🌿 More Than Movement

Why Exercise Physiology Is About More Than Just Fitness

By Shae Phipps, Accredited Exercise Physiologist

CHAPTER 1: WE’RE MORE THAN WHAT WE LOOK LIKE 

CHAPTER 2: MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE 

CHAPTER 3: EXERCISE ISN’T JUST ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS 

CHAPTER 4: BEHIND THE SCENES – A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN EP 

CHAPTER 5: MY LIVED EXPERIENCE WITH PCOS, HYPERMOBILITY & HEALING 

CHAPTER 6: HOW I HELP CLIENTS MOVE BETTER & FEEL STRONGER 

CHAPTER 7: GETTING SUPPORT THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU 

CHAPTER 8: WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH ME 

CHAPTER 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

CONCLUSION: THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING 

Why I Wrote This

Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Shae - an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, adventurer, and someone who knows firsthand that our health journeys are never one-size-fits-all.

I wrote this book because there’s a lot of noise out there about health and fitness - and much of it misses the mark. Real wellbeing isn’t about looking a certain way. It’s about being able to do the things you love, managing your symptoms, and living life on your terms.

Movement has helped me reclaim my strength through chronic health conditions, and it’s a privilege to help others do the same - whether they’re living with pain, fatigue, PCOS, hypermobility, disability, or simply looking for guidance that feels safe and sustainable.

📚 Resources & Links

🌐 Website: https://shaephippsep.com

📸 Instagram: @shae.exercisephysiology

🖥️ Bookings: Available via email

📍 Location: Southern Highlands, NSW

🌏 Telehealth: Available Australia-wide

📧 Email: shae.phipps@gmail.com

Chapter 1: We’re More Than What We Look Like

Let’s start here - with something that so many of us have been led to believe: That the point of exercise is to change how we look.

For decades, we’ve been sold a version of health that’s filtered, edited, and shrink-wrapped to fit unrealistic standards. In magazines, on our feeds, in gym ads - it’s everywhere. The message is loud and clear: thinner is better, fitter is smaller, and transformation means visible abs and tight glutes.

But that’s not the truth I see in my work. And it’s not the truth I live by.

You are more than what you look like. And movement is about so much more than your appearance.

As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, my work isn’t about aesthetics - it’s about function, freedom, and feeling safe in your body. It’s about supporting people to do the things that matter to them: lifting their toddler without back pain, hiking with confidence, walking to the letterbox after surgery, or managing fatigue from chronic illness. For some, it’s just being able to breathe easier, sleep better, or get through a workday with more ease.

Your body is not a before-and-after photo.

You’re not a project to be fixed. You’re a person with a story - and that story deserves to be heard with respect, not reduced to a number on a scale.

The Real Wins

Some of my proudest moments as an EP don’t come from dramatic “transformations.” They come from small, meaningful milestones:

• A teenage client with ADHD building coordination and confidence through movement games.
• An older adult under My Aged Care improving balance enough to walk unassisted at the shops.
• A young woman with PCOS feeling stronger, more regulated, and finally listened to after years of frustration.
• A client with hypermobility learning how to move with stability instead of pushing past pain.
• A man recovering from surgery getting back to gardening, without fear of falling.

These moments might not make flashy headlines, but they are real, profound wins.

Dismantling the Shame Around Bodies

One of the biggest barriers to people seeking help with their movement is shame - shame around how they look, how they move, how much they weigh, or what they “should” be doing. I want you to know right now: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to health. And there’s no shame in where you’re starting from.

I work with clients of all sizes, genders, cultural backgrounds, and abilities. Some live with disability. Some live with invisible illness. Some are navigating trauma, grief, or long-standing health concerns. Some are new parents. Some are in their 70s. Some are teenagers just figuring things out. They all deserve care that meets them where they’re at - not care that assumes a certain “look” is the goal.

Reconnecting With What Your Body Can Do

Instead of asking, “How do I make my body look better?” - what if we asked:

• “How can I help my body feel supported?”
• “What makes my body feel calm, strong, steady?”
• “What can I do to feel more confident in my daily life?”

This shift is powerful.

When we stop fighting our bodies and start working with them, everything changes. Movement becomes less about punishment and more about partnership. Less about burning calories, more about building capacity. Less about shame, more about self-trust.

You don’t need to earn rest. You don’t need to prove your worth through pain. You deserve movement that feels safe, supportive, and sustainable - no matter your shape, size, diagnosis, or background.

Creating a Safe Space

In my sessions, I focus on how you feel, not how you look.

There’s no weigh-in. No mirrors unless you want them. No “no pain, no gain” approach. Just evidence-based strategies tailored to your needs - whether that’s breathwork to calm a dysregulated nervous system, resistance training to support your joints, or learning how to move without flaring up symptoms.

I’m not here to judge you. I’m here to support you.

Because you are already enough - just as you are.

Final Thought

Your body is not the problem.

The problem is a culture that has convinced us we have to look a certain way to be worthy of care.

But you are worthy now. And movement can be a powerful way to reclaim that truth - not as a form of control, but as a form of connection.

You are more than what you look like.
You are more than your diagnosis.
You are more than the number on a scale, the shape of your stomach, or the size of your jeans.

You are a whole human.
And your health journey deserves support that sees you that way.

Chapter 2: Movement Is Medicine

If exercise could be bottled, it would be one of the most powerful prescriptions available. It’s been called a “wonder drug” - not because it’s trendy, but because its benefits are proven across nearly every system of the body.

But when we think of “medicine,” many of us imagine something unpleasant, clinical, or prescribed out of necessity. The truth is, movement as medicine doesn’t have to feel like a chore - and it definitely doesn’t have to fit into a traditional gym setting.

Movement can be gentle. Joyful. Expressive. Practical. Personal.
It can meet you in your pain, your fatigue, your limitations - and still support healing.

So, What Can Movement Actually Do?

Evidence shows that regular, tailored exercise can help:

• Reduce pain and inflammation
  Movement increases blood flow, supports joint health, and stimulates natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins.
• Improve mental health
  Exercise is linked with reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it helps regulate stress hormones like cortisol.
• Regulate hormones
  For people with conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or menopause-related symptoms, movement can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and support mood and energy.
• Support sleep and energy
  Movement helps regulate circadian rhythms, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep - while also boosting your energy levels during the day.
• Help manage chronic conditions
  Conditions like diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue, and cardiovascular disease all benefit from appropriately prescribed exercise.

And here’s the key: the movement must work for you, not against you.

Redefining What Counts as “Exercise”

You don’t need to be smashing out high-intensity circuits or training for a marathon to get the benefits of movement. In fact, that level of exercise can be completely inappropriate for many people - especially if you're navigating pain, fatigue, or hormonal challenges.

Movement could look like:

• A walk through nature to regulate your nervous system
• A strength session that focuses on form and control, not reps and sweat
• Breathwork and mobility exercises to start your day
• Seated movement or chair-based balance work
• Swimming or water-based therapy to reduce joint pressure
• Stretch-resistance bands or light weights for bone density
• Dance, hiking, gardening, stretching - the list is endless

All of it counts.
All of it matters.
And none of it needs to be punishing.

“No Pain, No Gain”? Let’s Leave That Behind.

The old fitness mantra of “no pain, no gain” has caused more harm than help. For people with chronic pain, fatigue-related conditions, or nervous system dysregulation, that approach can trigger flare-ups, lead to injury, or create fear around movement.

In my practice, we focus on the opposite: safety, pacing, and consistency.

Sometimes that means doing less, not more. It means honouring rest. It means using breath and body cues to find the right amount of challenge. It’s about finding the edge of your comfort zone - not jumping off a cliff.

Movement is most therapeutic when it’s built with you in mind.

Movement for Mental Health

One of the most powerful shifts I see in clients - especially those who’ve felt overwhelmed, anxious, or low - is how movement helps them feel emotionally grounded again.

For many, it’s not about the movement itself, but what it represents:

• Taking time for themselves
• Rebuilding trust in their body
• Feeling a sense of progress and possibility
• Releasing emotional tension through breath and motion

We now know that movement directly impacts the brain - improving mood, focus, memory, and emotional regulation. For people navigating depression, ADHD, PTSD, or stress-related burnout, movement can be a powerful and empowering tool for support.

Movement With the Body, Not Against It

I often meet clients who’ve been told to “just push through” - to ignore their symptoms, to keep up with others, to force themselves into programs that don’t suit their bodies.

That doesn’t work.

