Why my approach to functional exercise is unique
My name is Chris Neilson and I’m an occupational therapist and personal trainer operating from Birkhill in Angus, close to Dundee and Perthshire. I specialise in functional exercise for older adults, members of the neurodivergent community, and disabled people.
I’m a registered occupational therapist with more than 20 years’ experience, including 17 years with the NHS – I have worked across both physical and mental health services, and among people with learning disabilities. I am also a fully qualified personal trainer and fitness instructor with more than 10 years’ experience. In addition, I have worked for a mental health charity for young adults which has given me a practical understanding of how best to encourage neurodivergent people, and those with additional learning needs, to stay fit and healthy.
Due to my clinical background and exprience of working in a multi-disciplinary team, I know how and when to signpost my clients to other support services.
How functional exercise can make a difference
I am passionate about being active and staying mobile – particularly as we grow older. Evidence suggests – and I strongly agree – that staying physically fit supports positive mental health and boosts self-esteem. Functional exercise helps to prevent accidents and injuries which, in turn, reduces the risk of losing independence which can lead to social isolation.
A simple way to look at my approach is ‘exercise with a purpose’ because it enables you to maintain independence at home and in your local community, and carry out activities of daily living (ADL) more easily – like getting in and out of the bath or bed, being able to climb in and out of your car, carrying your shopping, gardening or walking your dog.
By combining my dual skill set, I’m able to develop highly effective functional exercise sessions for people who might not otherwise do any exercise, or for those who feel intimidated by the traditional approach to gym-based fitness.
I’m very proud of my Success Stories so far and I would love to transform your functional exercise experience, too.
What I offer
I provide tailored 1:1 functional exercise sessions in my own private gym in Birkhill, Angus – close to Dundee and Perthshire, or at your home.
In addition, I can deliver group exercise sessions in a community setting – including residential care homes, charities and support organisations. These can be individual exercise sessions or ongoing group fitness programmes. You’ll find more information in Services.
If you think you would benefit from functional exercise, or you’re looking to organise a group fitness session for elderly adults or people with learning difficulties, please get in touch.
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What does an occupational therapist do?Occupational therapists work with people of all ages to overcome challenges associated with daily activities. They are trained to focus on a person’s physical and mental health needs, and they develop personalised programmes for people who are coping with disabilities, illness or health issues. In turn, this encourages people to make positive lifestyle changes and become better able to engage with friends, family and the wider community.
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How can your occupational therapist qualifications benefit my exercise programme?By combining my expertise as an occupational therapist, and my qualifications as a personal trainer, I am able to develop a functional exercise programme that promotes and supports activities for daily living (ADL). Functional exercise helps to prevent falls or accidents by improving the physical, mental and cognitive health. Every client’s programme is unique because it’s designed to support the activities for daily living (ADL) that are personally important to you.
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How often should I train with you?Following an assessment, I may recommend weekly exercise sessions in my private gym or at your own home, and these can be increased or decreased according to your requirements. The purpose of functional exercise is to enable you to live an active, healthy life, so many of my clients choose to work with me in an ongoing fitness programme.
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Am I too old to train with you?As an occupational therapist and personal trainer, I use functional exercise to help people of all ages overcome challenges associated with completing everyday tasks or activities. I regularly work with older adults, and I will always safely tailor any exercise programme to suit the needs and abilities of my clients.
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I’ve just come out of hospital – is it too soon to consider a functional exercise programme?I often work with clients who are coping with a variety of health conditions, including heart problems, post-surgery rehabilitation, orthopaedic injury or simply the ageing process. I also develop exercise programmes for people who have recently been treated in hospital. In all cases, my aim is to develop a functional exercise programme that supports rehabilitation, using activities or techniques that help restore a client’s previous level of function, or helps them adapt to their new situation. I understand the physical and psychological impact of prescribed medications and how they can affect your mobility, and your ability and motivation to exercise. I also have the professional skills to know how and when to signpost my clients to other support services.
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How can functional exercise help me cope with a recent diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?Functional exercise can help neurodivergent clients manage the challenges that occur in daily life, improving motor, social and cognitive skills. It can also play a valuable role in restoring feelings of confidence and self-esteem, enhancing mental health, increasing independence and reducing anxiety and frustration. However, I also appreciate that a traditional approach to exercise may not be appropriate, and I understand the value of a safe and supportive exercise environment. As an occupational therapist, I have a practical understanding of how to adapt exercise activities to best suit a neurodivergent individual’s needs and motivations, and how to encourage them to stay fit and healthy across all areas of their daily lives.
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I have a relative with a learning disability who could benefit from taking more exercise. How can you help?My functional exercise programmes can be designed to help people with learning disabilities counter the barriers faced in daily life. My approach would include sensory integrational techniques, as well as task adaptation and modification techniques that address motor and sensory needs and help with self-regulation and emotional support. The results can include enhanced attention and focus, and improved strength, coordination and mobility.