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Why I became an Exercise Physiologist - Afiq Jackson

Mar 03, 2023

Since being a Team Leader at Absolute Balance, I get the amazing opportunity to assist with the onboarding of the new starter that join our ever-growing team and identifying ‘Why did you become an EP?”, will always be something I ask as early as possible. Starting with WHY and trying to understand someone’s WHY is the most important step in understanding the purpose, meaning or belief behind any action they take.


As Simon Sinek says, ‘it doesn’t matter what you do, it matters why you do it.’


The most significant benefit I have found with understanding the WHY of a colleague is that whenever the ‘going get tough’, either through life or work, if I can always relate it and link it back to the WHY, we can almost get through any challenge and achieve any outcome. So funnily enough, I was only asked the other day by a colleague, ‘Afiq, why did you choose to be an exercise physiologist?’. To my surprise I paused, it had been a while since I considered the notion. Interestingly as I left the conversation, it seemed like the last 9 years since I had graduated played like a mini camera reel quickly in my head and I was trying to hone in on the moment I thought this is why I do what I do.


Rewind...


I studied Exercise Physiology back in 2014 and at the time, it seemed like the natural progression after completing a Bachelor of Exercise Sports Science and I also think it was what some of my other friends had continued to do the same prior. I had a strong desire and interest towards movement and biomechanics; specifically understanding the role that they played in the rehabilitation of an injury. I also paired that with the fact I enjoyed meeting and working with different people and hearing their stories.

Then I worked for a boutique fitness company for 6.5 years not utilising nearly half of what I learnt through my studies, and I got to work on changing the fitness industry and making an impact in people’s lives through exercise. In that time frame I progressed through varying positions to a national role, but at the end of the line, something wasn’t clicking. Whilst I didn’t lose my why, I look back and realise I wasn’t working for my why as much as I thought I was, so I left that company and took the time to work out what’s next.

That time took 4 months. Refreshing, nervous and scary but valuable and much needed.


The most important part of that time was establishing again my why. ‘Why did I study for 4 years to be an Exercise Physiologist?’. But to peel a layer back further, being an Exercise Physiologist was just the method, mode, tool, or service that I used to achieve the why.  I realised that at the centre of the last 9 years and the reason I did the roles I did and worked in the places I had, was that ‘I wanted to help make someone better than they were yesterday’.

So fast forward to now. My role at Absolute Balance is balanced in two spaces, as an Exercise Physiologist and as the Clinical Team Leader and luckily for me I get to make a difference on bettering someone everyday doing both. I get the opportunity to instil small changes in habits, behaviours and attitudes with both patients and colleagues every day. I’m fortunate enough to help a patient go from being unable to kneel and pick up their bag to climbing sets of stairs with relative ease. Each day just helping make a small improvement, that 1%, is why I do what I do.


It's important to never lose sight of the why, as it is most likely going to be the main intrinsic motivator behind all actions or outcomes that people try to achieve. If you find you’re ever facing a hurdle or challenge professionally, or even personally, think back to your why and that should help you create the steps or process to get what you desire.


Afiq Jackson

Workers Compensation Specialist ‑ Team Leader Northwest (AEP, ESSAM)

Exercise Rehabilitation Services ‑ WA

     

The Effects of Fatigue on Workplace Injury Risk: Identifying and Reducing Risk Factors

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Meet 50% of our new starters in QLD

25 Oct, 2024
Meet Rowan 50% of our new QLD AB squad. Hello everybody, I’m Rowan, Accredited Exercise Physiologist at Absolute Balance. I studied in sunny Townsville at James Cook University, graduating in 2014. Shortly after, I landed a position at a local chiropractic clinic as the sole Exercise Physiologist among chiropractors, physiotherapists, and massage therapists. After a year, I transitioned to Max Employment as a Health Services Officer, covering Townsville, Ingham, Ayr, and Charters Towers. In this role, I helped job seekers secure suitable employment, an unexpected shift from my previous experience but one that ignited my passion for the role of exercise in mental health. After a few years, I decided to move to Brisbane, where I ventured into the occupational rehabilitation field. However, I soon realized that vocational rehabilitation wasn’t the right fit for me. This realisation led me to focus on pre-employment medical assessments, including functional capacity evaluations, drug testing, and lifting capacity assessments. Fun fact: I encountered every drug in the tests except cocaine—it's puzzling why people would use methamphetamines the weekend before their employment screenings! Eventually, I traded in corporate attire for shorts and joggers as I embraced a role in the gym environment. I enjoyed working directly with Medicare, DVA, NDIS, and private patients, so much so that I decided to start my own business (2021) with Meagan, the other 50% of the new Queensland team. As we launched our company, I found myself asking, "What the hell do I do now?" That's when I reached out to ol’ Derek Knox to be our business mentor. My experiences with Derek likely echoed those of many others: he was constantly emphasising my "why" and the "red brain-green brain" concept, all while sharing his extensive industry knowledge, and taking time out of his busy schedule just to hear me say things like, ‘nothings really going on this month’, and ‘red brain is bad right?’. Now, I find myself back in the WorkCover space—though this time, I'm not involved in vocational work—and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. If you’ve made it this far, thank you very much for your time, but let’s finish up with 2 truths and a lie, feel free to email me your answers: I hid on a plane, causing a lot of problems, when I was 5yrs and travelling alone from Sydney to Hobart. I was shipped off to military boarding school in Sydney for 9 years. I caused $40,000 worth of damage to a hotel because I left the kitchen sink tap on. Rowan Dicks Workers Compensation Specialist (AEP, ESSAM) Exercise Rehabilitation Services ‑ QLD

The Story of a Fork and a New Beginning

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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
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