New Exercise Lifestyle Clinic targets community health

People with Parkinson's disease, elite athletes, new mums and even men fighting the dreaded dad bod are among the many who will benefit from the new ACU Exercise Lifestyle Clinic (ELC).

Staff, students and friends last week, celebrated the launch of the Banyo ELC which is housed at the campus's Health Clinic.

The ELC is a work integrated learning facility that enables exercise physiology students to practise the application of theory and skills in a supportive workplace to provide high quality community health care.

A student-led team of Accredited Exercise Physiologists, Accredited Sport Scientists and Accredited Exercise Scientists will provide clients with individualised, best practice exercise therapy that in many cases can be life-changing.

An AEP can design and deliver exercise interventions for a variety of conditions including stroke, Parkinson's disease, chronic fatigue, diabetes and post-operative patients.

"We're very good at making people do something that they often dislike: exercise," National Professional Practice Lead Dr Dan van den Hoek said.

"An AEP can help manage a plethora of health conditions and what we do is evidence-based. We know what works."

Clients will have access to treatment rooms and a refurbished, fully equipped fitness centre furnished with state-of-the-art treadmills, stationary bikes, pin-loaded and free weights.

The ELC has links to several existing ACU initiatives including the 10,000 Steps Banyo program which provides free, AEP-guided walking groups, sports performance testing, workplace health checks and Baby Steps, an education and exercise program for women who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or postpartum.

More projects are in planning including monthly health education sessions, a Banyo Barbell Club, assessments for Invictus Games athletes and Dad-Bods, a class for fathers wanting to improve their overall health and performance.

There is no referral required to attend a consultation in the ELC. But clients may be eligible for a referral from their doctor through Medicare or Worksafe and many services can be bulk-billed.

For more information, or to make an appointment, email the ELC in Brisbane.

Image: ACU graduate Courtney Giles is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who runs the Baby Steps class at the ELC.