Acacia Exercise Physiology, located in Sailors Gully, VIC, is a physical fitness programme that offers a judgement-free space for individuals to explore movement. The team at Acacia Exercise Physiology understands that everyone's movement journey is unique, and they respect the autonomy of each individual's body.
A key focus at Acacia Exercise Physiology is size inclusive practise. They believe that everybody has the right to receive respectful care and promote health-enhancing behaviours over intentional weight loss. The goal is to celebrate each individual's body and help them find movements that bring joy instead of guilt and shame.
The clinic space at Acacia Exercise Physiology is welcoming, quiet, and private. It is equipped with reformer pilates equipment, strength equipment, and cardiovascular equipment. The clinic is also child, family-friendly, and breastfeeding-friendly, with a supply of toys to keep little ones entertained while clients enjoy their movement sessions.
Heading the team at Acacia Exercise Physiology is Katie Sheehan, an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Owner/Director. Katie is passionate about helping people build a positive relationship with movement and improving their long-term health outcomes. She takes a weight-neutral approach, focusing on building sustainable health behaviours rather than toxic diet and fitness culture. Katie understands that each client may have different preferences for their movement sessions and is happy to accommodate those differences.
She also has a special interest in working with people with conditions such as POTS, Hypermobility spectrum disorders, and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, having undertaken further education in these areas.
While Acacia Exercise Physiology currently does not offer online bookings due to Katie being on maternity leave until early 2024, potential clients can contact them via phone or email for more information or to make future appointments.
In the Frequently Asked Questions section, Acacia Exercise Physiology provides answers to common queries. They explain that an Accredited Exercise Physiologist studies the effect of exercise on the body and believes that movement is medicine. They can support individuals both at the gym and at home, with specialised knowledge in prescribing safe movement for those managing invisible illnesses such as EDS, POTS, MCAS, CFS, and/or Fibromyalgia. During the first appointment, clients are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.
Medical history will be reviewed, and movement goals will be set together with the Exercise Physiologist. The movement plan may include review appointments, home programmes, small group classes, and/or 1:1 coaching sessions.
Acacia Exercise Physiology's services are eligible for private health or Medicare rebates. As recognised Allied Health Providers, they can provide Medicare referrals, which can be discussed with clients' GPs.
Overall, Acacia Exercise Physiology aims to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals to prioritise their health and well-being through movement.