Welcome to Clio Austin Exercise Physiology

Hi, I’m Clio, Exercise Physiologist specialising in women’s midlife health.

I work with women navigating perimenopause and menopause, particularly those at risk of:

  • Osteopenia and osteoporosis

  • Loss of strength/ frailty

  • Sarcopenia (muscle loss)

  • Insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction

This work is both professional and personal, and driven by what I see every day:

Women entering midlife without the right intervention, and paying the price later.

I help women over 40 who are frustrated with perimenopausal and menopausal changes- recompose their body, prevent frailty, build strength and feel empowered, energised, and in control, through a clinical science-backed lifestyle and exercise blueprint.

About Me

As an Exercise Physiologist specialising in women’s health and as a woman navigating perimenopause myself, I understand both professionally and personally how significant this stage of life can be.

What is often framed as a phase of symptoms is, in reality, a major physiological transition that impacts muscle mass, bone density, metabolic health, energy, confidence, and long-term wellbeing.

Through my work with women in midlife, I repeatedly see the same experience:
Women doing their best to stay healthy, yet feeling like their body has changed overnight.

They’re often dealing with:

  • Changes in body composition and strength

  • Reduced energy and recovery

  • Pelvic health concerns and core dysfunction

  • Thyroid and metabolic challenges

  • Chronic health conditions or injuries

  • Confusion about what exercise is actually appropriate and effective during this stage

And too often, they are left without clear, practical guidance.

That is the gap I am passionate about changing.

My approach combines evidence-based exercise physiology with a deep understanding of the menopause transition and women’s long-term health. I support women with personalised strategies designed to protect muscle, support bone health, improve metabolic function, and build strength and resilience through midlife and beyond.

I also recognise that no two women experience this stage in the same way. Whether you are navigating menopause, pelvic health concerns, thyroid conditions, chronic disease, injury, or changes in physical confidence, my focus is always on creating an approach that is tailored to your body, your health history, and your goals.

Above all, I want women to feel informed, supported, and empowered, not dismissed or left to figure it out alone.

Because menopause is not the beginning of decline.

It is an opportunity to intervene, rebuild strength, and take control of your future health.

Supporting Women Through Every Stage of Midlife Health:

I support women navigating the complex physical changes that can occur during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond—particularly when these changes intersect with chronic health conditions, injury, and long-term wellbeing.

My work includes supporting women managing:

  • The menopause transition and hormonal changes

  • Pelvic health concerns and core function

  • Thyroid conditions and metabolic health

  • Osteopenia, osteoporosis, and bone health

  • Chronic disease and persistent health conditions

  • Musculoskeletal injuries and pain

  • Strength loss, fatigue, and reduced physical confidence

Using an evidence-based exercise physiology approach, I help women build strength, improve function, and better support their long-term health with strategies tailored to their individual needs, health history, and stage of life.

Mission

My mission is to change the way women experience menopause by reframing it as a critical turning point in long-term health, and helping women protect their muscle, bone, and metabolic health through evidence-based exercise and intervention.

Core Values

1. Evidence-Based Care

I believe women deserve guidance grounded in science, not trends. Every program, recommendation, and intervention is informed by clinical knowledge, exercise physiology, and evidence-based practice.

2. Prevention Over Decline

Menopause is not something to simply “get through.” I believe early intervention can significantly influence long-term health, helping women reduce their risk of chronic disease, frailty, and loss of independence.

3. Strength as a Foundation

Strength is not about aesthetics—it is essential for healthy ageing. Building and maintaining muscle, bone health, and metabolic resilience is central to the way I support women through midlife and beyond.

4. Empowerment Through Education

Women deserve to understand what is happening in their bodies. I value clear, practical education that helps women make informed decisions and feel confident in their health journey.

5. Individualised Support

No two women experience menopause in the same way. I believe in personalised, compassionate care that meets women where they are and supports their unique needs and goals.

6. Long-Term Health Matters

My focus is not quick fixes or short-term results. I am committed to helping women build sustainable habits and strategies that support strength, resilience, and independence for decades to come.

  • An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) in Australia is a university-qualified allied health professional who specialises in designing, delivering, and evaluating safe and effective exercise interventions. These professionals are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to help individuals with a range of medical conditions, injuries, or disabilities.

    Areas of Expertise Include:

    Cardiovascular and heart disease

    Metabolic disease such as diabetes and obesity.

    Neurological

    Musculoskeletal complaints and injuries

    Cancers

    Kidney

    Respiratory / Pulmonary

    Mental Health

    Autoimmune conditions

    Women's and Men's Health

    AEPs use evidence-based practices to improve their clients' clinical status, ensuring that exercise interventions are tailored to the individual's needs and health conditions.

    To become an exercise physiologist in Australia, one must obtain a university degree in Exercise Physiology or a related field. This educational background ensures that AEPs are well-prepared to handle the diverse needs of their clients and provide high-quality care.

    Exercise physiologists play a crucial role in the healthcare system, offering specialised exercise interventions to improve the health and quality of life for individuals with various medical conditions. Their expertise spans multiple pathology domains, making them invaluable in both preventive and rehabilitative health care.

  • Seeing a Women's Health Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. If you are having trouble returning to exercise due to a medical condition or injury, an AEP can help you safely resume physical activity. They provide guidance on navigating perinatal exercise, ensuring that you and your baby stay healthy throughout the pregnancy and beyond. Additionally, if you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and your GP advises weight loss, a women's health exercise physiologist can create a tailored exercise plan to help manage your condition effectively.

    For individuals struggling with endometriosis, we can develop exercise routines that won't exacerbate symptoms, allowing you to stay active without increasing discomfort.

    If you're over 35 and want to prepare your body for the hormonal changes of perimenopause, a women's health exercise physiologist can offer strategies to maintain your health and well-being. Post-menopausal women aiming to improve bone density and muscle mass for enhanced longevity can also benefit greatly from their expertise.

    If you have pelvic organ prolapse and wish to stay fit and active, we can help you return to functional and enjoyable activities this condition. They can ensure you remain capable of doing the activities you love without triggering symptoms.

    We also provide invaluable support before and after breast cancer surgery and hysterectomies. These medical procedures can have profound physical and psychological impacts, and tailored exercise interventions can significantly aid in recovery and well-being.