If you’re living with hypothyroidism, chances are you’ve felt the frustration. Despite your best efforts — eating well, staying active, following medical advice — the scales don’t seem to budge. Fatigue hangs around like a shadow, and your body just doesn’t feel like it used to.

We see this all the time at East Coast Rehab & Health, and you’re certainly not alone. Hypothyroidism and exercise physiology may not often appear in the same sentence — but they absolutely should. With the right approach to movement, you can restore energy, support your metabolism, and take meaningful steps toward feeling better in your body.

Let’s unpack what hypothyroidism really is, and why working with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist like Ben Larner can make all the difference.

🧠 So, What Is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition where your thyroid — a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck — doesn’t produce enough of the hormones your body relies on to regulate metabolism, temperature, heart rate, and energy.

When thyroid hormone levels drop, everything slows down.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Persistent tiredness and low energy
• Sensitivity to cold
• Difficulty managing weight
• Brain fog and poor concentration
• Mood changes or low mood
• Constipation
• Dry skin and brittle hair
• Sluggish heart rate
  

Diagnosis is usually made through blood tests ordered by your GP or specialist, and treatment typically includes thyroid hormone replacement therapy. But here’s the thing — while medication helps regulate hormone levels, it doesn’t always resolve all the symptoms. This is where exercise physiology comes in.

💪 Why Hypothyroidism and Exercise Physiology Go Hand in Hand

When your body is dealing with low thyroid function, the usual “just exercise more” advice can feel impossible — or downright discouraging. Traditional exercise routines that push too hard can leave you more exhausted, mess with your recovery, and even raise cortisol (your stress hormone), which can work against weight loss efforts.

That’s why the relationship between hypothyroidism and exercise physiology is so important.

An Exercise Physiologist (EP) doesn’t just give you a generic workout plan. They take into account:

• Your diagnosis and current thyroid levels
• Your energy patterns throughout the day
• Other health conditions or limitations
• Your current physical activity tolerance
• Your goals and what you want to feel better about
  

At East Coast Rehab & Health, Ben Larner tailors every movement plan to work with your body — not against it. He helps you find that sweet spot where your body gets the support it needs, without adding more stress or fatigue.

⚖️ How Exercise Physiology Supports Weight Management in Hypothyroidism

One of the most common (and difficult) symptoms of hypothyroidism is unwanted weight gain — particularly around the abdomen. The slowing of your metabolism and reduction in energy often make it harder to burn calories or maintain muscle mass.

Here’s where exercise physiology shines:

1. Strength-Based Exercise
Building muscle increases your resting metabolic rate — meaning your body burns more energy even when you’re not exercising. Resistance training also supports better blood sugar regulation and hormone function.

2. Controlled Cardiovascular Activity
Low- to moderate-intensity cardio, like walking or cycling, helps improve circulation, manage body fat, and lift your mood. Ben will help you find the right amount that energises you without wiping you out.

3. Improved Energy and Mood
Moving your body in a guided, supportive way can help clear brain fog, boost your mental health, and support better sleep — all crucial for thyroid function and general wellbeing.

4. A Plan You Can Stick To
Let’s face it — motivation is hard when you’re tired. That’s why Ben builds achievable, flexible programs that focus on consistency, not intensity. Whether it’s once a week or three, your plan is designed to work with real life.

🙋‍♀️ You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Living with hypothyroidism can be isolating. It’s easy to feel like no one understands the daily effort it takes just to get through a sluggish morning or navigate the ups and downs of your weight.

At East Coast Rehab & Health, we get it. We’ve worked with many people who have come in discouraged, tired, and unsure of what to do next — and left feeling supported, understood, and stronger in both body and mindset.

Hypothyroidism and exercise physiology together offer a sustainable approach to managing symptoms, improving energy, and reclaiming confidence in your body.

📍 Book with Ben Larner Today

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and want to feel more in control of your energy, weight, and overall health — Ben’s here to help. As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, he blends clinical knowledge with genuine, personalised care.

💬 No pressure. No guilt. Just a program that actually makes sense for where you’re at right now.

📞 Ready to get started? Contact East Coast Rehab & Health today to book a consult or ask a few questions. Let’s get you moving forward — at your pace, with the right support.