Frequently Asked Questions

Find out more about how the Exercise Treatment Program can benefit you and your health.

What does ETP mean?

ETP stands for Exercise Treatment Program and it means that exercise is used to support the prevention and management of chronic health conditions.

Who is eligible?

The program is for people living in the north west region of Tasmania who are:

  • aged 60 and over, or
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 45 and over.

How much does it cost?

It is FREE to participate in the Exercise Treatment Program as it is completely funded by the Australian Government.

What can I expect?

You will be assessed at the start of the program to determine your general health, program goals and functional capacity. You will then receive an individualised exercise program that you will complete in a group once a week, along with a weekly education session which will be delivered either before or after the exercise session. The education sessions are delivered in an informal manner, with simple ‘take home’ messages. At the end of the program, you will be assessed again to determine the improvements you have made.

What do I wear?

Wear clothes that are comfortable to move in and not that will not restrict your movement. Wear supportive footwear that has good grip. E.g. Clothes and shoes that you would wear if you were going for a walk.

How long does each session go for?

90 minutes. Each session consists of 1 hour of exercise and a 30 minute education session.

How long does each program go for?

The program is 14 weeks in total. This includes 12 weeks of exercise/education sessions, plus an assessment at the start and end of the program.

I’m not very fit. Will it be hard?

You will be given an individualised exercise program. The exercises you are given will be suitable for you whatever your level of fitness at the start of the program and will be progressed over the program as you become stronger and fitter.

When I complete one 14-week block, can I complete another?

Participants can only participate in the program once. You will be discharged from the program after your final assessment. Ongoing exercise options will be discussed with you during the program.

Where will the sessions be held?

The sessions will be run out of local gyms or halls and will be available in the following 17 local government areas in north west Tasmania:

Program Locations:

  • North West
  • Burnie LGA
  • Central Coast LGA
  • Circular Head LGA
  • Devonport LGA
  • Kentish LGA
  • Port Sorell
  • Wynyard-Waratah LGA
  • West Coast LGA
  • North
  • Deloraine
  • East Tamar
  • Evandale
  • Greater Launceston
  • West Tamar LGA
  • Westbury
  • South
  • Brighton LGA
  • Clarence LGA
  • Greater Hobart
  • Kingborough LGA
  • Sorell LGA

*LGA means Local Government Area

What are the qualifications of the coaches?

Assessment and delivery of the program is within the scope of practice of the following professions:

  • Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) accredited exercise physiologists
  • Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) registered physiotherapists

The following exercise professionals may deliver the exercise and education sessions:

  • Fitness Australia registered exercise professionals (Diploma of Fitness or Personal Trainer Registration Certificate IV Qualification category)

I don’t like exercise, why should I participate?

Increasing your physical activity levels has been shown to improve your health outcomes, give you a better quality of life, and help keep you out of hospital. Participation in the program can help you to increase your physical activity levels in a safe and supportive way.

How will exercise help me?

Exercise can benefit you in a lot of different ways, including:

  • Helping to prevent or manage a chronic condition
  • Managing weight
  • Managing muscle and joint pain
  • Increasing energy
  • Improving fitness and reducing shortness of breath
  • Improving balance and reducing risk of falling
  • Strengthening muscles to ease daily tasks
  • Improving mental health and increasing happiness
  • Increasing flexibility

The exercises you do will help you to achieve your goals, as determined at your initial assessment.

Exercise makes me sore.

When your muscles are made to work harder than they are used to or in a different way, it’s normal to feel sore after exercising. To help prevent this, your exercises will start out gentle and will be progressed over the course of the program as you get fitter and stronger.

Will exercise make my condition worse?

During your initial assessment, we will discuss your medical history with you so that we can provide exercises that are safe for you to perform. Exercise prescription will be supported by current best-practice guidelines.

If I miss my session, can I attend a different session that week?

Unfortunately, participants are unable to “catch-up” on any missed sessions due to non-attendance.

What happens when I finish?

Once you have completed your final assessment, you will be discharged from the program. You will be provided with some ongoing exercise options to participate in. A report will be sent to your referrer and GP to let them know about your progress in the program.

Is it safe?

Yes. The program is run by appropriately qualified health professionals and exercise prescription for participants is based on current best practice guidelines.

Can I refer myself or a family member?

Yes. You are able to refer yourself for the program or your GP or Allied Health Practitioner can also make the referral. The referral form is located at exercisetreatmentprogram.com.au/referral or under the referral tab at the top of this page.

When do the programs run?

The Exercise Treatment Program will run through to the 30th of September 2025. Programs will be delivered across all 17 local government areas during this time. The number of classed during this time will be based on referral demand in each area as classes need a minimum of 6 participants to commence.