For Health Professionals

Heart Foundation Heartmoves is designed to link the exercise industry with the health industry in order to provide an opportunity for people with stable chronic conditions to become active for life. If you have patients who haven't exercised for a while but want to attend a program to sustain their health and well being then a referral to a local Heartmoves program is a suitable choice.

To find the nearest Heartmoves program to you, go to the locality directory.

What is Heartmoves?

Heartmoves is a gentle physical activity program designed to be safe for people with stable long term health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis and obesity. Heartmoves is also suitable for anyone who hasn't exercised in a while and is ideal for falls prevention.

Typical elements of exercise programming in a Heartmoves class include:

  • resistance training
  • strategies to improve balance, flexibility and co-ordination
  • functional movement; and
  • aerobic fitness and endurance training


Who leads the Heartmoves classes?

Heartmoves is run by accredited exercise professionals specifically trained in managing safe, low to moderate intensity physical activity programs.

Heartmoves leaders are trained by a team of clinical, health and legal professionals from the Heart Foundation, Health Department and associated professional organisations. The course emphasises patients' safety and welfare in accordance with established guidelines and safety protocols.

The Heartmoves Leader Training section outlines the course content and dates in detail.

What organisations is the Heartmoves program accredited with?

Heartmoves Leader Training is accredited with:

  • Fitness Australia
  • Australian Association of Exercise Sports Scientists
  • Australian Physiotherapy Association
  • Kinect Australia


Is Heartmoves safe?

The Heartmoves program has been designed by health and fitness experts from the Heart Foundation and the NSW Department of Health to specifically cater for people who are at risk of or have stable chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Those interested in participating in a program may need to obtain medical clearance from their GP or specialist before they can join a Heartmoves class.

Read Referring to Heartmoves for detailed information about referring patients to the program.

Heartmoves leaders are trained to engage with their participants in ensuring they work to an exercise level suitable to them. This partnership includes open communication, identification of symptoms of exercise intolerance, strategies to manage these symptoms, safety protocols, and feedback to the referring health professional.

Heartmoves programs are free style, developed by each leader and adapted to the needs of the participants and levels of conditioning. Programs have chairs incorporated into the exercise routine, providing support for those who may not have exercised for a while or are de-conditioned.

How is the Heartmoves program promoted to the health sector?

A number of health professionals work closely with the Heart Foundation in promoting local awareness of the Heartmoves program. These include:

  • Divisions of General practice
  • General Practitioners and practice nurses
  • Cardiologists
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation nurses
  • Diabetes Educators
  • Physiotherapists
  • Falls Prevention Managers


Contact us for more information.