my story
I began my journey into Strength and Wellness Coaching in 2003 as a Personal Trainer at Fitness First in Sydney. I quickly discovered that the textbook knowledge I had ingested during my Cert III and IV would not sufficiently deliver the results my clients desired. It was clear that each client is an individual in every aspect; mentally, physically, chemically and emotionally.
I spent the next 5 years diving into all the studies I could get my hands on including getting certified through the CHEK Institute as a CHEK Exercise Coach and Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3. These studies were primarily holistic in approach and required me to look into broader aspects of the human body including psychology, strength training, gut health, nutrition and mindfulness practices. I worked with mentors to deepen my application of that knowledge including industry heavyweights such as Paul Chek, Donal Carr, Gary Crozier, Mark Buckley and Dan Millman.
CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3
CHEK Exercise Coach
Cert III and IV Personal Trainer
FMA Scholarship Student
CAM Faull
the challenge
My real challenges in understanding health came in 2007 during a fateful trip to Bolivia for a volunteer program to work on rehabilitating jungle animals. I witnessed a terrible accident involving two children whom I was unable to help. I began sleeping less and eating less, yet still carrying on my high physical and mental stress duties as a volunteer. It also has to be said, I was doing a fair share of drinking to self-medicate what I was processing.
By the time I got home, my friends and family didn’t recognise who I was anymore. I was suffering from PTSD and over the course of 2 years was hospitalized twice, finally being placed on heavy medication. I spent most of that second year confined to my room, afraid to socialise and frankly, still medicating with alcohol and mostly, not wanting to live anymore.
getting back up
Eventually, after being tired of how I felt, I dragged myself to get some blood work done. My testosterone was severely low and my medication had not been modified correctly over that time. Once I was placed on much lighter meds, my personality slowly returned and my natural instinct to train my body using strength techniques, eating correctly for myself and using meditation to rebalance myself. After six months I no longer needed any medication. I rediscovered the potential I had for maintaining a healthy body and mind through simple disciplines.
the journey of mastery
My days of drinking, high medication and poor diet choices had led me to seek further assistance from my now mentor, Gut Health expert, Dave O’Brien. I have put myself through several leaky gut protocols and continue to study everything I can to learn about the microbiome and blood markers for my own personal health and well-being.
I consider myself a lifelong student and have ongoing mentoring for all things gut and blood-related with Dave. For further Strength and Conditioning learning, I am enrolled in studies with Mark Buckley at FMA to become fully certified in bridging the gap between Rehabilitation and Athletic performance.
Although I have spent some time in the trenches, I feel my story, is my strength. I can greater empathize with people suffering from ongoing health challenges. As someone who has made mistakes and come out the other side, I assure you, there is potential to feel much better within your body if you apply the discipline. I can safely say that I actually feel even better now in my 40’s, than I did in my 20’s.
After learning so much and feeling like I had much to offer, I returned to coaching clients again in 2019. Since that time, I have been even more passionate about working with people to achieve their optimal physical, mental and potential within themselves. With some discipline, a change of habits, movement and the right mindset, we can be on the path to mastery.