In September 2005, I was invited to write an editorial regarding the inclusion of AAESS Accredited Exercise Physiologists in the Medicare Plus Scheme. 1 Bishop D. If physical activity is the answer, what is the question?. J Sci Med Sport. 2005; 8: vii-x Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar Around this idea, I chose to raise a few issues regarding the blurring of the distinction between physical activity promotion and exercise prescription. I also argued the need for trained exercise professionals (including exercise physiologists) to deliver prescribed exercise to certain populations. I believe that this is an important debate and I thank Prof. Brown for her response. 2 Brown W. Individual or population approaches to the promotion of physical activity … is that the question?. J Sci Med Sport. 2006; 9: 1 PubMed Google Scholar I would, however, like to clarify my position on a few points: 1.Nowhere in my editorial do I state that “only exercise physiologists can or should be involved in the tertiary prevention or management of health problems”. 2 Brown W. Individual or population approaches to the promotion of physical activity … is that the question?. J Sci Med Sport. 2006; 9: 1 PubMed Google Scholar In my editorial, I wrote that “exercise physiologists … will complement the services of other allied health professionals”. 1 Bishop D. If physical activity is the answer, what is the question?. J Sci Med Sport. 2005; 8: vii-x Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar I do, however, believe that exercise physiologists represent the highest standard within the Australian Health Sector for the delivery of exercise prescription to a wide range of special populations. This seems also to be supported by Prof. Brown who agrees that exercise physiologists should “play a leading role in … the prescription of individual exercise programs.” 2 Brown W. Individual or population approaches to the promotion of physical activity … is that the question?. J Sci Med Sport. 2006; 9: 1 PubMed Google Scholar 2.I agree that “we are not striving for them all (the general public) to become marathon runners”. 2 Brown W. Individual or population approaches to the promotion of physical activity … is that the question?. J Sci Med Sport. 2006; 9: 1 PubMed Google Scholar Considering that the current women's world record marathon time is only slightly less than the recommended 150 min of physical activity per week and that marathon runners can spend in excess of 15 h/week training, it is not clear how the above statement contributes to a debate on the importance of prescribed exercise for certain populations.