What Is an Exercise Physiologist?
Exercise Physiologist is a specialized allied health profession focused on using movement, strength training and physical activity to improve health, function, and quality of life.
It’s common for people to confuse an exercise physiologist with a physiotherapist. While physios typically address acute injury and rehabilitation, Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) specialise in long-term management and capacity building through tailored exercise programs.
AEPs are university-qualified, evidence-based practitioners formally recognised under Medicare, DVA, WorkCover, NDIS and private health. We use exercise as a clinical tool to support people with chronic conditions, disability, injury, and a range of psychosocial needs. (Beecroft et al., 2024)
Why Does Exercise Physiology Matter for You?
Exercise Physiology isn’t just about “getting fit”, it’s about using exercise as a clinical tool to improve how people move, function, and live day to day.
Most adults are recommended to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, plus strength training twice per week (Lippincott & Lippincott, 2013).
For people living with disability, these guidelines matter even more, not because they need more pressure, but because they often face greater barriers to accessing safe, appropriate exercise.
People with disability are statistically more likely to be sedentary, which increases the risk of long-term health issues such as reduced mobility, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, and mental health challenges. Exercise is one of the most effective and empowering ways to reduce these risks.
This is where Exercise Physiology comes in.
How AEPs Support NDIS Participants
Below are real ways Exercise Physiology helps people with ASD, ID, Down Syndrome and other disabilities.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
AEPs support autistic children, teens and adults by combining physical activity with emotional regulation, routine, and sensory-aware approaches.
We help with:
Reducing sedentary behaviour
Improving motor planning, coordination and body awareness
Enhancing confidence in new environments
Supporting emotional regulation through structured movement
Increasing social participation in group settings
Building independence through step-by-step progression
Examples of what we do:
Obstacle courses for coordination and confidence
Strength sessions to build stability and reduce injury risk
Walking, swimming, cycling for fitness and sensory regulation
Structured games to build turn-taking, patience, and social skills
Intellectual Disability (ID)
People with ID often benefit hugely from predictable, fun, achievable exercise sessions.
We support clients by:
Improving general fitness, strength, and mobility
Building routines around physical activity
Reducing risks like obesity, heart disease or low muscle tone
Using movement to improve concentration, behaviour and engagement
Enhancing communication through structured activity
Supporting skill development in sport, community activities, and daily tasks
Examples of sessions:
Balance and walking drills
Group fitness circuits
Ball games for coordination
Strength-based tasks using bands, dumbbells or bodyweight
Down Syndrome
People with Down Syndrome commonly experience low muscle tone, joint hypermobility, reduced cardiovascular fitness, and sometimes fear of movement. A tailored AEP approach can significantly improve these areas.
We help with:
Increasing muscle strength to support posture and stability
Improving walking confidence and endurance
Supporting heart and lung fitness
Encouraging participation in community sport and recreation
Building independence in self-care and daily tasks
Examples:
Step-up drills, walking practice and hill training
Strength training for hips, legs, and core
Balance and coordination tasks
Fun aerobic circuits designed around personal interests
Why Exercise Physiology Matters in the NDIS
Research shows that people with disabilities participate in physical activity far less than the general population and face more barriers (Martin Ginis et al., 2021). This can affect:
Strength and mobility
Chronic disease risk
Behaviour and emotional regulation
Social engagement
Independence
That’s where Exercise Physiologists come in.
We build capacity—not just fitness.
We support function—not just exercise.
We promote participation—not just movement.
Benefits of Working With an AEP
When you work with an Exercise Physiologist, you don’t just “do a workout”. You get a completely individualised program based on goals, abilities, preferences, and NDIS plan outcomes.
Some key benefits we see every day at Step Up:
Improved mobility, gait and balance – essential for safe walking and reduced falls risk (Novita, 2023).
More strength and endurance, making community outings easier and more enjoyable.
Less sedentary time, and better emotional and physical wellbeing.
Better social participation, whether that’s joining a group class or playing a game in the park.
More confidence and independence in daily life tasks.
What We’re Doing at Step Up Disability Services
We’re proud to continue expanding our Exercise Physiology services to better support the community.
🌟 One-on-One EP Sessions
Available through NDIS, Medicare, private health or private billing.
🌟 Group Exercise Classes
Structured and fun sessions for kids, teens and adults—open even for participants who don’t have direct EP funding.
🌟 Parent Classes
Education, support and practical learning to help families feel confident guiding exercise at home.
🌟 Flexible Support
You can contact us anytime—email, phone or message—to chat about goals, plans, referrals or bookings.
Our aim is simple: help every participant move better, feel better and engage more fully in their world.
Final Thoughts
Exercise Physiology isn’t just a service—it’s a pathway to greater freedom, confidence, and wellbeing.
We see every day how movement changes lives:
A child learning to regulate emotions through structured play
A teen building strength to join sport
An adult gaining independence through improved mobility
A participant smiling because they finally feel confident in their body
That’s why we do what we do.
If you’re curious about how Exercise Physiology can support you or your child, please reach out. We’re always here to help.
Stay active, stay curious, and remember—we’re here for you.
Best wishes,
Step Up Disability Services
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.
Novita. The benefits of exercise physiology for people living with disability. 2023.
Jacinto M et al. Effects of a 24-week exercise program… Front Physiol. 2023;14:1205463.
Diz S et al. Physical activity, quality of life and well-being in individuals with intellectual and developmental disability. Healthcare. 2024;12(6):654.
