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.