In fact, it can make things worse - leading to more inflammation, more fatigue, and more disconnection from your body.

True movement medicine is collaborative. We build the plan with your body in mind:

• What are your goals?
• What are your symptoms and triggers?
• What times of day do you feel strongest?
• What movements leave you feeling calm, not depleted?

When we tune into these questions, we create a rhythm that supports you physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Final Thought

Movement is a tool - not a punishment.
It’s one of the most accessible and adaptable ways to support your health, but only when it’s prescribed and practised in a way that respects your story.

Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis, starting from scratch, or rebuilding after burnout - movement can meet you there. It can help you heal, regulate, and reconnect with what your body is capable of.

This is what movement as medicine looks like:
Safe. Supportive. Sustainable.

And you deserve nothing less.

Chapter 3: Exercise Isn’t Just About Weight Loss

If you’ve ever felt like exercise only “counts” when it leads to weight loss - you’re not alone. We’ve been conditioned to believe that the value of movement lies in how many calories it burns, how much fat it reduces, or how well it changes our bodies to fit a narrow ideal.

But that belief is outdated, unhelpful - and, for many, deeply harmful.

Let’s reframe the conversation.

Your Body Doesn’t Need to Shrink to Be Valued

Too often, people are praised for losing weight - regardless of how they did it, how they feel, or what it cost them to get there. Others are overlooked or dismissed because they don’t “look the part.” But your health is not determined by your clothing size. And weight is not the only - or even the best - indicator of wellbeing.

I’ve worked with clients in a wide range of bodies: small, large, lean, soft, tall, short, strong, or recovering. Some are navigating complex health conditions. Others are focused on parenting, ageing, or injury recovery. None of them deserve to be reduced to a number on a scale.

We are not meant to be copy-paste versions of each other.
We are not here to be measured by how much we take up space.

The Real Reasons People Move

When I ask clients what brought them to exercise physiology, weight loss is rarely the driving force.

Instead, I hear:

• “I want to be able to play with my kids without pain.”
• “I want to improve my posture and feel more confident.”
• “I’ve been exhausted for years, and I need help managing fatigue.”
• “I keep getting injured - I want to move smarter.”
• “I’m recovering from illness or surgery and don’t know where to start.”
• “I want to feel stronger and more capable in my own skin.”

These goals aren’t about aesthetics. They’re about function, energy, dignity, and freedom.
They’re about reclaiming the ability to live life more fully.

Health at Every Size: What It Really Means

The Health at Every Size (HAES) approach isn’t about ignoring health. It’s about recognising that people can pursue wellbeing - and improve physical and mental health - regardless of weight. It acknowledges the impact of stigma, bias, and systemic barriers while promoting:

• Respect for body diversity
• Supportive, non-judgemental healthcare
• Movement that feels good, not forced
• Nutrition and lifestyle choices that are flexible and compassionate

As an EP, I align with these principles - because they work. I’ve seen clients thrive when they let go of punishing goals and start working with their bodies instead of fighting them.

When the Focus Is Only on Weight, We Miss the Whole Picture

Focusing solely on weight loss can distract from the real issues affecting health:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Mental health challenges
• Chronic pain or fatigue
• Disability or neurodivergence
• Poor sleep, stress, or trauma
• Nervous system dysregulation
• Lack of access to inclusive, trauma-informed care

You can be doing everything right for your body - moving regularly, eating nourishing food, managing stress - and still not see major weight changes. That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means your body is complex. And that’s okay.

It’s Okay to Want to Feel Better in Your Body

Let’s be clear - if part of your goal is body composition change, that’s valid too. It’s okay to want to feel more comfortable in your skin, to reconnect with your strength, or to pursue a version of health that feels empowering to you.

But let’s do it in a way that’s respectful, sustainable, and focused on more than just the scales.

In my work, we set goals around:

• Strength and stamina
• Balance and coordination
• Pain levels and symptom management
• Emotional wellbeing
• Daily function and quality of life
• Confidence and autonomy

Because you are not a number.
You are not a “before.”
You are a person deserving of care that considers the whole of who you are.

Final Thought

Movement doesn’t need to be earned.
Health doesn’t need to look a certain way.
Your body is not a problem to be solved - it’s a vessel for living, for feeling, for experiencing the world.

If you've spent years chasing weight loss without feeling better, I see you. There is another way - a more compassionate, effective, and empowering way.

Let’s shift the focus from what you want to lose
to everything you have to gain.

Chapter 4: Behind the Scenes – A Day in the Life of an EP

One of the most common questions I get is:
“So… what exactly does an exercise physiologist do?”

The short answer? A lot more than most people think.

Exercise physiology isn’t just about gym programs and rehab. It’s about meeting people in their day-to-day lives - whether that’s in a clinic, their home, the local park, a school, or through a screen - and using movement to support their health in a way that’s meaningful and practical.

No two days look the same. And that’s what I love most.

The Real Work Isn’t Always What You See

My job isn’t just physical - it’s relational. I listen, adapt, encourage, advocate, and educate.

Sometimes I’m adjusting a program for a pain flare-up.
Other times, I’m helping someone feel safe enough to try a movement they’ve been afraid of.
I’m often part cheerleader, part coach, part detective, and part anchor.

Behind every session is a web of care:

• Referral letters and goal tracking
• NDIS reports and funding reviews
• Collaboration with physios, OTs, psychologists, dietitians, teachers, and GPs
• Customising movement around fluctuating conditions like long COVID, endo, or chronic fatigue

It’s a lot - and it’s worth it.

The People I Work With

Exercise physiology is incredibly broad, which means I work with a diverse mix of clients:

• People living with disability, through the NDIS (both plan-managed and self-managed)
• Women navigating hormonal conditions like PCOS, perimenopause, or endometriosis
• Older adults aiming to maintain strength, balance, and independence
• Clients recovering from surgery or injury
• Children and teens with developmental conditions or emotional regulation needs
• People in rural areas accessing support through telehealth
• Individuals managing persistent pain, mental health challenges, or chronic fatigue

Each person brings a unique story, and my job is to honour that story while helping them feel more at home in their body.

More Than Just a Job

For me, this isn’t just a profession - it’s a passion.

I’ve lived with health challenges of my own, and I know what it’s like to feel dismissed, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start. That lived experience shapes how I work, how I speak, and how I hold space for others.

Exercise physiology isn’t about quick fixes or cookie-cutter plans. It’s about meeting people where they’re at - with empathy, evidence, and a commitment to creating movement strategies that actually work in real life.

Final Thought

Being an EP means being flexible. It means thinking outside the box, listening deeply, and showing up with heart.

Some days I’m in a clinic.
Some days I’m on the floor with a child doing sensory-based play.
Some days I’m outdoors doing balance work beside a client’s walker.
Some days I’m behind a screen, offering calm, structured support for someone who hasn’t left their house in weeks.

And every day, I’m reminded of why I chose this path.

Because movement is powerful.
And when we use it intentionally, collaboratively, and compassionately - it can change lives.

Chapter 5: My Lived Experience With PCOS, Hypermobility & Healing

This chapter is a little more personal - and maybe the most important one for me to write.

Because before I was an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, I was a person trying to make sense of my own health. Before I was guiding others through fatigue, inflammation, hormonal chaos, and frustration, I was quietly living it myself.

And truthfully? I still am.
I’m not “on the other side” - I’m just further along in learning how to support myself with compassion, strength, and a whole lot more patience than I used to.

A Body That Didn’t Fit the Rules

For years, I followed all the “right” advice - the kind you read online or hear casually at the gym. Push harder. Stretch more. Burn more calories. Keep up. Get lean. Hustle.

But my body didn’t respond the way people said it should.
Instead of feeling stronger, I felt drained. Instead of bouncing back, I flared up. My skin broke out. My joints ached. My cycles were irregular, my mood was unpredictable, and my energy crashed at the worst times.

I lived in a body that didn’t play by the rules - and I blamed myself.

The Turning Point

Eventually, I hit burnout.
My body was exhausted. My nervous system was overwhelmed. I was constantly inflamed, and emotionally I felt defeated.

That’s when everything changed.

Instead of asking “How do I push through this?”, I started asking:

• “What does my body actually need right now?”
• “What helps me feel steady, not overstimulated?”
• “What if my movement didn’t have to look like everyone else’s?”

I swapped over-stretching for stability training.
I stopped chasing sweaty, draining workouts and embraced controlled, low-impact strength.
I focused on breath mechanics, nervous system regulation, and restoring trust in my body - one rep, one pause, one walk at a time.

