What Is an Exercise Physiologist – and How Can They Help You?

Ever tried to get fitter, fix an old injury, or train around pain and felt like you’re guessing?

If so, you might be looking for an Exercise Physiologist, even if you didn’t know it yet. As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP), my role is to help people move better, feel better, and live better through tailored exercise programs backed by science. We work with people of all ages and abilities, from athletes chasing performance goals to older adults wanting to stay strong, mobile, and independent.

In short, we’re the bridge between your GP and the gym, the translators who turn “my knee’s cooked” into “I can walk without wincing again.”

What We Actually Do

An Exercise Physiologist is more than “just” a trainer. We’re the science nerds of movement, though we’ll still make you sweat. 

Our expertise covers exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports science, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and athletic development, all working together to get you moving safely and performing at your best.

Whether you’re an athlete chasing an extra gear or just trying to make it through a week without your back throwing a tantrum, we’ve got you covered. 

Think of us as the link between rehab and real life, or between the waiting room and the weights room.

Exercise Prescription That’s Truly Individual

No two bodies are the same and no two exercise programs should be either. When we create a plan, we consider your cardiovascular fitness, strength and endurance, flexibility and mobility, body composition, and any injuries, medical conditions, or surgery history.

From there, we design a program that’s safe, specific, and achievable, often working alongside doctors, physios, and other healthcare providers.

We don’t hand out cookie cutter gym plans or 8 week shred templates, we build what your body actually needs, at a pace that fits your life. 

If you’ve ever wanted the precision of sports science without the ego, that’s where we come in.

More Than Just Exercise

While movement is at the heart of what we do, it’s not just about sweating for the sake of it. We also help you make lifestyle changes that support your results, from improving sleep, managing stress, and building healthy eating habits to finding realistic ways to stay consistent.

Sometimes that means helping a footballer explode off the line quicker, and sometimes it’s helping a grandparent get up from the couch without a groan and a prayer. Both are wins. 

So whether it’s athletic development, chronic disease management, or somewhere in between, we make sure your training actually has a point.

Education, Recovery, and Self-Management

A big part of our role is teaching you how to look after your body, how to move safely and efficiently, how to use gym or rehab equipment correctly, and how to recover using tools like stretching, mobility drills, or foam rolling.

The goal is to give you the skills and knowledge so you’re less reliant on healthcare appointments and more confident managing your own body.

Our goal is to give you the knowledge and confidence to take control of your own health and training. We’ll always be here when you need a tune-up or new challenge.

When Should You See an Exercise Physiologist?

If you’re wondering whether you’re the right fit for an Exercise Physiologist, here’s a quick checklist.

• You have a chronic health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis.

• You’re recovering from injury or surgery.

• You want to improve strength, mobility, or balance.

• You’re returning to sport after time off or injury.

• You need guidance to exercise safely with a medical condition.

• You want to improve your athletic development or follow a structured strength and conditioning program.

 If you ticked any of those, we’ll probably get along just fine.

The Bottom Line

Exercise Physiology is about more than getting fit, it’s about using movement as medicine. Whether you’re aiming to recover, perform, or simply live life with more energy and less pain, an AEP can guide you there safely.

At Nomadic EP, we blend the science of rehab with the grit of strength and conditioning, so whether you’re chasing a PB, a pain free week, or a better version of yourself, we’ll help you get there. 

Ready to start? Book an assessment today, let’s build something that actually works for your body, your goals, and your life.