By Kia Naylor, Allied Health Manager, Belgravia Leisure
Clinical Exercise Physiologists (CEPs) are at the forefront of using exercise as medicine, helping to prevent and manage chronic diseases, support recovery, and improve overall well-being. Our Exercise Physiologists play a crucial role in enhancing health outcomes by working across various healthcare settings to prescribe exercise interventions tailored to individual needs.
The role of Clinical Exercise Physiologists
Clinical Exercise Physiologists work across various healthcare settings to prescribe exercise interventions tailored to individual needs. Whether managing conditions like heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, or assisting patients recovering from surgery or injury, CEPs use scientifically-backed exercise programs to promote health and restore function.
Exercise goes beyond just physical health, it is closely linked to psychological and social wellbeing, including:
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Regular physical activity is proven to lower the risk of various chronic conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and osteoporosis. Combining aerobic and resistance training, as highlighted by the CardioRACE trial, significantly improves heart health outcomes (source: ScienceDaily).
- Enhanced mental health: Exercise positively impacts mental health by reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. It can elevate mood, improve self-esteem, and enhance sleep quality.
- Better cognitive function: Physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills and may reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
- Stronger immune system: Regular exercise can boost the immune system, decreasing the risk of certain illnesses and infections.
- Social engagement: Exercise provides opportunities for social interaction, fostering improved social wellbeing, self-confidence, and independence.
- Stress reduction: Physical activity is a natural stress reliever. Regular exercise can help lower stress levels, build resilience, and promote relaxation. A recent study highlighted how physical activity reduces stress-related brain activity, leading to improved cardiovascular health, especially in individuals with depression or high stress (source: Harvard Gazette, Mass General).
The importance of exercise in preventative health
Exercise physiology is more than rehabilitation—it’s a cornerstone of preventative health care. By crafting exercise plans tailored to clients’ medical conditions and abilities, CEPs help individuals build resilience against chronic illnesses. Regular physical activity offers numerous benefits, from lowering cholesterol and blood pressure to improving mental health and sleep quality. These advantages are critical in managing obesity, diabetes, hypertension and even cancer recovery.
Prehabilitation: Preparing for surgery
One of the emerging trends in clinical exercise physiology is prehabilitation, which prepares clients physically for upcoming surgeries, such as total knee or hip replacements. By strengthening muscles, enhancing cardiovascular fitness and building overall resilience, prehabilitation supports faster recovery with fewer complications. This approach is particularly relevant for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) patients, where exercise can enhance outcomes and minimise surgical risks.
Let’s celebrate movement
Exercise is a powerful tool, whether managing a health condition or striving for a more active lifestyle. We understand that physical activity extends beyond fitness—it’s essential to lifelong health and well-being. Take some time to move, knowing every step you take contributes to a healthier, more active you!
Let’s keep moving for our health, our hearts and our futures! Reach out to your local venue to connect with the Exercise Physiology team and see firsthand how they can support your health journey.
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