Blog Layout

The Story of a Fork and a New Beginning

October 14, 2024

At Absolute Balance, we have a rather unique tradition: every new team member receives an engraved fork upon joining the company. Now, you might wonder—why a fork? Well, it all started in our old office, where forks seemed to vanish mysteriously. No one could ever figure out where they went, and instead of solving the mystery, we decided to turn it into a fun tradition. To make new staff feel welcome (and to ensure they always had their own cutlery!), we started gifting everyone a personalised fork.


When I officially joined the team (and decided to move from Perth to Sydney), I was entrusted with a special mission: delivering the engraved fork to another new team member in Sydney. This fork, however, was no ordinary utensil—it had already racked up some serious miles. Initially flown from Perth to Sydney, it missed its delivery and was flown back to Perth. Now, I was tasked with bringing it back to Sydney by car—making it the most well-travelled fork in Australia!


After completing my university practicum placement with the Perth team as part of my exercise physiology degree, I was eager to take on a new challenge and grow within the company, so I applied for a role with the New South Wales team. I was thrilled when I got the position. This move marked a significant step in my career—transitioning from a student to a fully-fledged exercise physiologist, ready to make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of my clients. The long journey from Perth to Sydney, with the engraved fork in tow, became symbolic of this exciting new chapter in my life.


Day one took us from Perth to Norseman, and it began with a flat tire—maybe not the ideal start, but we were determined! Feeling a mix of excitement and hope about my new career, I was ready to tackle the journey. And honestly, by the time we hit the road, this fork had more travel points than most people.



The drive across the Nullarbor Plain was a test of patience, but it also highlighted the vastness and beauty of the Australian landscape. Somewhere along the 90 Mile Straight, the clutch on the car started acting up—because every epic journey needs a bit of drama, right? We nursed the car all the way to Border Village, a roadhouse just over the South Australian side where the roadhouse staff were amused by the story of the well-travelled fork.


As we continued, we stopped in Kimba, a charming little town in the heart of Australia. It was here that the fork got its own ‘midway point’ photo-op, with Kimba’s beautiful silo art providing the perfect backdrop. The town’s community vibe and warm welcome were exactly what I needed as I adjusted to the idea of leaving my old life in Perth behind and embracing this new adventure.


After a quick pit stop in Port Augusta to fix the clutch (thankfully, the car made it!), we continued our journey through vineyard country along the Murray River and into Victoria. Having coffee by the river, watching the sun rise and set, and knowing that I was getting closer to my new home was a beautiful experience. The last night on the road was spent in Wagga Wagga, where the rain finally caught up with us. As we camped out in the wet and chilly weather, I laughed at the thought of the fork enduring all these adventures, from the outback to the vineyards and now to a rainy campsite. Despite the weather, we stayed cozy in our swag, and the fork was safe and dry, ready for its final destination.


Arriving in Sydney felt like a milestone—not just for me but for the fork, too. It had travelled thousands of kilometres and was finally ready to meet its new owner. It was an exciting moment to hand it over, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter for both of us.


Starting my new role as an exercise physiologist with Absolute Balance has been an incredible experience. After meeting the Sydney team, I felt a strong sense of belonging and support. Having spent time with the Perth team during my practicum, I knew I was joining a company that valued honesty, integrity, teamwork, and empathy—values that I hold close to my heart as I embark on this new journey to make a positive impact in the lives of my clients.

 

This journey was more than just a road trip; it was a personal and professional adventure that taught me the value of resilience, adaptability, and finding humour in unexpected situations. As I settle into my new role, I’m excited to apply these lessons in my work, supporting my clients and helping them reach their health and fitness goals. So, next time you see someone in our team with an engraved fork, you’ll know the story behind it—and you’ll know about the one fork that travelled further than any other.

 

April Hawser

Exercise Physiologist

Exercise Rehabilitation Services – NSW

     

How Exercise Can Benefit Your Relationships

January 17, 2025
Hi all, Daniel from AB here! Today I want to share with you all how exercise can benefit your relationships. Exercise is often celebrated for its physical and mental health benefits, but its positive impact on relationships is equally significant. Engaging in regular physical activity can enhance your connections with others, fostering stronger, healthier relationships. Here's how: Shared Activities Exercising together, like jogging or hiking, creates shared experiences and strengthens bonds. Improved Mood Exercise reduces stress and boosts mood, leading to more positive interactions with others. Increased Confidence Feeling good about yourself can improve how you relate to others, enhancing social interactions. Social Interaction Joining fitness groups introduces you to new people, expanding your social network. Better Communication Exercise improves cognitive function, helping you communicate more effectively. Quality Time Physical activities provide a chance to spend quality time with loved ones. Encouragement Working out with others offers mutual motivation and support, strengthening relationships. Exercise offers more than just physical and mental health benefits; it can also significantly enhance your relationships. By engaging in physical activities with others, you can build stronger bonds, improve communication, and create lasting memories. So, lace up your sneakers, grab a friend or loved one, and start reaping the relational benefits of exercise today! Daniel Dewberry Workers Compensation Specialist ‑ Team Leader East (AEP, ESSAM) Exercise Rehabilitation Services ‑ WA