What I’ve Learned (And Still Remind Myself Often)

1. Rest isn’t failure. It’s fuel.

Rest is where recovery happens. It’s not something you earn - it’s something your body needs and deserves.

2. Strong doesn’t always look how you think it will.

For me, strength looks like lifting weights I once feared.
It also looks like taking a rest day before I crash.
Both are valid.

3. Stretching isn’t always the answer - especially with hypermobility.

In fact, I had to stop stretching so much. Instead, I focused on control, resistance, and joint support. My pain levels decreased, and I felt more stable for the first time in years.

4. You can’t hack hormones - but you can support them.

With PCOS, I learned that movement needs to be responsive to hormonal shifts - not rigid. Gentle walks, heavier lifts, deep core work, or breath-led mobility all have their place - depending on where I’m at in my cycle and my energy levels.

5. Healing isn’t linear.

There are still days where my skin flares, my joints feel loose, or I feel completely zapped. But now I have tools, insight, and boundaries I didn’t have before - and that makes all the difference.

Why This Matters in My Work

My lived experience gives me a kind of understanding that textbooks can’t.

When I sit with a client who feels overwhelmed, inflamed, or unheard - I get it. When someone tells me they’re exhausted from trying every “fix” out there - I’ve been there. When a teen doesn’t know how to explain their pain, or a woman feels dismissed by her care team, or a client is scared to move in case they make things worse - I see them.

Because I’ve been them.

And that changes how I show up.

Final Thought

You don’t need to “get it perfect.”
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You don’t need to be symptom-free to feel strong, capable, or proud of yourself.

Your body is not broken. It’s trying its best - and so are you.

The healing journey is rarely fast or flashy. But it is possible - especially when you stop punishing yourself and start working with your body instead of against it.

That’s what I’ve learned. And it’s what I now help others discover for themselves, too.

Chapter 6: How I Help Clients Move Better & Feel Stronger

Every person I work with is different. Different needs, different goals, different bodies, different stories.

And that’s exactly why there’s no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to movement.

My role as an Exercise Physiologist is to use evidence-based strategies - tailored to the real life you’re living - to help you move better, feel stronger, and build confidence in your body again. Not to “fix” you. Not to force progress. But to walk alongside you, with tools that make sense and actually work.

Who I Work With

I support people across the lifespan, in person and via telehealth. Some of my clients come with a clear diagnosis; others are still piecing things together. All are welcome.

I commonly help clients navigating:

• Chronic pain and fatigue
  (e.g. fibromyalgia, long COVID, ME/CFS, endometriosis)
• Hormonal conditions
  (e.g. PCOS, perimenopause, post-pill syndrome)
• Neurodivergence and developmental conditions
  (e.g. ADHD, autism, intellectual disability)
• Disability support
  (e.g. physical, cognitive, psychosocial disabilities)
• Injury prevention and rehabilitation
  (post-surgery, workplace injury, overuse patterns)
• Older adult health
  (falls prevention)
• Pelvic health and breathwork
  (e.g. postnatal recovery, prolapse support, core retraining)

No matter the condition, we start by looking at you - your symptoms, your nervous system, your lifestyle, and what matters most to you.

What Does “Moving Better” Actually Mean?

It’s not about perfect posture or textbook squats. Moving better is about function, confidence, and ease.

It might look like:

• Lifting a toddler without straining your back
• Walking up the stairs without holding the rail
• Getting through a work shift with less pain
• Improving breath control so you don’t feel dizzy or panicked
• Feeling stable in your joints instead of always bracing
• Having energy leftover for life outside of appointments

These changes may seem small - but they create a ripple effect of empowerment.

What Does “Feeling Stronger” Feel Like?

Strength is personal. For some, it’s lifting weights. For others, it’s getting out of bed without fear of collapse. For many of my clients, strength looks like:

• Trusting their body after years of pain or injury
• Feeling less afraid of flare-ups
• Saying “I can do this” when they move
• Setting boundaries around rest and energy
• Standing taller - physically and emotionally

Strength is built in slow, steady layers. And it’s never just about muscles - it’s about nervous system resilience, mindset, breath, balance, and body awareness too.

What Kind of Movement Do We Use?

Every program is different, but some of the movement tools I regularly integrate include:

• Resistance training
  For bone density, hormone regulation, strength and joint support - often with dumbbells, bands, bodyweight, or household items
• Mobility and motor control work
  To support functional movement, reduce stiffness, and improve neuromuscular connection
• Breathwork and pelvic floor support
  For those managing prolapse, anxiety, abdominal tension, or core dysfunction
• Balance and coordination drills
  For falls prevention, nervous system integration, and independence
• Low-impact aerobic conditioning
  To support cardiovascular health without flaring fatigue
• Pacing strategies
  Especially for clients with chronic fatigue, pain, or post-viral conditions
• Sensory-informed movement
  For neurodivergent clients or those with nervous system dysregulation

Most importantly - we do what feels right for you. We go at your pace, on your terms.

Progress Without Pressure

You don’t need to be perfect to get results. You don’t need to push through symptoms to make progress. And you certainly don’t need to compare your journey to anyone else’s.

I’m not here to give you a “bootcamp” mentality.

I’m here to give you sustainable tools that help you move through your life with more strength, calm, and confidence.

We adapt. We reassess. We celebrate the small wins - because often, they’re the biggest ones.

Final Thought

Helping people move better and feel stronger isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about giving people back their sense of agency in a body that may have felt unreliable or unsupported for too long.

Whether you’re starting from the ground up or refining your approach after years of trial and error, I’ll meet you where you are.

With movement that’s thoughtful.
With support that’s real.
And with belief in your capacity to grow - even if it looks different to what you imagined.

Chapter 7: Getting Support That’s Right for You

One of the biggest barriers I see to people accessing movement-based care isn’t motivation.
It’s the system.
It’s the confusion.
It’s not knowing where to go, who to trust, or what’s even available.

I’ve met so many people who’ve said things like:

“I didn’t know this kind of support existed.”
“I thought I had to go to the gym or get a PT.”
“I assumed I wasn’t ‘unwell enough’ to qualify.”
“I’ve seen so many professionals already - I didn’t think someone else could help.”

Here’s the truth: you deserve support that actually fits you - your lifestyle, your health needs, and your goals.
And there are options. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

It’s Not “Too Small” to Matter

You don’t need a dramatic diagnosis or a long referral letter to justify asking for help. Maybe you’re:

• Recovering after surgery and not sure how to safely start moving again
• Managing fatigue, joint instability, or hormonal symptoms
• A new parent trying to reconnect with your core and breath
• Feeling dizzy when you walk or unsteady on your feet
• Navigating pain or stress and don’t want to make things worse
• Just... feeling disconnected from your body and wanting some guidance

All of that is valid.
You don’t need to wait until you’re falling apart to seek support.

Understanding Your Options

You might be surprised by how many pathways there are to access movement support - especially when working with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP).

Here are some of the most common ways my clients access sessions with me:

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

I support both self-managed and plan-managed participants. Whether we’re working on strength, coordination, pain management, community access, or mental health through movement, your goals are central. I also provide progress notes and reports as needed for plan reviews.

My Aged Care

For older adults, funding can support movement aimed at preventing falls, improving mobility, and maintaining independence. I offer home visits and community-based sessions in the Southern Highlands, as well as telehealth for those further afield.

Medicare Plans

You may be eligible for a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM), formerly called an EPC, from your GP. This includes a rebate for a set number of allied health sessions each year - including exercise physiology. Your GP can confirm if this applies to you.

Private Health Insurance

Many private health funds provide rebates for exercise physiology. It depends on your extras cover, so it’s worth checking with your provider.

Telehealth Services

No matter where you are in Australia, I offer online consults - perfect for remote clients, those with limited transport, or anyone who feels safer at home. I’ve worked with people from all over the country this way - and it works beautifully.

What Makes EP Support Different?

You might wonder, “Why choose an EP instead of a physio, PT, or OT?”

Great question. Each profession has its strengths, and often we work together. But what sets exercise physiology apart is that it’s fully focused on using movement as therapy - across all stages of health, illness, recovery, and ability.

EPs are:

• University-qualified, accredited allied health professionals
• Specialised in chronic conditions, disability, pain, mental health, injury recovery, and prevention
• Trained in adapting movement for a wide range of clinical, neurological, hormonal, and musculoskeletal conditions
• Committed to trauma-aware, evidence-based, person-centred care

We’re not about “fitness for the fit.”
We’re about function for everyone.

