What Is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university-qualified Allied Health professional who specialises in using movement as medicine.
Accredited by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), AEPs complete at least four years of study and commit to lifelong professional development. Their specialty is prescribing safe, science-backed exercise plans that help you prevent or manage disease, recover faster after injury or surgery, and lift everyday performance—whether that means climbing stairs pain-free or running a quicker 10 km.
How Are AEPs Different from Physiotherapists?
Physiotherapist:
- Manual therapy (massage, joint mobilisation, dry needling) alongside exercise
- Often, the first stop after a new injury or surgery
- Shorter treatment blocks
- Can refer to an AEP for guided conditioning
Exercise Physiologist:
- Exercise is the primary treatment tool
- Ideal for long-term rehab, chronic conditions, or performance programs
- Longer programs that teach you lifelong self-management
- Work side by side with physios to ensure seamless care
What conditions do Exercise Physiologists treat?
As exercise influences every system—heart, lungs, muscles, bones and hormones—AEPs can tailor programs for almost any health challenge.
They blend deep physiological knowledge with the latest research to lower disease risk, rebuild strength after injury and give clients the confidence to stay active for life.
Whether you’re living with a chronic medical condition, rehabbing a stubborn back, or navigating pregnancy or healthy ageing, an Exercise Physiologist can guide you safely.
Common conditions we work with
- Musculoskeletal injuries: guided rehab for knees, shoulders, backs and more
- Strength & conditioning: boosting athletic power, speed and resilience
- Chronic back pain: targeted strengthening to reduce flare-ups
- Cardiovascular disease: safe exercise to improve heart health and blood pressure
- Neurological conditions: support for Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis, for example
- Women’s health: endometriosis, pelvic pain, pregnancy and post-partum care
- Metabolic disorders: exercise programmes for diabetes, pre-diabetes and obesity
Why Choose an Exercise Physiologist at Coast Sport?
Coast Sport is proud to be a leading Exercise Physiology clinic on the Central Coast. Our AEPs create personalised movement plans that put you in charge of your health journey.
Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, bouncing back from injury or chasing a new personal best, we provide the know-how, encouragement and resources you need to thrive.
We can:
- Boost strength, speed, power and flexibility for daily life or sport
- Elevate cardiovascular fitness to support a healthy heart
- Tailor every program to your goals, exercise history and medical needs
- Help manage conditions such as diabetes with evidence-based exercise
- Guide safe training through pregnancy, post-partum and beyond
- Teach you about your condition so you can exercise confidently on your own
What to Expect in Your First Session
Your initial appointment starts with a friendly chat about goals, health history and lifestyle. We will go through a movement and strength assessment to find areas for improvement and to gather comparable data for the future.
Together, we will write a program that is targeted to your goals, attainable and realistic. In session, you will be provided a written or app-based program, and leave with a follow-up booked so you’re never left guessing.
Ready to Move Better?
If you now understand how an Exercise Physiologist can reduce pain, help manage chronic disease or unlock peak performance, take the next step today. Click the “Book an Appointment” button or phone our Coast Sport reception—spots fill quickly, and your healthiest self is waiting.
Helping the Central Coast Feel Well, Move Well and Perform Well!