Justine Prata

Personal Training & Clinical Exercise Support

At Waves Leuven, I work as a Personal Trainer and Clinical Gym Specialist supporting a
broad and diverse population across preventive and therapeutic contexts.

I guide individuals who want to improve strength, movement quality, and physical capacity
— as well as people navigating more complex health journeys. These include pre- and
postnatal women, individuals recovering from injury or illness, people living with chronic
conditions, and members of the general population who wish to start or return to physical
activity or learn a new sport in a safe and structured way.

A Holistic, Biopsychosocial Approach
My work is grounded in a holistic, biopsychosocial perspective. Physical training is never
viewed in isolation, but as part of a larger picture that includes psychological wellbeing,
stress, lifestyle demands, and social context.

Training is not simply about improving performance — it is about:
• Enhancing overall quality of life
• Restoring functional independence
• Building confidence in movement
• Creating sustainable long-term health behaviours

The goal is not short-term change, but lasting resilience.

Coaching Beyond Exercise
A structured coaching component is central to my work. Sustainable progress requires
understanding the personal factors that influence behaviour, recovery, and adherence.

Together, we explore:
• Pain beliefs and fear of movement
• Chronic stress and nervous system overload
• Fatigue patterns and recovery capacity
• Motivation and lifestyle constraints

By identifying both facilitators and barriers, training goals are translated into realistic
strategies that fit daily life — not only structured training sessions.

Complex & Chronic Health Profiles
I work extensively with individuals presenting with complex or high-sensitivity health
conditions, including:
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic stress-related disorders
• Persistent fatigue and psychosomatic complaints
• Long-standing musculoskeletal pain
• Osteopenia and osteoporosis
• Cancer survivorship
• Neurological and motor disorders (including cerebral palsy)
• Various physical disabilities

In these contexts, exercise programming requires precision and adaptability. Programmes
are evidence-informed, carefully individualised, and aligned with medical guidance.

The focus lies on:
• Nervous system regulation and graded exposure
• Careful load progression adapted to symptom variability
• Rebuilding trust in the body
• Supporting functional independence and autonomy
• Improving participation in meaningful daily and recreational activities

Rather than pushing through symptoms, we work with the body — gradually expanding
physical and psychological capacity while respecting recovery boundaries.

Weight Management & Metabolic Health
I have substantial experience supporting individuals in weight management and metabolic
health trajectories, including clients who are overweight or obese and individuals with a
history of eating disorders.
These cases are always approached within a multidisciplinary framework, in close
collaboration with dietitians, psychologists, and medical professionals. The emphasis
remains health-centred, non-restrictive, and sustainable.

Safe Return to Sport & Running
I support individuals from the general population who want to (re)start sports or take up
activities such as running in a safe, structured, and progressive manner.

This includes:
• Gradual build-up after inactivity or injury
• Strength and conditioning to support running mechanics
• Load management to prevent overuse complaints
• Improving movement quality before increasing intensity

The goal is not competitive performance, but confident and sustainable participation in
sport — whether that means completing a first 5 km, returning to recreational sports, or
simply feeling strong enough to move freely again.

Collaborative & Individualised Care
Across all client groups, my practice is characterised by:
• Thorough individual assessment
• Personalised exercise prescription
• Continuous monitoring and adaptation
• Close interdisciplinary communication

I actively collaborate with referring cardiologists, physicians, physiotherapists,
psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe progression, clarity of
roles, and continuity of care.

The Core Principle
Whether you are rebuilding after illness, managing a chronic condition, navigating stress-
related symptoms, or preparing your body to start moving again — the common thread
remains the same:

Progress that is safe, intelligent, and sustainable.