Exercise Physiologists vs Personal Trainers: Should I train at an Allied Health Clinic or a Gym?
There is an infinitely expanding list of scientific medical studies that recommend exercise as a treatment for a variety of medical conditions. Regular exercise has been found to boost mood, improve memory, regulate blood sugar levels, improve circulation, and improve the health of your heart, lungs, joints and bones, all of which collectively contribute to increasing your lifespan.
While we can be sure that exercise is extremely beneficial for us, there is confusion and misinformation around which types of exercise are best, how often you should exercise and how to exercise properly in a way that’s most effective and most appropriate for your unique body and requirements. This is where it helps to bring in the experts, but in whose hands should you place your health?
In this article, we will discuss the differences between Exercise Physiologists and Personal Trainers, and explore the advantages and disadvantages of working out at Allied Health clinics and gyms.
What is an Exercise Physiologist?
Physiology is the scientific study of the mechanical, physical and chemical processes that make the body work. An Exercise Physiologist has extensive training in understanding the body’s response to exercise, and applies their knowledge of physiology to prescribe effective exercise programs for rehabilitation, treatment of chronic health conditions and relief from pain and discomfort.
Exercise Physiologists may work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to hospitals, private and multidisciplinary health clinics, and primary, secondary and tertiary health care.
What’s the difference between Exercise Physiologists vs Personal Trainers (EP vs PT)?
Exercise Physiologists and Personal Trainers both work with people who want to improve their health and wellbeing through exercise. There are several key distinctions between these two professions however, which are important to understand in order to make the most informed decision about with whom you choose to invest for your health.
1: EDUCATION
Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are required to complete a four-year university degree and a minimum of 500 hours of practical experience before they can practise professionally. These minimum requirements ensure AEPs have an in-depth understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, human physiology and disease processes. AEPs are educated in behaviour modification and are skilled at helping people implement long-term health behaviours by finding exercises that work for each unique individual.
Exercise Physiologists have 4-year university degrees and a minimum of 500 hours practical experience, making them the most qualified health professionals to prescribe exercise.
Personal Trainers can become qualified with a Certificate 4 in Fitness, and can start taking on clients in 6 months. Their training is focused on “apparently healthy” adults, i.e. those without any known health conditions.
2: GOVERNANCE
Exercise Physiologists are recognised Allied Health Professionals governed by the accreditation body Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). Consequently, Exercise Physiologists are held to stringent standards of accreditation that must be fulfilled annually. This means that Accredited Exercise Physiologists are required to complete a minimum amount of education each year in order to maintain their professional accreditation. This education ensures AEPs keep up-to-date with industry standards and compliance, and continue to develop their skill set.
Personal Trainers also need to continue their education, however, they are required to do half as much every two years.
3: APPROACH
Due to their extensive knowledge of the human body, Accredited Exercise Physiologists often work with people who have some form of pain, injury, illness or disease. They also work with people without any known health conditions, helping them achieve fitness goals, optimise performance and prevent injury or disease through movement. AEPs use an evidence-based scientific approach to prescribe exercise for each individual, taking their unique health requirements into consideration.
Personal Trainers work more generally to help people lose weight, build muscle and get fit and healthy, focusing on performance exercise without restriction imposed by injury or disease.
While AEPs are qualified to work with individuals who suffer from some form of pain or injury, their knowledge of physiology makes them desirable for people who want to improve their technique, health, fitness and wellbeing in general.
AEPs are often part of a multidisciplinary team that work together to give patients the best outcome for their care. This team may consist of physiotherapists, dietitians, doctors, surgeons, podiatrists, psychologists and other health professionals.
Personal Trainers tend to work on their own, or as contractors within commercial gym chains.
AEPs are qualified to treat a range of conditions, due to their extensive training in physiology, biochemistry and pathology. Some of these conditions include:
Chronic conditions such as chronic pain and disease;
Musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, post-orthopaedic surgery, pre-surgical rehabilitation and injury;
Cardiorespiratory conditions such as post-heart attack, heart disease and healthy blood pressure;
Neurological conditions such as motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s;
Metabolic conditions such as cancer, syndrome X, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity;
Mental and intellectual disability, mental illness, mental health and wellbeing.
Personal Trainers give general fitness assessments and give instruction and supervision based on templates.
4: INSURANCE
Accredited Exercise Physiologists are insured to work with moderate to high risk individuals.
Personal Trainers are only insured to cover “apparently healthy” individuals, or those without any known health conditions.
5: HEALTH FUNDS
Exercise Physiologists are able to receive referrals from GPs for sessions funded under Medicare, DVA, and Worker’s Compensation (WorkCover). Their services are recognised by health funds, and patients are able to receive rebates when they use their health fund card to pay.
Exercise Physiologists can accept EPC Medicare referrals from GPs, DVA, and NDIS referrals. Their services can be subsidised under many private health funds.
Allied Health Clinics vs Gyms: Where should I workout?
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding if you should train at an Allied Health clinic, or a commercial gym. You may think about price, location, accessibility and overall value. The following section will outline key advantages and disadvantages of each.
