Exercise Prescription Practicum students changing clients’ lives

Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (BSpEX) student Stephanie Walker graduated last week, giving a valedictory speech in which she challenged graduates to add value in their work and lives going forward. For Stephanie, the past year has been one of adding value, as she has prescribed exercise to a range of clients with compromised health as part of her Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) experiences during the Exercise Prescription Practicum course.

Following the course, she worked at TBI Health as an assistant exercise physiologist, as well as a group exercise instructor at Massey Recreation Centre. She is currently completing a Master of Health Science specialising in Sport and Exercise.

Stephanie says the WIL practicum provided her with many learning opportunities, especially the importance of creating a rapport with clients and observing the impact that exercise can have on an individual’s wellbeing.

“I have been able to network with a range of people within the sport and exercise industry and to apply theory to practice, which has enhanced my overall learning experience. I learnt to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, in order to enhance my confidence,” she says.

The WIL opportunity allows Sport and Exercise students to explore a real and authentic learning experience, where they develop professional relationships and confidence while exploring the attributes required to become a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP).

Isabella Gates is also working towards a Master of Health Science specialising in Sport and Exercise. Following her practicum, she became employed at the Lido Aquatic Centre in Palmerston North. As an assistant CEP, she works with a variety of clients, including people with chronic health conditions, the general population and athletes, creating programmes that are specific to clients’ needs and goals.

Exercise Prescription Coordinator and CEP for the Massey Exercise Clinic, Dr Lynette Hodges, says, “The work that students undertake throughout their practicum, coaching clients and prescribing exercise programmes, makes a transformative impact on clients’ lives. Many of them are impacted by non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular, neurological and/or muscular skeletal conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis, but may also be healthy individuals who want to regain fitness, or athletic populations looking for an edge for performance.”

Dr Hodges says the Massey Exercise Clinic provides an affordable, supported and safe environment to exercise, enabling social connections and a shared experience with others with compromised health conditions.

“Students also learn from the clients in terms of their challenges and life experiences, which is motivating and rewarding. Authentic clinical WIL experiences are an important part for future health professionals, who can apply theory to practice, which not only enhances the learning outcomes for the students but also enriches and benefits the lives of clients,” she says.