Why and what is Exercise Physiologist?
It all begins with an idea.
Hello Step Up Community!
Welcome to our very first blog post!! I’m thrilled to connect with you all in this new way. At Step Up Disability Services, we’re passionate about supporting each of you to live life as fully and actively as possible, and part of that is helping you understand what we do and why it matters. So today, I want to introduce the role of Exercise Physiology and explain why it’s so important for our community.What is Exercise Physiology and why it’s relevant
Exercise Physiology is a specialised field where we, as Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs), design and implement customised physical-activity programs to address health, function, and lifestyle. While many people think of exercise as simply “keeping fit”, for individuals with disability or additional support needs, exercise physiology also addresses other layers: musculoskeletal conditions (such as joint or movement limitations), co-morbidities (such as metabolic or cardiovascular issues), and even physical + mental health interplay.
Research in the field shows that people living with disability tend to face greater barriers to physical activity, spend more time sedentary, and consequently are at higher risk of poorer health outcomes. For example, a global review found that people with disabilities are significantly less likely to meet physical-activity guidelines (Martin Ginis et al., 2021).
So here at Step Up, we’ve noticed how these issues can affect our participants: when movement or motivation is limited, it may impact gross motor skills (walking, transfers), social participation (joining community activities), cognitive or emotional regulation (in part because physical health and mental health are linked). That’s where exercise physiology enters: to target those physical activity, strength/mobility, social and cognitive links and help each person live with greater independence, confidence and movement. The benefits of engaging with an Exercise Physiologist
When you work with an AEP, you get more than just “go to the gym”. You get a program tailored to you. Some of the major benefits we consistently see include:
Improved mobility, gait, balance and coordination, vital for day-to-day tasks and reducing risk of falls (Novita, 2023).
Increased strength, better endurance and fitness, which can make community participation easier and more enjoyable (Jacinto et al., 2023).
Reduction in sedentary habits and improved physical and emotional wellbeing. Studies show that regular physical activity in people with intellectual and developmental disability improves quality of life and emotional wellbeing (Diz et al., 2024).
Enhanced social participation, self-efficacy and confidence, when movement improves, so often does engagement with family, friends and community.
Greater independence in everyday life; better capacity to engage in hobbies, interests, and community activities.
What we’re doing at Step Up
Because we care about our community’s health and wellbeing, we’re delighted to share what’s now in place and what’s coming soon:
We’ve introduced parents’ classes, recognising that supporting families and caregivers is just as important for the overall community health.
We’ve expanded into group classes that participants can join even if they don’t have direct EP-funded sessions, these classes are overseen by an Exercise Physiologist so you get safe, professional guidance.
We’re now offering one-on-one sessions via Medicare or private health options, plus you can always email, message or call us for more information or to see what’s right for you.
Our goal is simple: we want everyone in our community to have the option to be fit and healthy. We want to meet you where you are, build on your strengths, and help you achieve your goals whether they’re about movement, social participation, emotional regulation, independence or simply feeling great.
Final thoughts
At Step Up, we believe exercise physiology isn’t just a service, it’s a pathway to greater freedom, confidence, and connection.
We’ve seen time and again how the right program can change lives, helping our clients move better, feel stronger, and engage more fully in the things they love.
If you have any questions or want to learn how our services could support you or your family, please reach out. We’re always happy to chat and help you get started.
Stay active, stay curious, and remember we’re here for you.
Best wishes,
Liam Wendell, Exercise Physiologist
References
Martin Ginis KA, van der Ploeg HP, Foster C, Lai B, McBride CB, Ng KFJ, et al. Participation of people living with disabilities in physical activity: a global perspective. Lancet. 2021;398(10298):443-455. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01164-8
Novita. The benefits of exercise physiology for people living with disability. 2023. Available from: https://www.novita.org.au/helpful-information/the-benefits-of-exercise-physiology-for-people-living-with-disability/
Jacinto M, Matos R, Monteiro D, Antunes R, Caseiro A, Gomes B, Campos MJ, Ferreira JP. Effects of a 24-week exercise program on anthropometric, body composition, metabolic status, cardiovascular response, and neuromuscular capacity in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Front Physiol. 2023;14:1205463. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1205463.
Diz S, Jacinto M, Costa AM, Monteiro D, Matos R, Antunes R. Physical activity, quality of life and well-being in individuals with intellectual and developmental disability. Healthcare. 2024;12(6):654. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12060654
Blog Post Title Two
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Three
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.