David’s passion for exercise prescription
I became an exercise physiologist because I love helping people through exercise. I’m exceptionally happy that as an older student I had the ability to follow my dreams.
David Trotter
Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation
For David Trotter, upskilling as an accredited exercise physiologist kicked off an exciting new chapter in his 30-year fitness career. He shares how returning to study at Victoria University (VU) allowed him to open his own exercise physiology clinic.
“I’ve been working in the fitness industry since the early 90s, writing exercise programs for different clients. I did my undergraduate degree in exercise science at VU, and bought my first gym when I was 24 years old.
“My love is for exercise prescription and the complexities that various clients present. I quickly realised that I found great joy helping people with injury and a variety of medical conditions.
“I had always had the idea of going back to study, and in 2020 I returned to VU to complete my Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation.”
Going deep into exercise prescription
“There was no other choice in my mind about where to study than VU. I knew some of the lecturers still from my undergrad, and I’d been following the course for many years and heard very good things about it from colleagues.
“I loved the course. The lecturers were great, the content was specifically what I had searched for, and I enjoyed the challenge. Specifically, I found the content relating to exercise prescription really exciting.”
Opening the doors to his own clinic
“Now I have opened up an exercise physiology clinic, Re Form Exercise Science. It caters for those with chronic conditions, older populations, and other people who may not have always felt comfortable in the fitness industry.
“Each day is different – my role is a combination of managing director, accredited exercise physiologist, marketer, promoter, coordinator and business mentor.
“My business also gives other accredited exercise physiologists the opportunity to run their own business, without the overheads of setting it up.
“In short, I became an exercise physiologist because I love helping people through exercise, and I want to do it in the best environment, in the best way, with best practice.
“At 48 years old, I’m exceptionally happy that as an older student I was able to follow my dreams.”
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