Exercise Physiology
Exercise is medicine; improve your health or safely manage a medical condition under expert guidance.
Newcastle
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists, or AEP’s, are university-qualified health professionals who are experts in graded exercise prescription for the management and prevention of chronic diseases, musculoskeletal injuries, neurological disorders, falls prevention and weight management.

Benn West
BSc(HM), Cert IV TAE
Benn's special interests are wide ranging and include musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation, exercise during cancer treatment, and chronic disease management (for example, diabetes, COPD or heart disease). Benn works from our Newcastle West and Lake Macquarie practices.
Funding & payment options






Why would I see an Ethos Health AEP?
1) To manage, reduce or prevent the impact of chronic diseases.
Exercise is the most powerful medicine of all. But health conditions bring with them limitations to exercise; an AEP’s role is to translate the research (“exercise is good for people with diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, depression, and so on”) into an easy-to-understand approach and prescription that fits your lifestyle and unique set of circumstances. An Accredited Exercise Physiologist helps people with:
- Cardiovascular disease: including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, angina, and following a heart attack or cardiac surgery.
- Diabetes: including Type 1, Type 2 and gestational.
- Lung disease: including COPD and emphysema.
- Osteoporosis: the right type and volume of exercise improves bone density
- Cancer: both during treatment (exercise can significantly reduce the impact of treatment-related side effects) and after treatment.
2) To assist recovery from musculoskeletal injury
AEP’s are experts in strength and conditioning across the lifespan, with particular skills in helping people with longstanding pain and dysfunction related to:
- Osteoarthritis: of the back, neck, hips, knees and ankles, including pre- and post-operative programs.
- Lower back pain, related to new or old injuries.
- Rehabilitation from work injuries.
- Recovery from postural pain syndromes, whether they arise from sedentary behaviours (such as sitting at a desk) or more active pursuits on the sporting field or in the garden.
3) Recovery from stroke, traumatic or acquired brain injury
Ethos Health exercise physiologists regularly work with patients during their rehabilitation from a stroke or other brain injury, helping restore the strength and mobility they need to achieve the maximum function possible.
4) Overweight and obesity
Losing weight isn’t just about diet. Working with our Accredited Practising Dietitians, an Ethos Health Exercise Physiologist can design an exercise program that is enjoyable, achievable and will assist you achieve your health goals.
5) Falls prevention
Falls can be hugely damaging in older people, with serious fractures being a common complication. Even without injury some patients can suffer a crippling loss of confidence resulting in a spiral of inactivity, reduced strength, loss of independence and depression. Falls prevention exercises are safely performed in the home and help older people maintain their independence and good health.
6) Pre and Postnatal
Exercise during pregnancy is not only safe but beneficial for expecting mums and bubs. Exercise is a proven way to prevent gestational diabetes, improve energy and mood, prevent and treat musculoskeletal pain and prepare for labour and life beyond the birth. Not all exercises are safe during pregnancy and an AEP is qualified to provide advice and prescribe appropriate exercises during an exciting and busy time.
Contact us
Thanks for your message! We’ll be in touch soon.
Blog
What is aerobic fitness and how do I test it?
Food and mood, how does diet impact our mental health?
The Truth About Protein Supplements
How long will it take to become an Olympic athlete?
Do I need vitamins and supplements to be healthy?
Healthy Families for Life and HCF
The 2021 Line-Up: Sponsored Clubs
Getting Comfortable on the Bike 101
Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)
I’m a Dietitian… but what do I actually do?
Wanderers Rugby kick off 2021 season with Nick Hewitt
Do tennis players get tennis elbow?
Improve your initial consult with us!
Medial and Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries (MCL and LCL)
Lake Macquarie clinic reopens!
Why get an Inbody assessment alongside my health and fitness-related New Years’ resolution?
Ankle Taping Vs Bracing: Which is Better?
Confused by diabetes? Here’s a simple explanation
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome Guide
Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injuries: What you need to know
The Ultimate Guide to Shoulder Dislocations
Read, Watch or Listen for February
The Game Changers – Misleading or Reliable?
Mushroom Spinach Bacon Egg Cups
The McKenzie Method for Lower Back Pain
Ethos Health’s 10 Year Anniversary
Meal Planning Survival Tips: Five ways to keep it simple
Struggling to find time to exercise?
How much sleep should different age groups be getting?
Reversing frailty in the elderly
Developing Healthy Eating Behaviours for your Children
Tips for staying healthy over Christmas