Sam Higham, AES, Fitness Industry
Name: Sam Higham
Job title: Accredited Exercise Scientists
Company/Organisation: Contrast Fitness
How long have you been in the role? 5 years
Give us a brief background on your career to date?
2010-2016 = Customer service at a rock climbing gym
2015 = Completed Honours in Sport & Exercise Science
2015 = Personal Trainer at Atleta
2015 = Personal Trainer at Rhodes Corporate Gym
2015/16 = Touch football coach at a high school
2016-present = Founded Contrast Fitness and worked as AES within this
2017-present = Commenced PhD in Sport & Exercise Science
What have been the highlights?
Improving the quality of life of various individuals previously at risk of disease
Any lowlights?
Job security and difficulties in distinguishing myself from a Cert IV accredited PT.
What are you plans for the next 3-5 years?
- Complete PhD and attempt to grow Contrast Fitness
- Help ESSA to get AES on MBS!
If you could name 3 skills, you need for your role what would they be?
- Coaching skills; visual, tactile and auditory cues
- Accounting skills
- Marketing skills
One piece of advice you would give a student.
Understand which type of population (general vs athletic vs diseased) you would like to work with and then determine which professional accreditation you need to work with this population.