1) Could you tell us a little about your career and areas of expertise/interest?
I started working in the fitness and health industry in 1995. Over the years I have worked in a number of related roles, but primarily as a trainer, strength coach and lecturer. My areas of interest are all things body composition, which covers nutrition, strength training, cardiovascular exercise and lifestyle.
2) What drew you to this line of work/research in the first place?
I started work as a trainer while I was studying sports science at university, I immediately found the human body and the way it functioned incredibly fascinating, especially in its application to training and exercise, so my interest was captured and I’ve never looked back.
3) How do you look after your own physical and mental wellbeing?
I make exercise and sleep a non-negotiable priority. This means that most other things, other than family, are subordinate to the time I allocate to exercise and keeping regular sleep rhythms. I also cross train over the week, lifting weights, swimming, cycling, running and stretching. This keeps the stimulus and impact diverse and the exercise enjoyable.
4) Do you have a favourite post-workout cafe?
In Mosman, The Source Cafe in Raglan St and in the city, Mecca.
5) What is one thing you wish people knew about wellbeing?
Small behaviours which become habits have profound impact on our health and well being. Sleeping 7-9 hours a night. Lifting weights and getting up a sweat with some intervals or a long run. This actions do not require a lot of time or motivation, but when done with consistency, improve our health in a remarkable way.
6) What is one of the most ridiculous things you’ve read or seen about wellbeing that you know to be untrue?
Can I give three?
You can sleep less than 6 hours a night and be healthy.
Carbohydrates make you fat.
Strength training will make me bulky.
7) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or websites on health or wellbeing that you’d recommend?
For a higher level discussion, Peter Attia’s podcast the Drive and Andrew Huberman‘s Lab are extremely good. For practical sports nutrition, I love From Paper to Podium. Matthew Walker’s book Why We Sleep is very good and Michael Hutchinson’s Endure is a great read on endurance exercise.
8) What is your top tip for living a healthy and happy life?
Don’t spend time with boring people.