Exercise Physiology
Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists are university-qualified allied health professionals who specialise in using exercise, lifestyle change and behaviour modification to help prevent and manage a wide range of chronic conditions and injuries. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, cancer, arthritis, COPD, and more.
Whether you’re looking to improve your general fitness, recover from injury, or manage a specific health condition, our exercise physiologists will work with you to create a personalised plan to support your health, function, and quality of life. Exercise physiology is suitable for anyone wanting to make lasting changes to their physical activity and is especially helpful for those with medical conditions that require tailored support.
Before joining one of our group programs, you’ll need to complete an initial assessment with an exercise physiologist. This ensures your program is safe, appropriate, and aligned with your goals.
Programs offered
BCH Gym
BCH Gym offers a supervised exercise program designed to promote healthy aging and support individuals with complex health and wellbeing needs. Each participant receives a personalised exercise program tailored to their unique goals and requirements.
Before starting, participants undergo an assessment with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, who will create their customised plan. All sessions are led by qualified health professionals, ensuring safe and effective guidance.
Once you have had your Exercise Physiology assessment and an exercise program has been developed you are welcome to attend anytime during the BCH Gym opening hours listed below.
BCH Gym Opening Hours – Sebastopol
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8.30am-11.30am |
8.30am-11.30am |
8.30am-11.30am |
8.30am-11.30am |
8.30am-11.30am |
BCH Gym Opening Hours – Lucas
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8.30am-11.30am |
8.30am-11.30am |
8.30am-11.30am |
8.30am-11.30am |
8.30am-11.30am |
Cost
BCH Gym sessions are subsidised by government funding. The out-of-pocket cost per participant is listed below and paid for via multi-visit passes, passes can be purchased at BCH Lucas or Sebastopol reception.
Upon purchase of a multi-visit pass you will be provided with a membership tag, please swipe your tag when arriving for each session as this will mark your attendance and deduct a visit from your pass. The membership tag is purchased for $3 and added to the price of the first multi-visit pass you buy.
Multi Visit Pass Pricing
| Low-Medium Income Level | High Income Level | |
|---|---|---|
|
4 visit pass |
$32.00 |
$80.00 |
|
8 visit pass |
$64.00 |
$160.00 |
|
Key tag |
$3.00 |
$3.00 |
Non-government subsidised sessions
Participants who are not eligible for government subsidy but receive alternate funding support such as NDIS or Support At Home (Home Care Packages) are welcome to attend and will be charged the non-subsidised fee.
Participant guidelines
- If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend
- Whilst in the gym please wipe down equipment used with wipes provided
- Please bring a drink and hand towel to each session
Falls Prevention
The Falls Prevention program intends to prevent or reduce the risk of falls, achieved through exercises to improve muscle strength, balance and increased mobility.
It is suitable for people who have had recent falls or who are at high risk of falling, and caters for those who require the use of a gait aid such as a stick or walking frame.
A physical assessment conducted by an exercise physiologist is required for new clients prior to commencement of the program.
For more information, contact our customer service team on (03) 5338 4500.
Remedial Gymnasium
The remedial gym consists of hour-long group gym sessions, during which each individual client has an assessment and an exercise program tailored to their needs.
All clients are supervised by exercise physiologists and allied health assistants.
This program is suitable for people who are frail, with limited movement, and who have been unable to find an appropriate exercise program, or who have fallen recently and are unsteady on their feet.
To register for this program you must have been through the Ballarat Community Health intake process, which includes an assessment from a BCH exercise physiologist.
For more information, contact our customer service team on (03) 5338 4500.
PD Warrior Group
This exercise program is aimed at slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s disease for those who have been recently diagnosed.
It uses the latest evidence and research into this disease to form an appropriate exercise regime for affected individuals. Admission to the program requires an exercise physiology assessment prior to joining.
For more information, contact our customer service team on (03) 5338 4500.
Stroke Group
At BCH we offer support for people who have suffered a stroke and may experience a significant ongoing decrease in mobility and level of function.
The program addresses these issues on an individual basis within a group setting.
The goal of the program is to provide a physical activity program that will improve or maintain mobility and function post-stroke. Appropriate physical activities will be provided according to the needs of each client.
This program is facilitated by an exercise physiologist, physiotherapist or fitness instructor. To participate you must be able to walk and transfer, and a physiotherapy or exercise physiology assessment will be required prior to commencement.
For more information, contact our customer service team on (03) 5338 4500.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is gentle exercise performed in warm water and benefits individuals experiencing from a range of conditions including but not limited too; those with osteoarthritis, chronic pain, pre/post operational rehab, neurological conditions and fibromyalgia. It is not swimming and it is not water aerobics.
Benefits
- Decreased pressure on body and joints
- Decreased levels of exertion, fatigue
- Stress relief and relaxation
- Improve balance and decrease falls risk
- Improve cardiovascular fitness
- Manage/reduce pain
- Increase flexibility and general mobility.
Where Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre – Prince of Wales Recreation Reserve, Gillies Street North, Lake Gardens, Vic 3350
When Tuesdays 1:00pm and Fridays 1:00pm.
Duration 1hr sessions.
Who Hydrotherapy session is delivered by Ballarat Community Health Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre and Ballarat Community Health are two separate organisations. Ballarat Community Health use the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre facility to run the hydrotherapy group.
How To register for this program you must have been through the Ballarat Community Health intake process, which includes an assessment from a BCH exercise physiologist. to register for the intake or to learn more about hydrotherapy contact our customer service team on 5338 4500.