Do you know your GP can prescribe exercise, and not just pills? Research and common sense suggests that getting more active is one of the most important things you can do for your health, especially if you’ve had one too many visits from the Easter Bunny.
Neuroscience News has reported that exercise can even stave off the effects of COVID-19 complications.
There’s an app for that
If you’re in need of digital fitness encouragement, check out the Couch to 5k app. There’s also Fitbit, Strava, and a multitude of other digital helper tools.
The good news is almost all of us can become more active, even if we’re disabled or infirm.
If you’re already dealing with more complex health problems, seeking out specialist exercise expertise is a great idea.
Exercise physiology
People recovering from injuries or those with challenging medical situations can talk to their GP about being referred to an exercise physiologist, such as Mark Roberts of Revolution Fitness, whose service extends throughout the Northern Rivers.
Mark founded Revolution Fitness in 2008 to help everyone be more active and able to enjoy life pain-free. As well as a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, Mark holds a Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology.
He has a passion for helping those who suffer with chronic conditions and people at risk from lifestyle diseases.
Some of the conditions which can be helped by sessions with an exercise physiologist include:
- heart and lung conditions
- chronic persistent pain
- diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity
- neurological conditions
- cancer
- muscle, joint or bone injury
- neuromuscular conditions
But wait, there’s more!
There are also strongly proven benefits of exercise for people suffering from:
- anxiety
- rheumatoid arthritis
- fibromyalgia
- osteoarthritis
- osteoporosis
- mild-moderate depression
For people with bipolar and schizophrenia, the biggest killers with these diseases is not suicide but chronic conditions such as obesity, ischaemic heart disease and lung disease, all of which can be prevented and/or ameliorated with regular exercise.
Of course there are special challenges for all of us in getting enough exercise at the moment, although it is, legally, a legitimate reason to leave the house.
With gyms, pools and public halls currently closed due to COVID-19, an exercise physiologist will still be able to work with you, one on one, to come up with a program that addresses your unique fitness and medical needs, at a time and place that suits you.
Covered (in glory)
If you have a condition that has been (or is likely to be) with you for six months or more, you will probably be eligible to have your exercise sessions covered by Medicare, Veterans Affairs, WorkCover or private health insurance.
It all starts with an assessment to ensure that you’re starting at the right level, and your exercises are going to benefit your specific needs. That can happen with a referral to an exercise physiologist from your GP.
If your doctor prefers prescribing pills to exercise, it might be time to find a new one!
David Lowe
