HEADSTART – Cardio / Respiratory Fitness

A guided physiotherapy fitness program to help you regain energy, strength, and stamina – at your pace.

The Headstart program is designed to help you rebuild cardiovascular and respiratory fitness, improve general conditioning, and help you feel more energised in everyday life. Whether you’re recovering from illness, managing fatigue, or simply feeling less active than you’d like, Headstart helps you move forward with support and structure.

Every program is available through home visits or online and tailored to your individual goals and current ability, with guidance from an experienced physiotherapist.

Who It’s For

Headstart is ideal for anyone wishing to:

Recover from illness or extended inactivity
Improve stamina, walking endurance, or general energy levels
Improve life with post-viral fatigue or long COVID
Find a safe, structured reintroduction to exercise
Get moving again, despite cardio-respiratory limitations

How Do I Do Headstart?

You can take part in the program through home visit physiotherapy – including at a gym – depending on your preferences. Doing the program online may be an option. Choose between an intensive 8-week challenge (recommended) or flexible ongoing sessions that fit into your weekly routine. All sessions are with a physiotherapist.

Intensive 8-Week Challenge:

Initial consultation – assessment, and information session
Weekly 40-minute supervised sessions
A personalised home program to follow at least twice a week
Ongoing support to help you stay motivated and on track
Regular progress reviews and a final assessment
A maintenance plan after the program

Ongoing Regular Sessions:

Initial consultation – assessment, information and goal-setting session
Supervised 40-minute sessions on a frequency that suits you
A customised home program to complete 2 or more times per week
Regular progress checks and plan updates
Continuous support to help you build lasting results

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this program be part of my Support at Home (formerly Home Care Package) or Medicare plan?

Category: HEADSTART

Yes. Headstart can be included in most common funding arrangements. We’ll help confirm eligibility and communicate with your provider if needed.

What if I get tired easily or haven’t exercised in a while?

Category: HEADSTART

That’s exactly who Headstart is for. We start slow, work with your energy levels, and increase at a pace that feels right.

Is this high-intensity exercise?

Category: HEADSTART

Not until you’re ready. This is structured, low-to-moderate intensity movement designed to build your strength and cardio gradually, safely, and effectively.

Do I need any equipment?

Category: HEADSTART

No gym equipment is required. If we suggest any items (like weights or resistance band), we’ll show you how to use them safely at home.

What kind of results can I expect?

Category: HEADSTART

Most people notice improvements over a few weeks, in their energy, breathing, and ability to move through daily tasks more easily. Results vary with your baseline fitness and goals.