Exercise Physiology Initial Assessment
Your first session with an Exercise Physiologist is one of the most important steps in your health journey. At Summit Health Group, our Exercise Physiology Initial Assessment is designed to uncover the underlying factors affecting your movement, strength, function and overall wellbeing. This session allows us to understand your health history, identify your goals and create a personalised plan that will support long-term results.
Whether you are managing a chronic condition, recovering from injury, looking to improve physical fitness, or wanting support with mobility or daily function, your Initial Assessment is the foundation for a safe, effective and fully tailored exercise program. Our goal is to make your first session informative, comfortable and collaborative so you leave feeling confident and supported.
What Is an Exercise Physiology Initial Assessment?
An Exercise Physiology Initial Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP). During this session, we gather essential information about your health, lifestyle and physical ability. We perform a series of physical assessments to understand how your body is currently functioning and identify areas that need strengthening, mobility improvement or targeted support.
Every assessment is personalised. We take into account your medical history, injury background, symptoms, daily challenges and future goals. This ensures that every exercise recommendation or rehabilitation plan is tailored to your needs—not a generic template.
The Initial Assessment sets the groundwork for everything that follows, allowing us to design a structured and evidence-based program that evolves as you progress.
Who Should Book an Initial Assessment?
This session is ideal for anyone who wants personalised, clinically guided exercise support, including:
- individuals recovering from injury
- adults with chronic health conditions
- people experiencing joint pain or stiffness
- older adults wanting to improve mobility or prevent falls
- those with osteoporosis, osteoarthritis or low bone density
- people wanting to start exercising safely
- individuals returning to movement after time away
- people preparing for or recovering from surgery
- participants wanting to join group classes or ongoing EP consultations
If you’re unsure where to begin or what type of exercise is safe and effective for your condition, an Initial Assessment is the perfect starting point.
What Happens During Your Initial Assessment?
Your session typically lasts between 45–60 minutes and includes both discussion and physical assessment. Here’s what you can expect:
Health & Medical Screening
We start by gathering important information, such as:
- medical history
- current or past injuries
- chronic conditions
- medications
- pain levels and triggers
- previous treatments
- daily activity levels
- lifestyle factors such as sleep, work habits and stress
This gives us a broad picture of your health and helps us understand what may be contributing to your symptoms or limitations.
Goal Setting
We discuss what you want to achieve, whether it’s:
- reducing pain
- building strength
- improving mobility
- managing a chronic condition
- enhancing balance or confidence
- returning to sport or activity
- increasing independence
- supporting healthy ageing
Clear goals help shape your personalised program.
Movement & Functional Assessment
Next, we observe how you move through everyday and targeted tasks. This can include:
- walking and gait analysis
- balance and stability testing
- posture and alignment assessment
- sit-to-stand evaluations
- reaching, bending or lifting movements
These tests help us understand how your muscles and joints behave during daily activities.
Strength Assessment
We assess strength in key muscle groups, including:
- lower body
- upper body
- core and postural muscles
- stabilising muscles
- grip strength (where applicable)
These measures reveal imbalances, weakness or compensation patterns.
Mobility & Flexibility Testing
Mobility assessments help identify stiffness, limited range of motion or joint restrictions that may affect your movement.
Cardiovascular & Functional Capacity Screening
If appropriate, we may perform light cardiovascular testing or functional capacity assessments to evaluate endurance and aerobic fitness.
Education & Exercise Planning
Before the end of your session, we discuss:
- what your assessment results mean
- key areas of focus moving forward
- the recommended frequency and type of exercise
- the structure of your ongoing program
- what to expect in future consultations
You’ll leave with clarity, direction and a tailored plan built for your needs.
What Makes Our Initial Assessment Different?
At Summit Health Group, we take a holistic approach to exercise physiology. We don’t just treat isolated symptoms—we consider your whole health picture, including:
- mental wellbeing
- lifestyle habits
- sleep patterns
- work demands
- movement confidence
- motivation levels
- environmental factors
- long-term health aspirations
This allows us to design programs that support not just your physical symptoms but your overall quality of life.
We are also committed to providing a warm, supportive and non-judgmental environment. Whether you’re new to exercise or already active, we meet you where you are and guide you at a pace that feels comfortable and sustainable.
Your Personalised Exercise Plan
Based on your assessment, we create an individualised program that may include:
- strength training
- balance and stability exercises
- mobility and flexibility work
- functional movement training
- chronic condition management
- cardiovascular conditioning
- post-surgery rehabilitation
- falls prevention strategies
- pain management exercises
Your program evolves as you grow stronger, more mobile and more confident.
What Happens After the Initial Assessment?
After your assessment, you can choose the follow-up format that suits your needs:
Exercise Physiology Consultations
These are one-on-one sessions where we coach you through your personalised exercise program, track your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
Home Visit Exercise Physiology
If mobility or transportation is challenging, we bring tailored exercise sessions directly to your home.
Telehealth Exercise Physiology
Online consultations allow you to access professional support from anywhere and are ideal for clients who prefer remote guidance.
Group Classes
If appropriate, you may join one of our group exercise programs, such as:
- Exercise Physiology Group Classes
- Bone Health Group Class
- Semi-private strength sessions
- Senior strength or balance classes
We will recommend the best option based on your goals, abilities and assessment results.
Why the Initial Assessment Is So Important
Many people attempt to exercise on their own without fully understanding what their body needs. This often leads to:
- increased pain
- re-injury
- frustration from lack of progress
- unsafe technique
- inconsistent results
The assessment prevents these issues by giving you a clear starting point and a safe, structured plan.
A personalised approach helps you:
- move with confidence
- improve strength safely
- reduce pain
- understand your condition better
- learn proper technique
- achieve meaningful, lasting results
With the right foundation, you can exercise with purpose and clarity.
Common Concerns About the First Session
“I haven’t exercised in years—will it be too hard?”
No. We tailor everything to your current abilities.
“I’m nervous about being judged.”
Our team is warm, supportive and focused on helping you, not criticising you.
“Will I be pushed too hard?”
Not at all. We progress at the pace that’s safest and most comfortable for you.
“What if I have pain?”
We adapt exercises to your comfort and identify strategies to reduce discomfort over time.
“I’m not sure what my goals are.”
That’s okay—your clinician will help you clarify meaningful goals.
Why Choose Summit Health Group for Your Initial Assessment?
- Accredited, university-qualified Exercise Physiologists
- Evidence-based assessment techniques
- Holistic, personalised care
- Flexible session types (clinic, home visit, telehealth)
- Supportive and friendly environment
- Long-term focus on health, strength and independence
- Programs suitable for all ages and ability levels
Your health goals are unique—your assessment should be too.
Book Your Exercise Physiology Initial Assessment
Your path toward better movement, strength and wellbeing starts with a clear understanding of your body. Our Initial Assessment provides the foundation for safe, effective and personalised exercise.
Contact Summit Health Group today to schedule your Exercise Physiology Initial Assessment and take the first step toward improving your health with confidence.