Meet Michael Tocchetti – ESSA Accredited Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Accredited Exercise Scientist
Meet Michael, our Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Scientist with a strong passion for fitness and helping others. With over six years of experience in allied health, Michael has worked in a variety of settings, including gyms, private clinics, GP practices, and aged care. His expertise lies in using exercise as a tool to enhance quality of life, no matter where someone is in their health and fitness journey. Joining the Altaira team in February 2025, Michael is excited to support the community with Exercise Physiology services.
Learn more about Michael in this Q & A!
How did you get into your chosen field?
A combination of my passion for fitness and helping others. I started my university degree unsure what path to take – sports science, strength and conditioning coach, physiotherapy; but quickly fell in love with the clinical side of exercise physiology, and utilising exercise as a tool to help improve someone’s quality of life.
How long have you been an Exercise Physiologist and what are your past experiences in allied health?
I’ve worked in various allied health settings as an Exercise Physiologist for over 6 years, including gyms, private clinics, GP clinics, and aged care. This has given me experience working with large range of client presentations and medical conditions.
What’s one thing you’re most excited about in this new role with Altaira?
The ability to help those within my local and surrounding community, making Exercise Physiologist services as accessible as possible.
What is your favourite way to move your body?
A close one between either playing soccer or going for a trail run.
What is one myth about exercise that you would like to debunk?
“Strength training is only for body builders” – strength training is for everyone and is even more important the older you get! And no, doing strength training isn’t going to make you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
What’s your favourite part of helping people achieve their fitness goals?
The satisfaction you get when you help someone realise how their fitness journey and improvements impact their daily lives, and seeing their confidence improve; for example making carrying in the shopping from the car easier, or being able to keep up with the grandkids.
What is one thing that you wish everyone knew about exercise physiology?
That it’s all about creating an individualised service, no matter where you’re at along your fitness journey, how fit/unfit you are, or how much you think you can/can’t do. It’s all about starting from where you’re currently at, and figuring out the steps you need to get to where you want to be.
What’s your approach to helping clients who are new to exercise?
It’s important for me to establish a suitable exercise program that is tailored to their fitness goals, can fit into their lifestyle and schedule; but most importantly, is fun!
For seniors, it’s all about making them feel comfortable with movements first, relating these movements to everyday activities, and gradually building up their exercise routine as their confidence grows. Always making sure exercise is safe for them to do and considers any physical or medical issues they may have.
What’s the most rewarding client success story you’ve experienced?
Helping a client recover from a fractured hip due to a fall which resulting in them not feeling safe to do any form of exercises. They had become completely sedentary and had ongoing joint pain as a result. We gradually built up their strength and balance with an exercise program, and over time, increase their confidence to return to their local walking group and lawn bowls.
Why is an Exercise Physiologist beneficial to a senior in aged care?
To help with strategies to keep them moving and combat the physical decline with age; by increasing strength and balance to manage falls risk; to keep their mind healthy through aerobic exercise and challenging coordination movements.
How do you tailor exercise programs to individual needs?
By taking a holistic approach and making sure you consider not just someone’s fitness levels, but also things like their fitness goals, physical limitations, schedule, facility access and past experiences.
What are you looking forward to most about working at this practice?
Working with amazing colleagues and getting to challenge myself in new and exciting ways.
What’s your favourite way to stay active outside of work?
Doing workouts with my wife in our home gym of course!
What are some of your hobbies?
Soccer, obstacle course racing, video games
Thank you Michael for sharing!
To learn more about our Exercise Physiologist services and book a consult, click here: Exercise Physiologist | Adelaide
