1. Isn't it true that exercise is a solitary pursuit, and that even when you are exercising your mind can still do "loop thinking"?
2. Is this an alternative to medication?
3. What sorts of conditions can these programs be used for?
4. Are there age restrictions on who can use the programs?
5. What if a participant has physical problems that prevent them from exercising?
6. What does a funding body get for its money?
7. Who delivers these programs and what are their qualifications?
8. Where are the programs delivered and will participants be protected?
9. How does a person become a participant?
10. How much does a program cost?

1. Isn't it true that exercise is a solitary pursuit, and that even when you are exercising your mind can still do "loop thinking"?

Fitness Integrated Therapy is a group based program because many psychological problems get worse when people isolate themselves. The program integrates gym activities and group work to achieve goals aimed at breaking negative thinking patterns.

2. Is this an alternative to medication?

Questions about medication should be determined in consultation with your doctor. Evidence from overseas studies indicates that exercise is as effective as medication. Medication, produces results much quicker, however, some overseas studies have indicated that those using medication alone, had four times the relapse rate of those people who continued to use regular exercise to treat depression.

3. What sorts of conditions can these programs be used for?

The FIT methodology is very flexible. These programs can be used for any psychological condition that has a powerful effect on the body as part of its symptom pattern and that then intensify when combined with negative thinking patterns. FIT programs have to date, been specifically designed for depression, anxiety and trauma reactions. FIT can work with an organisation to adapt its methodology to meet other specific needs.

4. Are there age restrictions on who can use the programs?

No! Any person of any age, who receives a clearance from their doctor to perform exercise can be a participant. For example, the FIT methodology can be used for teenagers at risk. School age children can use the program, as can adults. Specifically designed exercise programs can be used in aged care. FIT is able to employ the services of specialists in particular areas of practice, to design a specific age appropriate treatment program to meet a specific need.

5. What if a participant has physical problems that prevent them from exercising?

Tertiary qualified physiologists conduct the program. A core feature of any program is a physiological preassessment (as is done in good quality gyms) and participants will be asked for a clearance from their medical practitioner. Participants will be unable to attend a program if exercise would exacerbate their problem.

6. What does a funding body get for its money?

Each participant receives:

• an individual pre and post assessment
• two structured exercise programs a week
• thirteen group sessions of 2 hours duration
• six individual counselling sessions and
• an individual report assessing psychological and physiological change over the duration of the program
• valuable information, skills and techniques to treat their specific condition.

In addition to the above, if you are funding the program for your clients, you will receive:

• a report aggregating data for all of your participants. The individual confidentiality of each participant is protected and no identifying data is included in the aggregated report.

As this is a 4 to 6 month program, staff of Fitness Integrated Therapy adopt the role of prime therapists, who can liaise with your personnel about the progress of your clients, observing appropriate protocols about confidentiality and boundaries.

7. Who delivers these programs and what are their qualifications?

As the basis for these programs is an awareness of the effect of the body's reactions upon thinking, emotions and behaviour, the programs are specifically designed to be delivered by a team capable of addressing these issues:

• the small team of two is comprised of:
  • a counsellor/group worker - a professionally qualified social worker or psychologist who is fully indemnified
  • a tertiary qualified exercise physiologist, who will provide regular input to the twice weekly exercise programs
  • as well as focussing on increasing fitness capacity, the exercise physiologist also helps train participants in techniques and skills to minimise the intrusiveness of bodily responses upon their condition.
  • both team members are trained to address the specific condition being treated.

  

8. Where are the programs delivered and will participants be protected?

The majority of programs will be conducted in commercial gyms, which provide appropriate insurance cover and indemnity.

9. How does a person become a participant?

In this initial stage of FIT program delivery, a treating body such as government department, insurance or compensation organisation likely funds most programs. Participants will need referral and funding from such an organisation. Contact your general practitioner or health provider to determine what program you may be eligible for. If you have a connection with an organisation which funds treatment, ask them to contact FIT and see if the program can be conducted. In the future it is hoped that participants will be able to log on to this Website and by entering their postcode be able to determine the nearest provider and to also be able to claim reimbursement for costs from major Health Funds.

10. How much does a program cost?

Contact us for specific costs for a program to suit your needs. The programs are very cost efficient and do not have the high infrastructure costs associated with many other treatment programs, whilst still providing a high level of client contact.