful physical goals.
First, what is Exercise Physiology?
Exercise Physiology is about using movement in a way that makes sense for your health, your body and your everyday life.
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist works with people who may have health conditions, injuries, changes in mobility, reduced confidence, pain, deconditioning or other barriers that can make exercise feel more complicated than simply joining a gym and following a generic program.
The exercise itself might involve strength, balance, walking, cardiovascular exercise, mobility, coordination or functional movements that relate to things you want to be able to do more comfortably in everyday life. What matters to me is that the movement has a purpose and that it can be adjusted to where you are starting from.
That might mean using a chair for support, slowing something down, reducing the resistance, changing the position, taking a break or finding a completely different way to work towards the same goal. There is no prize for making exercise unnecessarily difficult.
The part that matters to me
I do not want movement to feel intimidating.
I want you to be able to walk into the space, have a conversation, smile, laugh, move your body and gradually become more confident without feeling as though you have entered an environment where everybody else knows what they are doing and you somehow do not belong.
Exercise still needs to provide a physical benefit, of course, because that is why we are there, but I do not believe the hour needs to feel miserable for it to be worthwhile. If we can improve strength, balance, mobility, cardiovascular fitness or everyday function while also having a conversation and enjoying being around other people, that is a much better experience in my view.
I would much rather you leave thinking, "That was actually quite enjoyable, I can come back and do that again," than spend the whole session wishing it would end.
Exercise without the pressure
You do not have to perform for me.
You can move at your own pace
If another person is moving faster, lifting more or finding an activity easier, that does not mean you need to match them. Your exercise should be appropriate for you.
You can talk while you move
Exercise does not have to happen in silence while everybody stares at a timer. Conversation and connection are very welcome in my groups.
You can ask for something to be changed
If something feels uncomfortable, confusing or simply does not suit you, we can change it rather than expecting you to push through because somebody wrote it on a program.
What might we actually work on?
Usually the things that help everyday life feel a little easier.
Depending on the person, we may work on getting up from a chair more confidently, walking for longer, improving balance, tolerating more activity, becoming stronger through the legs and upper body, improving coordination or feeling safer moving around the community.
Someone else might be working on returning to activity after hospital rehabilitation, managing exercise with an ongoing health condition, improving fitness after a period of inactivity or simply rebuilding enough confidence to start moving again.
I am much more interested in what movement allows you to do in your life than whether an exercise looks impressive.
Functional does not have to mean boring.
We can work on useful physical skills and still use conversation, simple challenges, movement equipment, games and a little bit of play to make the experience feel human.
What happens at Never Too Old to Play?
There are a few different ways to exercise here.
Monday · 10am
Seniors Movement + Cuppa
Monday is the most playful group. We move together rather than completing individual circuits, using activities that can challenge balance, coordination, mobility, memory and confidence while still leaving plenty of room for laughter and conversation.
Afterwards we spend approximately 30 minutes having a cuppa and chatting together.
$16 casual.
Read about Monday Seniors →Tuesday + Friday · 9am
Community Exercise Physiology
These sessions are a little more independent. Each person can work through circuit activities at their own pace while I am there to support, adjust and progress the exercises as needed.
$10 per session.
View dates and book →Tuesday + Friday · 10:30am
Type 2 Diabetes Exercise Physiology
This is another small circuit-style group, specifically for people living with Type 2 Diabetes who want a supported place to exercise and build confidence with movement.
You can also talk with your GP about whether a Medicare Exercise Physiology pathway may be appropriate for you.
See the Type 2 Diabetes class →Talking to your GP
If Exercise Physiology sounds like something that could help you, it is worth asking your GP about it.
You do not need to walk into your GP appointment already knowing what Medicare item numbers apply or exactly what sort of referral you need. You can simply explain that you are interested in Exercise Physiology and ask whether it may be appropriate as part of your care.
If you are living with Type 2 Diabetes, I have also created a brochure explaining the local group that you can print, download or email to your GP before your appointment.
Exercise Physiologist: Robyn Papworth
Medicare Provider Number: 400894BY
Exercise Physiology in the Yarra Ranges
A local option in Chirnside Park.
Never Too Old to Play is based at 7 Meadowgate Drive, Chirnside Park, with people welcome from Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Croydon, Kilsyth, Mount Evelyn, Montrose and surrounding areas across the Yarra Ranges and Maroondah.
I wanted the space to feel much smaller and more personal than a commercial gym, because for many people the hardest part of exercising is not understanding that movement is good for them, it is finding somewhere they actually feel comfortable enough to keep coming back to.
My approach
I want movement to become something you are willing to come back to.
There will still be exercises that challenge you, because getting stronger and improving physical capacity does require some effort, but that does not mean the whole experience needs to feel clinical, intimidating or miserable.
If you can move, talk, laugh, get to know the people around you and finish the session knowing you have done something useful for your body, that is exactly the kind of Exercise Physiology environment I want to create.