Exercise Physiology with Shae

04/12/2025

Showing up for my clients so they can show up for themselves.

Every day I’m reminded why I love this work.
Exercise physiology isn’t just about sets and reps - it’s about confidence, education, support, and empowering people to move in a way that feels good for their body.

Whether it’s improving strength, reducing pain, building independence, or supporting someone through a big life change… I’m here for the journey, not just the session.

I’m grateful for every client who trusts me with their goals, their health, and their story.

Helping you move better so you can live stronger will always be my passion. 🤍

If you’re ready for support, guidance, or a personalised program, my door (and inbox!) is open.

03/12/2025

💜✨ International Day of Persons with Disabilities ✨💜

27/11/2025

Progressive overload simply means gradually doing more over time so your body has a reason to get stronger.

That “more” can be:
• a little extra weight
• an extra rep or set
• slower, more controlled tempo
• better technique
• a bit more time or distance

Tiny, consistent increases → steady strength gains without overwhelming your body.

20/11/2025

13/11/2025

When the leg goes too high, the pelvis says ‘bye-bye’ to stability.

Even simple exercises like the Bird Dog can go wrong if we’re not mindful of technique! 🙃

In this clip, I’ve intentionally exaggerated the movement - lifting my leg too high causes my pelvis to tip forward (anterior pelvic tilt). This small change shifts load away from the deep core stabilisers (like the transverse abdominis and multifidus) and increases strain through the lumbar spine.

When performed correctly, the Bird Dog is a brilliant exercise for improving lumbopelvic stability, core endurance, and spinal alignment - especially in people with low back pain (McGill, 2010; Kavcic et al., 2004).

The goal is to maintain a neutral spine and brace through the core, with minimal pelvic movement. Adding a resistance band (as shown here) challenges coordination, balance, and control - but only when form is maintained.

✅ Key tips:
• Keep hips level and spine neutral
• Lift only to the height where you can stay stable
• Engage your core before moving
• Move slow and controlled

This exercise is a reminder that quality always trumps intensity and that good movement starts with awareness 🧠💪

📚 References:
* McGill SM. Low Back Disorders: Evidence-Based Prevention and Rehabilitation. Human Kinetics, 2010.
* Kavcic N, Grenier S, McGill SM. Quantifying tissue loads and spine stability while performing commonly prescribed low back stabilization exercises. Spine, 2004.

06/11/2025

Curious about what an Exercise Physiologist does or whether it’s right for you? 💭

I’ve put together a quick FAQ series to clear up the confusion and help you feel confident about getting started!

✨ Because exercise isn’t one-size-fits-all - it’s personal, purposeful, and powerful.

06/11/2025

Proud to wear my passion 💪 Supporting movement, strength, and health every day.

08/08/2025

Mind & Motion had a VIP (Very Important Pup) visitor today! 🐶✨

Plenty of laughs, fresh air, and feel-good vibes with this bunch 🤗💛

Join us for connection, conversation, and movement — your mind and body will thank you!
🧠❤️🦶
🗓 Fridays 11am–12pm
📍Southern Highlands
👣 All abilities welcome

06/08/2025

☀️ Dreaming of salty air, sun-kissed skin, and grounding barefoot moments by the sea 🌊✨

There’s something about the rhythm of the waves and the softness of the sand that brings you back to yourself.

Move, breathe, reset 💛

01/08/2025

Waist circumference is one clinical measure of health but it’s not the whole picture. 🙅🏼‍♀️
⁠
While a waist circumference above 80cm for women and 94cm for men can be associated with increased risk of metabolic conditions (AIHW, 2023), it doesn’t tell us about your strength, mobility, mental wellbeing, or quality of life.⁠

👉 It’s a screening tool - not a verdict.

As an Exercise Physiologist, I care about your waist measurement only in the context of your overall health:
✔️ Hormonal balance (especially PCOS, insulin resistance)
✔️ Movement capacity and joint health
✔️ Cardiovascular and metabolic markers
✔️ Mental health and body image

A tape measure doesn’t measure your worth. Let’s move away from shame-based metrics and focus on sustainable, strength-based strategies that support YOU long-term. 💛

📏 Yes, waist circumference has clinical relevance.
🧠 But the goal? Feeling good. Moving better. Living stronger.

Let’s work together to support your health - with compassion, not comparison. 🙌🏼

Reference:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Overweight and obesity: Waist circumference. AIHW, 2023.

01/08/2025

Getting outside and moving mindfully 🌿
Join Chantell and me for our Mind & Motion walking group - a gentle way to boost both your physical and mental well-being.
🕚 Fridays at 11am
📍 Southern Highlands

All fitness levels welcome - come as you are and enjoy a supportive community and some fresh air. 💬👟

Send a message to learn more or to join us!

29/07/2025

Looking for holistic, evidence-based support to move better, feel stronger, and live a more active life? Whether you’re managing a health condition, recovering from injury, or looking to improve your everyday function - I’m here to help 🙌

As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, I tailor every session to meet your goals - whether that’s returning to work, building independence, staying active with your kids, or navigating life with a long-term condition.

You don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from exercise physiology. Movement is medicine - and when it’s guided and adapted to your body, it can be empowering, healing, and life-changing 💪

Based in the beautiful Southern Highlands and also offering support Australia-wide via telehealth 🌿

Curious if we’d be a good fit? Reach out today or explore more via my website shaephippsep.com