You Deserve a Safe Space

Too many people avoid seeking help because they’ve had bad experiences in the past - whether it was being dismissed, judged, pushed too hard, or told their symptoms were “just in their head.”

In my practice, I aim to create a space that feels different:

• Where your experience is believed
• Where movement is adapted to your real life
• Where we go gently, and build confidence over time
• Where you can ask questions, take breaks, and honour your body’s signals

You’re allowed to move in ways that feel good.
And you’re allowed to get support that feels safe and sustainable.

Final Thought

Support doesn’t have to be rigid, clinical, or overwhelming.
It can be collaborative, creative, and deeply human.

Whether you’re accessing funding, paying privately, or just trying to figure out your next step - there is a way forward.

If nothing else, please remember this:
You are allowed to ask for help - even if you’re not sure exactly what you need.
Together, we’ll figure it out.

Chapter 8: What To Expect When Working With Me

Starting something new - especially when it involves your body, your health, and your history - can feel daunting.
Maybe you’ve had support before and it wasn’t quite right.
Maybe you’ve never worked with an exercise professional and aren’t sure what to expect.
Maybe you’re wondering, “Will I be judged?” or “Is this going to be too hard for me?”

This chapter is here to say: I see you. I get it. And no - I won’t push, shame, or pressure you.

Here’s what working with me actually looks like.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

In-person or via telehealth, our first session is about getting the full picture.

We’ll talk through:

• What brings you to movement support
• Your health history, injuries, diagnoses (if known)
• What your current day-to-day looks like
• Symptoms you’re managing (pain, fatigue, instability, dizziness, etc.)
• Medications or treatments you're currently using
• What you’ve tried before - what helped, what didn’t
• Your goals - even if they’re vague, unsure, or still forming

We’ll also explore your nervous system, energy levels, and stress patterns - because these shape how your body moves and responds to change.

From there, I’ll guide you through some gentle, relevant assessments - nothing intense or painful.
Just enough to understand how you’re moving and where we might begin.

This session is often described as “relieving” or “refreshing” by clients - because for once, they feel heard.
You won’t need to prove yourself or convince me. This space is for you.

Step 2: Tailored Movement Plan

Based on our initial session, I’ll put together a personalised movement plan that fits you - your body, your life, your goals.

It may include:

• Gentle strength exercises
• Balance and stability drills
• Core and pelvic floor support
• Breathwork and nervous system regulation
• Pacing strategies for energy conservation
• Sensory-based or neurodivergence-friendly movement
• Home-based programs using what you already have
• Education so you understand the why behind each activity

There’s no “cookie cutter” program here. We build it together, one step at a time.

Step 3: Ongoing Support

We’ll meet regularly to:

• Progress your exercises at the right pace
• Adjust the plan when life happens (hello, flare-ups, stress, travel, periods, and everything else)
• Build your confidence, independence, and self-trust
• Celebrate the small wins and explore any barriers

Some clients see me weekly, others fortnightly or monthly. Some check in every so often with refreshers as they need. There’s no pressure to keep coming forever - we’ll always work within your capacity, schedule, and goals.

Between sessions, I offer:

• Exercise prescription apps (like PhysiApp) with videos and reminders
• Written programs or printable versions, if you prefer offline
• Support letters or reports if needed for funding bodies or healthcare providers
• Encouragement and reassurance that you’re not doing this alone

Final Thought

This isn’t about a quick fix. It’s about building something sustainable - something that reconnects you with your body in a way that feels empowering, not exhausting.

If you’re feeling unsure, please know:
You don’t have to “be ready.”
You don’t have to have all the answers.
You just have to take that first step - and I’ll walk beside you from there.

Chapter 9: Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re thinking about booking in or just getting curious, it’s totally normal to have questions.
This chapter is here to ease your mind and give you some clarity. If you don’t see your question here, you’re always welcome to reach out directly - I’m happy to chat.

What is an Exercise Physiologist, exactly?

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is an allied health professional trained in the use of movement and lifestyle modification for the prevention and management of chronic conditions, injuries, disabilities, and mental health.

We’re university-qualified and specialise in using movement therapeutically, not just for fitness - though we love helping people get stronger too!

