Exercise Physiology plays a vital role in supporting individuals living with disabilities or chronic medical conditions by helping them improve their physical fitness and reduce the impact of their condition. Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) use exercise to enhance movement, strength, and overall well-being, allowing individuals to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
At Adaptive Strength in Booragoon, our exercise physiologists work with people of all abilities, tailoring exercise programs to meet individual needs and goals. Whether it’s improving mobility, managing pain, or building strength, we’re here to help you achieve a better quality of life.
The major benefits of Exercise Physiology include:
- Improved mobility
- Better pain management
- Increased strength
- Enhanced balance and walking gait
- Improved general fitness
- Greater independence
- Better sleep
- Reduced sedentary habits
- Maximized quality of life
How Exercise Physiology Can Help People Living with Disabilities
AEPs help individuals manage lifestyle changes due to disabilities, such as:
- Reduced mobility
- Inactivity
- Deconditioning
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Balance issues
Our team at Adaptive Strength supports people living with various conditions, by creating individualized fitness plans that consider each person’s accessibility needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to exercise – our goal is to find the right program tailored to your specific mobility and health needs.
Strength Training
Strength training is essential for keeping muscles healthy, reducing cardiometabolic risks, and supporting daily activities such as getting dressed or moving from a seated position.
Examples of strength training:
- Resistance training using controlled muscle contractions
- Weight lifting for strength and endurance
- Upper extremity exercises to improve arm strength
- Cardiovascular exercises, such as cycling and treadmill work, to build overall strength and endurance
- Hydrotherapy to enhance muscle strength in a low-impact environment
Balance Exercises
Balance exercises are crucial for improving lower limb strength, muscle control, and coordination, especially for individuals with conditions like CP, who may be at risk of falls. These exercises also help with muscle fatigue and posture, relying heavily on core strength.
Examples of balance exercises:
- Exercise ball activities for core strength and weight-shifting
- Deep breathing exercises that engage the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to strengthen the core
- Crunches to target abdominal muscles and improve posture
Functional Exercises
Functional exercises support everyday movements, helping individuals perform tasks such as tying shoes or using a wheelchair. These exercises are progressive and designed to build strength and resistance gradually.
Examples of functional exercises:
- Throwing weighted balls for upper body strength
- Wheelchair pushes to improve arm strength and endurance
- Wearing weighted cuffs to add resistance during daily activities, helping with muscle control
Why Exercise Physiology Matters
Exercise physiologists, like those at Adaptive Strength in Booragoon, are experts in assessing fitness, strength, and balance, allowing them to design personalized programs to address each individual’s challenges. Whether it’s a young person living with cerebral palsy or an older individual managing the effects of aging, an exercise physiologist can create the best-fit program for your lifestyle and health goals.
Take the First Step Toward Better Health
At Adaptive Strength, our accredited exercise physiologists are here to help you achieve a better quality of life through personalized exercise programs. Contact us today to learn how we can support your health and fitness journey!
Book your consultation now and discover the benefits of Exercise Physiology at Adaptive Strength in Booragoon.
