Exercise Physiology in Werribee
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) uses tailored exercise programs to manage chronic conditions, support recovery, and improve overall health. At Ruhls of Fitness, our accredited exercise physiologists work with clients across Werribee and Melbourne's West to build personalised, medically-informed exercise plans — whatever your starting point.
Accreditation and Education
Accredited Exercise Physiologists are university-qualified allied health professionals with four years of tertiary education in exercise science and clinical exercise physiology. They're accredited through Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and must meet strict standards of education, clinical placement, and ongoing professional development.
This training enables AEPs to:
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Understand complex medical conditions and how they interact with physical activity
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Prescribe and deliver exercise interventions safely and effectively
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Work collaboratively with your healthcare team to support long-term outcomes
AEPs are recognised providers under Medicare, DVA, WorkCover, NDIS, and most private health funds, depending on eligibility and setting.
Conditions We Help Manage
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Exercise physiologists work with people managing chronic health conditions as well as those recovering from surgery or injury. The goal is to improve quality of life, restore physical function, and reduce the burden of disease through safe, tailored movement.
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Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) · Pre-diabetes & insulin resistance · Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) · Obesity and metabolic syndrome · Osteoporosis · Cancer (pre-habilitation, during treatment, and survivorship)
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Cardiovascular Conditions Hypertension (high blood pressure) · Coronary artery disease · Post-stent or post-CABG (bypass surgery) · Heart valve replacements · Arrhythmias and heart failure · Peripheral artery disease
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Neurological Conditions Stroke (CVA) recovery · Parkinson's disease · Multiple sclerosis (MS) · Traumatic brain injury · Spinal cord injury · Functional neurological disorders · Balance and coordination disorders
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Musculoskeletal Conditions Osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis · Chronic back and neck pain · Post-operative rehab (e.g. hip/knee replacements) · Tendinopathies, joint instability, and sports injuries
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Other Areas Mental health (anxiety, depression, PTSD) · Respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD) · Disability and age-related decline
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This isn't an exhaustive list — if you're managing something not shown here, get in touch and we can talk through how we may be able to help.
What Your Program Looks Like
No two bodies — or conditions — are the same, so every program starts with a comprehensive initial assessment covering:
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A detailed medical history review
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Physical assessment of mobility, strength, balance, and cardiovascular fitness
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A discussion of your goals, lifestyle, and current activity level
From there, your AEP designs a personalised plan that may include:
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Cardiovascular training
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Strength and resistance exercises
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Mobility, flexibility, and posture work
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Balance and neuromuscular control
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Education on safe movement, pain management, and self-care
Your program is closely monitored and adjusted as you progress. Whether you're training in a clinic, at home, or in a gym, your AEP makes sure every session is safe, purposeful, and aligned with your goals.
Session Locations
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Tuesday afternoons — Melbourne Athletic, 22 Concorde Crescent
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Thursday afternoons — VU Gym, Werribee
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Small group sessions available
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In-home sessions available
Servicing Werribee, Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Wyndham Vale, Altona, Williamstown, and surrounding areas of Melbourne's West.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What's the difference between an exercise physiologist and a personal trainer? An exercise physiologist is a university-qualified allied health professional accredited through ESSA to treat chronic disease, injury, and disability using exercise as clinical treatment. A personal trainer isn't qualified to manage complex medical conditions.
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Do I need a referral to see an exercise physiologist? No referral is needed for private clients. A GP referral is required to claim Medicare rebates under a Chronic Disease Management Plan.
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What happens in the first session? Your first session is a comprehensive assessment covering medical history, physical function (mobility, strength, balance, cardiovascular fitness), and your personal goals. This forms the basis of your individualised exercise plan.
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Is exercise physiology covered by NDIS, Medicare, or private health? Yes — AEPs are recognised providers under NDIS, Medicare (Chronic Disease Management Plans), DVA, most private health funds, and WorkCover/TAC, depending on your circumstances and eligibility.