Do I need to be “fit” or mobile to work with you?

Nope.
You don’t need to be fit, flexible, pain-free, or even fully mobile to begin. I work with people:

• Who are bed-bound or use mobility aids
• Who live with chronic fatigue, POTS, dizziness, joint instability, and/or pain
• Who are neurodivergent or navigating trauma
• Who’ve never exercised in their life
• Who are recovering from surgery, illness, or injury
• Who want to rebuild their relationship with movement

We work with your starting point, not against it.

What if I have a flare-up or bad day?

That’s okay - we adapt.
We can slow things down, switch to nervous system regulation, or simply talk through what’s going on and explore pacing or stress responses.

Every session is designed with flexibility and consent in mind. There’s no failure here - just responsiveness to your body.

Can I use NDIS funding?

Yes. I support both self-managed and plan-managed participants.
If you’re NDIA-managed, I’m happy to help you find someone local who is registered - or work with your Support Coordinator to explore options.

Sessions can be in-person, online, or community-based, depending on your goals and location.

Do you support children and teens?

Absolutely. I love working with young people, especially those who:

• Are neurodivergent
• Have difficulty with coordination or body awareness
• Live with chronic health conditions
• Need support with strength, regulation, or accessing physical activities
• Are transitioning into adult services

Sessions are playful, person-centred, and adapted to each child’s unique needs and sensory preferences.

Can I get a Medicare rebate?

Yes - if you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP or EPC) from your GP, you may be eligible for a rebate on up to five allied health sessions per calendar year.

Your GP will need to complete the referral form. If you're not sure if you qualify, I recommend speaking with your GP or asking me for a template to take to your appointment.

Do you work with older adults?

Yes. I work with people of all ages.
We might focus on:

• Balance and fall prevention
• Managing arthritis or osteoporosis
• Gentle strength and mobility
• Staying independent and active
• Building confidence after hospital stays or illness

I offer home visits in the Southern Highlands and telehealth for regional or interstate clients.

What if I don’t like exercise or have had bad experiences before?

That’s so valid - and I hold space for that.
You won’t be shamed, lectured, or forced into anything you’re uncomfortable with.

Movement can be reclaimed on your terms. We’ll take it slowly and rebuild trust - not just in movement, but in yourself.

Do you write reports or letters for other providers or funding bodies?

Yes. I regularly write:

• Progress reports for NDIS reviews
• Functional assessments
• Letters for GPs, support coordinators, or plan managers
• Summaries for other allied health or medical professionals

Everything is written in plain language (no medical mumbo jumbo) - and you’ll always be consulted before anything is sent.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes! I work with clients all over Australia via secure, easy-to-use telehealth.
All you need is a phone, tablet, or computer. Sessions are just as personalised and interactive as in person.

What should I wear or bring to my first session?

Just wear something comfy that allows you to move - no activewear or gym clothes required (unless you want to!).
If you have any relevant paperwork, reports, or previous programs, feel free to bring them along or email them through.

Otherwise, just bring yourself. That’s more than enough.

Final Thought

There are no silly questions here.
You don’t have to know all the answers. You just have to be curious and open to exploring what support could look like - your way.

Still unsure? Reach out - I’d love to help you find clarity, even if I’m not the right fit.
This journey is about you, and you deserve the best support possible.

Conclusion: This Is Just the Beginning

If you’ve made it to the end of this book - thank you.
Thank you for being curious. For honouring your body. For exploring a new way forward, even if you’re not sure what that looks like yet.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
This isn’t about doing more, pushing harder, or forcing change.
This is about coming home to your body - gently, gradually, and with support.

Whether you’re living with pain, fatigue, disability, neurodivergence, trauma, or just feeling disconnected from movement, you’re not alone. There is a way to move that feels safe, supportive, and aligned with who you are - not who the world says you “should” be.

It won’t be perfect. Some days will feel clunky, slow, or uncertain.
But slowly, something shifts. Your body begins to feel like yours again. You start to trust your signals. You celebrate tiny wins. You notice strength - not just in your muscles, but in your choices, your boundaries, your belief in yourself.

That’s what this work is about.

It’s more than movement.
It’s permission. It’s pacing. It’s power.
And if you’re ready to begin, I’m here - in your corner, every step of the way.

With care,
Shae