Movement is a powerful tool for well-being and human connection.
The Connection Through Movement Studio is a vibrant student learning environment, where undergraduate and postgraduate students work alongside experienced professionals to deliver thoughtful, person-centred care. Every session is an opportunity to move with purpose, grow together, and build meaningful connections – through movement.
We welcome people with most medical conditions, tailoring exercise to your individual needs and ensuring it is safe, supportive, and effective.
Classes
Staff and students have at least 4–5 years studying experience and have, or are working toward a specialised post-graduate diploma in clinical exercise physiology. All exercise sessions are closely monitored, and we maintain direct communication with your medical specialists to ensure safe and effective care.
We offer both individual sessions and group classes tailored to your needs.
The type of exercise you do is based upon your medical history, other medical conditions/injuries you have, and your goals. It may include:
- Aerobic type activities – exercise that makes you breathe a bit more, such as walking, leg or arm cycling, cross-trainer or rowing
- Strengthening exercises – often using body weight or resistance bands to build muscle strength
- Flexibility and balance training – to support mobility, stability, and daily function
Arthritis
In our group classes for people with arthritis, each participant follows an individualised program tailored to their specific needs, all within a supportive group setting. These supportive group sessions aim to help build strength, improve mobility and grow confidence in a safe environment.
Neuro
In our group classes for individuals with neurological conditions, such as stroke or Parkinson’s Disease, each participant receives support in completing an individualised exercise program specific to their needs, within a group setting. These group sessions are aimed to support individuals to achieve their goals in a safe and comfortable environment, with individual support available. Individuals need to be able to move without assistance to be eligible for this programme.
Diabetes
In our group classes for individuals with diabetes, each individual will follow an individual program tailored to their specific needs and goals, while being supported in a group setting. These group sessions are aimed to build strength and grow confidence while having fun!
Falls prevention
Our falls prevention classes are designed for older adults (aged 65+) where we aim to reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, and coordination. Within a group setting, participants will participate in a variety of functional exercises that target everyday activity to build your confidence in movement.
Join
To join the studio, you will first need to complete a short medical screening questionnaire.
Depending on the results, you may be asked to contact your GP or specialist for medical clearance before starting. Provide any relevant medical history, such as hospital discharge summaries or medical letters, is also very helpful in creating a safe and effective exercise programme tailored to your needs.
Once this information has been received, we will contact you to arrange your initial assessment.
You are more than welcome to come in during our opening hours to have a look at a typical session and get a feel for how things are run. You can also talk to the staff/students or other clients if you have any questions.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday 9:00am–6:00pm
We’re here to support your movement goals whether you're working on recovery, strength, balance, or overall well-being, our team is ready to guide you with personalised exercise prescriptions during these hours. Please contact us to arrange a time.
The studio is closed over the summer university break (mid-November until end of March).
Cost
We invite those that are in a position to give a small donation to support the clinic in the training and development of postgraduate students in clinical exercise physiology and serve the community – however there is no expectation to pay.
Contact
Whether you’re looking to book a session, ask a question, or learn more about our studio, feel free to reach out.
Tel +64 3 470 4751
Email ctmstudio@otago.ac.nz
Physical address: 55 Union Street West, Dunedin