Specialist cardiac exercise support built on evidence, experience, and care
Richard Stantiford is one of the UK's most experienced private cardiac rehabilitation specialists — an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (C-EP) with over 30 years in health and fitness and more than two decades dedicated to working with cardiac patients.
His work focuses on helping people who have experienced a cardiac event — whether a heart attack, bypass surgery, stent procedure, or valve replacement — to rebuild their confidence, return to safe physical activity, and take an active role in their long-term heart health.
Richard holds an MSc in Exercise & Behavioural Medicine (with Distinction) from the University of West London and is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as an Exercise Physiologist (C-EP) — the gold-standard credential for exercise professionals working with clinical populations.
Richard Stantiford, MSc, ACSM C-EP, BACPR
Professional credentials
Qualifications and certifications
Richard's qualifications reflect a commitment to the highest clinical and professional standards in exercise physiology and cardiac rehabilitation.
MSc Exercise & Behavioural Medicine
Master of Science degree (level 7) in Exercise and Behavioural Medicine. Modules included Exercise Physiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical Exercise Testing and Prescription, Behaviour Change Counselling. University of West London — awarded with Distinction.
ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (C-EP)
American College of Sports Medicine — the gold-standard credential for clinical exercise prescription
BACPR Certified Exercise Instructor
British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation — Phase IV cardiac rehabilitation
REPs Level 4 — Cardiac Rehabilitation
Register of Exercise Professionals — recognised specialist in exercise after cardiac events
Pulmonary Rehabilitation certified level 4 with Wright Foundation
Specialist training in exercise prescription for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory conditions
Emergency Life Support & Defibrillator Trained
Fully trained in emergency life support with an AED (defibrillator) always on site during all in-person PT sessions and cardiopulmonary exercise classes in Hove
Qualified Instructor in Qi-Gong and Tai Chi for Rehabilitation
Certified instructor in Qi-Gong and Tai Chi, integrating gentle movement practices to support rehabilitation, balance, and recovery
GP Exercise on Referral Qualification
Qualified to deliver GP-referred exercise programmes for individuals with a wide range of medical conditions
Experience
Decades of specialist, first-hand experience
Richard's experience is not theoretical — it has been built through thousands of hours working directly with cardiac patients across NHS and private settings.
Over 30 years working in the health and fitness industry
More than 20 years dedicated specifically to cardiac patient populations
Experience across NHS cardiac rehabilitation and private specialist practice
Worked with patients recovering from heart attacks, bypass surgery, angioplasty, valve replacements, and heart failure
Supporting individuals with co-morbidities including diabetes, stroke, COPD, and obesity
Qualified in pulmonary rehabilitation — working with COPD and other chronic respiratory conditions
Emergency life support and defibrillator trained, with an AED always on site for in-person sessions
Philosophy & approach
A careful, clinically informed approach
Richard's methodology prioritises safety, structure, and long-term health outcomes over intensity or speed of results.
Evidence-based exercise prescription
Every programme is built on current clinical guidelines from the ACSM, BACPR, and NICE, not trends or guesswork.
Thorough initial assessment
Before any exercise begins, I conduct a detailed health screening and risk stratification to ensure safety and appropriateness.
Structured, progressive programming
Sessions follow a carefully planned progression, adjusting intensity, volume, and type of exercise based on your response and medical status.
Education alongside exercise
I explain the rationale behind every exercise and lifestyle recommendation so you understand the 'why', not just the 'what'.
Collaboration with your medical team
Where appropriate, I liaise with your GP, cardiologist, or cardiac rehabilitation team to ensure a joined-up approach to your care.
Long-term health, not short-term intensity
The goal is sustainable cardiovascular health and quality of life — not extreme fitness targets or rapid transformations.
Who I work with
The people I support
My services are designed for people with specific cardiac or cardiovascular conditions who require specialist exercise guidance — not general fitness coaching.
Adults recovering from heart attacks, bypass surgery, stent procedures, or valve replacements
People living with stable angina, heart failure, or atrial fibrillation who want to exercise safely
Individuals who have completed NHS Phase III cardiac rehabilitation and want continued specialist support
People with cardiac-related anxiety who need reassurance and structured guidance to rebuild confidence
Those managing co-existing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or obesity alongside a cardiac diagnosis
Older adults who want to reduce cardiovascular risk through safe, evidence-based exercise
Motivation
Why I do this work
For many people, the biggest challenge after a cardiac event is not willingness — it is uncertainty. They want to improve their health, but they are unsure what is safe, how to progress, and whether they can trust their body again.
I have spent more than 30 years helping people move through that uncertainty. I created this service because too many individuals fall through the gap between completing NHS cardiac rehabilitation and having access to genuinely specialist, ongoing support.
My work is not about pushing people harder. It is about providing the structure, knowledge, and reassurance that enables them to exercise safely and confidently — for the rest of their lives.
Important: Scope of practice
Richard Stantiford is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (C-EP) — not a medical doctor, cardiologist, or physiotherapist. His services focus on safe, structured exercise prescription and lifestyle support for people with cardiac conditions.
This service does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or clinical interventions. All participants are advised to obtain clearance from their GP or consultant before beginning any exercise programme.
Where appropriate, Richard works alongside participants' existing medical teams to ensure a coordinated, safe approach to rehabilitation and long-term health management.
Ready to take the next step?
If you are looking for specialist cardiac rehabilitation support from a qualified, experienced professional, I would welcome the opportunity to understand your situation and discuss how I may be able to help.