Why my approach to functional exercise is unique

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.