Starting the New Year off right

January 10, 2025
With a new year upon us every individual will be looking to achieve a new list of goals they would like to achieve for both their physical and mental wellbeing. It is important when setting goals for the new year to break it down into steps so that these can be achieved and keep you motivated along the way. Here are a few steps to help. Specificity A goal must be clear and precise. Ambiguity leads to confusion, whereas specificity provides direction. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” try “I will jog for 30 minutes, five days a week.” This leaves no room for misinterpretation and gives you a concrete path to follow. Measurable: Track Your Progress Goals need to include criteria for measuring success. By tracking your progress, you can stay motivated and recognize when adjustments are needed. Pro Tip: Use tools like journals, apps, or spreadsheets to monitor milestones. Celebrate small wins to keep the momentum alive. Achievable: Stay Realistic Ambition is admirable, but setting goals too far out of reach can lead to frustration and a lack of motivation. Ensure your objectives are challenging yet feasible given your current resources and timeframe. For instance, if you’re a beginner runner, completing a marathon in three months might be overly ambitious, but aiming for a 5K race is more realistic. Pro Tip: Reflect on your past achievements to gauge what’s attainable. Stretch yourself but avoid setting yourself up for failure. Relevant: Align with Your Values Your goals should resonate with your larger life purpose and priorities. Fitness goals should reflect what you want to achieve—not what others expect of you. When your goals are personally meaningful, they’re more likely to inspire consistent action. For example, a person training for a marathon has a different motivation than someone aiming to reduce back pain through core exercises. Both goals are valid, but their relevance depends entirely on the individual’s priorities and circumstances. Time-bound: Set a Deadline A goal without a deadline is just a wish. Adding a timeframe creates urgency and helps you stay on track. Instead of “I’ll lose 5Kg,” say, “I’ll lose 5Kg by a certain date or I will lose 0.5Kg per week for 10 weeks” Pro Tip: Break larger goals into smaller, time-bound tasks. This makes big ambitions feel more manageable and achievable. By using the SMART goal structure, the goals you set coming into 2025 are far more likely to be achieved by keeping you on track and helping you recognise the small wins along the way. These small wins build confidence, discipline and motivation towards the larger goals which will help keep the momentum moving in the right direction. Adrian McKenna​​​​ Exercise Physiologist Exercise Rehabilitation Services ‑ WA

How to stay active during the Festive Season

December 19, 2024
T ime spent in natural outdoor environments has been found to increase cognitive function. Staying active during the holidays can be both fun and beneficial for your health. With all the festive activities, food, and time off, it’s easy to slip into a more sedentary routine, but there are plenty of ways to stay moving while enjoying the season. Here are some ideas to stay active this holiday period. Holiday walks: Take advantage of the holiday lights and decorations around your neighbourhood or a local park. Evening strolls to view holiday displays can be a fun way to stay active. Summer in Australia is a great time to get outdoors as the days are longer. Family sports and games: If you have a backyard or nearby park, gather your friends and family for a game of football, soccer, or basketball. The possibilities are endless. Holiday morning walk or run: Start the day with a refreshing walk or run before the big feast. It’s an excellent way to clear your mind, get some fresh air, and set a positive tone for the day ahead. It can help boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve your metabolism. Holiday advent active calendar: Create your own "active advent calendar" to keep you motivated throughout December. Each day, set a small fitness challenge that fits with your schedule and surroundings. This is a fun way to build consistency while staying active during the festive season. Beach activities: Australia's coastline is perfect for surfing, whether you're a beginner or an expert. December is an ideal time to hit the beach as the weather heats up. Volleyball and cricket are amongst the most popular beach games. References: - Biddle, G.J. et al. (2022) ‘A Christmas themed physical activity intervention to increase participation in physical activity during Advent: Pilot randomised controlled trial’, BMJ [Preprint]. doi:10.1136/bmj-2022-072807. - Boere, K. et al. (2023) ‘Exercising is good for the brain but exercising outside is potentially better’, Scientific Reports, 13(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-022-26093-2. Shafiq Adie Exercise Scientist Corporate Health Services
More Posts
Share by: