Thrive Exercise Physiology is a new business now open in a fresh new space on Conway Street, ground floor of the Conway Plaza.

Tia Lumley-Mancell is a born and bred Lismore local with an impressive list of qualifications whose expanding client base has spurred her to make the move to her own studio space. Tia is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Accredited Exercise Scientist and Certified Rehabilitative Pilates Instructor who opened her own studio last month after working with clients at the Essential Movement pilates studio in Carrington Street.

“I really wanted to learn pilates to incorporate that into my rehab practice because it wasn't something anyone was really doing back then and I liked it and then met Russell (from Essential Movement) and he said he'd love to have an exercise physiologist join the team for more of a rehab approach. So we started collaborating and it worked really well for a year and a half but then we both just got really busy and I had to branch out.”

Tia's focus at Thrive is mostly one on one, offering tailored sessions to people suffering as result of accidents, injury and various physical conditions. She also offers small group classes for women with just 5 to 6 clients at a time.

“No matter for what reason people come here everyone has to do an initial assessment so we screen for any pain, injuries, medical history, anything that might effect or impact the way you exercise or move in general...its specific to your body, your physiological needs. Everyone is different.”

Tia's work has also recently extended to paediatrics, working with children who have cerebral palsy or general gait issues, including games and play in the physical activities to keep young children engaged.

“I became an exercise physiologist because I had a car accident where I had some injuries and I was on the other end of it...doing the rehab and I really I enjoyed it so I wanted to learn to be on the other side of things. The course was offered locally (at SCU) so I did that.”

Since graduating in 2018 Tia's professional experience has given her the perspective that the industry is expanding and that people are coming to understand the difference between physiotherapists, managing acute stages, and exercise physiologists who are more engaged in getting people back to work or sport, to an end stage or goal.

“We've branched as a profession in to cardio-pulmonary so you'll find EP's in hospitals now doing work with patients post lung and heart surgery. We can provide you with the tools and the education to manage your condition or injury independently.”

Thrive is offering a special opening deal through February for people who want to try a session and perhaps have a personalised program designed to suit your needs which includes some take home skills. You might even get a special pair of pilates grip socks too.