Exercise Physiology · Chirnside Park
Exercise Physiology that feels a little less like a gym.
I'm Robyn Papworth, an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, and I want movement to feel useful, achievable and enjoyable rather than intimidating. You can come here to get stronger, improve your balance, build your fitness or feel more confident moving again without feeling as though you have to perform for anybody.
We talk while we move, we laugh, and when it makes sense I use games, simple challenges and playful activities so that exercise does not always feel like exercise. There are still important physical goals behind what we are doing, but I would much rather you enjoy coming back each week than spend the whole hour wishing it was over.
What are you looking for?
You do not need to read this whole page before deciding what to do.
If you are busy, start with the option that sounds most like what you need and jump straight there.
Never heard of Exercise Physiology?
Think exercise, but with a health professional helping you work out what is appropriate for your body.
You might come to an Exercise Physiologist because you are living with an ongoing health condition, have finished rehabilitation, have become less active, are worried about your strength or balance, or simply do not feel confident walking into a normal gym and knowing what to do.
Exercise Physiology can include strength, cardiovascular exercise, balance, mobility, coordination and functional movement, but what those things look like will depend on you. An exercise can be made lighter, slower, seated, supported or changed completely when that is what you need.
You are not expected to keep up with anybody else, and you do not need to become fit before you arrive.
Read: What does an Exercise Physiologist actually do? →How I approach exercise
I know exercise can be boring, so I try not to make it feel that way.
Never Too Old to Play is intentionally a non-judgemental and inviting exercise space where you can have a conversation while you move, laugh when something goes a little wrong, and work at your own level without worrying about what everybody else is doing.
Sometimes we use straightforward strength or cardiovascular exercises because that is the most useful thing to do. Other times I might add a ball, an obstacle, a coordination activity, a simple challenge or something playful so your attention is on what you are trying to do rather than on counting every repetition.
You may finish a challenge and suddenly realise that you have been stepping, reaching, balancing or moving for much longer than you would have if I had simply asked you to repeat the same exercise over and over again.
There is still Exercise Physiology behind the activity. I just believe we are allowed to enjoy ourselves while we do it.
Read: Starting exercise again when you do not feel ready for a gym →Weekly Exercise Physiology groups
Two small circuit-style groups run on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Both sessions have a maximum of 12 people, but you do not all need to complete the same exercise at the same time. The idea is that you can work through appropriate activities at your own pace while I am there to support, adjust and progress what you are doing.
Tuesdays + Fridays · 9am–10am
Community Exercise Physiology
This group may suit you if you are returning to movement after rehabilitation, have become less active, want to improve strength or balance, or would simply prefer a smaller and more supported exercise environment than a commercial gym.
We can use strength exercises, balance and coordination activities, supported cardiovascular exercise and functional movements that relate to everyday life.
$10 per session.
You can attend casually or reserve Tuesdays, Fridays or both for a six-week block.
View dates and book →Tuesdays + Fridays · 10:30am–11:30am
Type 2 Diabetes Exercise Physiology
This small circuit-style group is for people living with Type 2 Diabetes who want professional support to become more active without feeling as though they need to join a normal gym.
Activities can be made seated, supported or lighter where needed, and you can work at a level that makes sense for your body rather than trying to match the person beside you.
$10 per private session.
I also encourage you to speak with your GP about whether a Medicare-supported Exercise Physiology pathway may be appropriate for you.
See the GP information →Want something you can save or show someone?
These brochures explain the groups without you having to remember everything on this page.
Community Exercise Physiology
This brochure explains the 9am Community Exercise Physiology group, including the type of activities we use, access information and my contact details.
Open Community EP brochureType 2 Diabetes Exercise Physiology
This brochure can also be downloaded or sent to your GP if you would like to talk with them about joining the Type 2 Diabetes group.
Download brochure for my GPTalk to your GP
You may be able to access Exercise Physiology with support from your GP.
Many people have never heard of Exercise Physiology until a GP, hospital team or other health professional mentions it, so you are not expected to already understand how referrals and Medicare pathways work.
If you think professional support with exercise could help, you can tell your GP that you are interested in Exercise Physiology and ask whether it may be appropriate as part of your care.
If you are living with Type 2 Diabetes, you can also download the brochure below and take it with you so your GP can see exactly which local class you are asking about.
Robyn Papworth
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Medicare Provider Number: 400894BY
Book a group class
Choose the class and the dates that work for you.
You can book one session to try it first, or reserve your place across six weeks if you already know you would like some consistency.
Payment options
Pay session by session or for your full block.
Every group session is $10.
You can pay cash, use EFTPOS, request an invoice for direct deposit, or pay your full six-week block upfront.
Six Tuesdays or six Fridays = $60
Tuesdays + Fridays for six weeks = $120
Because I do not add card surcharges, cash or direct deposit by invoice is especially appreciated, although EFTPOS is still very welcome when that is easiest for you.
Plans change
If you cannot make a session, just let me know.
You can cancel by calling or texting 0404 058 718 or emailing robyn@nevertoooldtoplay.com.
Individual Exercise Physiology
If you would rather start privately, tell me a little about what you are looking for.
My 1:1 appointment times are not the same every week because I also work in other settings, so I do not use a public appointment calendar for individual Exercise Physiology.
You can send me a short expression of interest instead and I will contact you about what you are hoping to work on and which appointment times may be available.
Please keep this form general and do not include detailed medical information, Medicare details or other sensitive health information. We can discuss that privately if we decide to proceed.
Want to understand a little more first?
Start with the question that sounds most like yours.
I have written these guides for people who may have never heard of Exercise Physiology before, or who know they need to move more but are still working out what kind of support would feel right.
New to Exercise Physiology
What does an Exercise Physiologist actually do?
Start here if you have heard the words Exercise Physiology but still do not really know what an appointment or class would involve.
Read this guide →Wondering if you qualify
Who is Exercise Physiology actually for?
This covers people leaving rehabilitation, older adults, people concerned about balance, people who have become less active and those who simply do not feel comfortable in a gym.
Read this guide →Type 2 Diabetes
What should I ask my GP?
If you are interested in the Type 2 Diabetes class but are not sure what to say to your GP, this explains how to start the conversation.
Read this guide →Hate the idea of a gym?
How do I start exercising again when I do not feel ready for a gym?
This explains why I use conversation, games, challenges and playful movement to make getting active feel less intimidating and, wherever possible, much more enjoyable.
Read this guide →Exercise Physiology in Chirnside Park
A small local exercise space for people who do not necessarily think of themselves as gym people.
Never Too Old to Play is at 7 Meadowgate Drive, Chirnside Park, with people welcome from Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Croydon, Kilsyth, Montrose, Mount Evelyn and surrounding Yarra Ranges and Maroondah suburbs.
If you are still not sure whether to choose a group, talk to your GP or enquire about individual support, you do not need to make that decision before contacting me.
Not sure where to start?
Tell me what you are looking for and we can work out the most suitable next step.
You do not need to decide between a group, a GP pathway or individual support before getting in touch. A general idea of what you would like help with is enough to start the conversation.