Rob Bird Msc
(PG Dip,ACSM, BACPR, AAI) Physical Activity Specialist / Clinical Exercise Consultant)
Rob started in the health and fitness industry in 1995 when he decided to pursue an interest in fitness. After completing his first `basic `course he worked through the nineties at various locations and realised that the exercise industry as a whole was making many false claims in an attempt to promote the aesthetic benefits of exercise, without really addressing the real issues of health and well being . He also discovered for the first time the gap between the medical profession, the evidence available and the poorly educated exercise industry. His studies through the nineties took him to various locations around the US and helped him to gain the American College of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness Specialists qualification. Still disillusioned with the industry as a whole he decide to pursue a clinical route and after completing qualifications in Cardiac Rehabilitation and Clinical Exercise prescription he went on to complete a masters degree in Exercise and Behavioural medicine and a post graduate diploma in `Preventive Cardiology `at Imperial College London. He has recently completed his specialist stroke rehabilitation certification with the Action for Rehabilitation from Neurological Injury charity (ARNI) and has also certified with the Functional Aging institute of America. These, and many other regular updates to his knowledge base, allow him to stay abreast of current research in his field of practice. Rob has an excellent knowledge of anatomy, physiology and clinical conditions and how alterations to lifestyle can have a significant impact on health. This in conjunction with 26 years of working with clients of all age groups and physical capabilities makes him well placed to devise comprehensive and effective, evidence based wellness programmes.
Qualifications:
• American College Of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness Specialist
• British Association of Cardiovascular disease Prevention and Rehabilitation Specialist Instructor
• MSc (Distinction) Exercise and Behavioural Medicine, University of West London (formerly Thames Valley University)
• PG Diploma (Distinction) Preventive Cardiology, Imperial College London
• Functional Aging Specialist (Functional Aging Institute)
- Functional Rehabilitation after stroke Specialist Instructor (Associate of The Arni Institute)
Full CV available on request
Rob Says:
Although the metabolic health our population continues to deteriorate, the current medical paradigm still insists on an ethos of symptom suppression with high levels of medication , rather than the more common sense approach of prevention. This clearly is not working for many of us who continue to descend into chronic ill health. This in conjunction with an exercise industry that continues to focus on high intensity regimes and aesthetic outcomes (which very often have nothing to do with health) and a cascade of nutritional information that contradicts itself and confuses most of us. No wonder then, that the time is right for Lifestyle Medicine. Its not complicated or difficult , it doesn’t seek to exclude or embarrass, instead it looks at the individual and their needs. It takes the time to explore how simple behavior changes and better decision making can help to prevent and, in many cases reverse chronic disease, all of which can have a drastic effect on quality of life. It is in effect root cause medicine. We have developed The Lifestyle Medicine Centre to provide an environment where a combination of education, self empowerment and social support in conjunction with a discreet exercise facility can help you make sustainable and effective lifestyle changes. This over time can make a real difference to both your mental and physical health.