Advantages of Training at an Allied Health Clinics
Tailored programs to suit your condition, current fitness and health conditions/goals.
Accredited Exercise Physiologists get to know and understand your body and how to maximise its performance, teaching you the skills to move more efficiently and effectively. An AEP considers your medical and training history, and provides direction and advice for achieving your goals. Having extensive knowledge of the human body and how it moves, they are the most qualified professionals to help you improve your health and wellbeing.
Access to a Team of Health Professionals.
Allied Health clinics tend to employ a range of Accredited Health Professionals who work together to promote optimal health. You have access to Exercise Physiologists, Physiotherapists, and Dietitians who can work closely together to help you achieve your goals.
Allied Health Clinics have a team of health professionals on staff who use a variety of exercise techniques to enhance your health and wellbeing programs.
Extensive training in understanding body’s response to exercise
AEPs are university-qualified health care professionals that use research-based strategies and proven scientific reasoning to develop customised plans for each unique client. They put you in control of your body, working closely with you to take charge of your health in the safest and most beneficial way.
Injury prevention / proper technique.
Whilst injury intervention and management of chronic pain and disease is a significant focus for AEPs, they are also extremely effective at optimising the performance of healthy individuals. Teaching proper technique, AEPs put you in the best possible position to prevent injuries and promote ongoing health and wellbeing.
Inclusive environment.
Allied Health Professionals share a common motivation for their career path; they are outgoing individuals who love helping others. Training at an Allied Health Clinic means you’ll be surrounded by a group of highly-empathetic, caring individuals who are there to motivate you and see you achieve and exceed your goals. You will feel welcomed and motivated each and every time you enter your clinic.
Services can be claimed under most private health providers.
A range of Allied Health services are covered by Private Health Providers, meaning you may be eligible for discounts on your Exercise Physiology, Dietetics, or Physiotherapy appointments. Practitioners at Allied Health clinics are also qualified to accept GP referrals for Medicare (EPC) appointments, DVA referrals and WorkCover claims.
Advantages of Training at a Gym
24-hour access.
Many chain gyms allow patrons access to their facilities 24/7. You can easily fit exercise into your schedule, which is particularly advantageous for shift workers.
Less community vibe.
If you like to get in the zone and workout alone without interacting with anyone else, chain gyms might be a better fit for you. You can get in, do your thing, and leave without engaging with other gym-goers.
Wide range of equipment.
It’s hard to gauge how many people will patron a gym at any given time, and consequently, chain gyms tend to be bigger, and have several pieces of each equipment type to ensure members have access to the things they need, when they need it.
Locations.
Chain gyms usually offer membership across all their locations. If you’re out of town, or even out of state, you can usually find a gym near you to workout at.
Disadvantages of Training at an Allied Health Clinic
Appointment only or scheduled trading hours.
Allied Health Clinics are always staffed and thus, operate by appointment only or within scheduled trading hours. Consequently, it may be difficult to work out at the time you want, without booking in advance.
Can be more expensive.
Appointments with Accredited Exercise Physiologists tend to be more expensive than appointments with Personal Trainers. AEPs’ knowledge and qualifications make their time extremely valuable. AEPs aim to help you understand your body and its unique needs, educating you with the knowledge you need to continue training on your own. When you train with an AEP, you aren’t just paying for personal training sessions, you’re investing in your long-term health and wellbeing.
Disadvantages of Training at a Gym
Higher risk of developing bad technique.
If you’re new to a gym environment, or have little to no experience training with equipment, you’re more likely to injure or strain yourself. There are specific techniques for using equipment or completing exercise that likely won’t come naturally to you. Without professional advice or guidance on technique, there’s no way to know you’re getting the best out of your workout, or to ensure you aren’t doing more harm than good.
Often crowded and high competition for equipment.
While many chain gyms allow 24/7 access, if you’re a full-time worker, it’s likely that the gym time that fits into your schedule is very similar to that of many others. During peak hours, you may have to wait to use the equipment you want.
Motivation is self-managed.
Running on your own schedule, it’s easy to make excuses and skip your workout. If you measure how often you’re attending against the cost of your membership, you may find that you’re wasting your money. It’s also much harder to measure your progress and advance your training.
Can feel intimidating or non-inclusive for everyday gym-goers.
Many everyday gym-goers struggle when working out alongside “gym junkies”. If you’re not exactly sure what you’re doing, you likely won’t feel comfortable trying something new next to people that seem like experts. This is especially prevalent with free weights.
Choosing the right exercise environment for you.
When choosing the right exercise environment for you, there are a number of factors to consider. The health professionals at an Allied Health Clinic are the most qualified people for the prescription of exercise if you are looking for a more facilitated workout experience. If you’re keen to do it alone however, you may prefer a more isolated gym experience. If you like the idea of facilitated training but financial concerns are holding you back, we recommend a mixed approach; learn the technique from the professionals, then apply the lessons you learn to your own practise. Just make sure you check in on a semi-regular basis to ensure you’re making positive progress.