What to Expect in Your First EP Session

Starting something new can feel a bit nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to your health. If you’ve been approved for Exercise Physiology under the NDIS and you’re heading into your first session, you might be wondering: What actually happens? Will I be pushed too hard? Do I need to be fit already?

Good news: Your first Exercise Physiology (EP) session is all about getting to know you, not pushing you to your limits. Here’s what you can expect:

First things first: it’s about you

Your Accredited Exercise Physiologist isn’t there to put you through a boot camp. They’re there to understand your goals, your abilities, and what matters to you.

At the start of the session, your EP will usually chat with you about:

• Your NDIS goals

• Your medical history or diagnoses (if relevant)

• Any pain, injuries, or limitations

• What daily activities you find hard or want to improve

• What movement or exercise experience you’ve had before (if any)

Once the EP has an understanding of you, your background and your goals, they will then complete a range of physical assessments. These help them understand how your body moves and what support you need.

This might include:

• Anthropometry measures (Blood Pressure, Height, Weight, Waist Circumference, etc)

• Balance or walking assessments

• Strength or mobility checks

• Posture or movement observations

• Functional tasks like standing from a chair or reaching

Everything is done at your pace, and you can stop or change anything at any time. Once all assessments have been completed, your EP may then move to try a few basic exercises in the first session. These are usually low-intensity and tailored specifically to you. Exercises might focus on:

• Building strength for daily activities

• Improving balance and coordination

• Reducing pain or stiffness

• Increasing confidence with movement

Education and support is implemented throughout these exercises, where the Exercise Physiologist will help you understand your body and how movement can support your goals.

Your EP may explain:

• Why certain exercises are helpful for you

• How to move safely and confidently

• Ways to manage fatigue, pain, or symptoms

• How exercise fits into your NDIS plan

Once the session has finished, your EP will then go to plan your future sessions based on your testing results, interests and dislikes and overall goals. They will also talk with you about:

• How often sessions might be helpful

• Where sessions will take place (clinic, home, gym, community)

• What your ongoing exercise program could look like

• How progress will be tracked against your NDIS goals

Finally your first NDIS Exercise Physiology session is about building trust, confidence, and capability. It’s not about how much you can lift or how fast you can move; it’s about helping you live your life with more independence, comfort, and confidence.

If you’re feeling nervous, that’s completely okay. Your EP is there to support you every step of the way.