Archive for category: Barefooter Stories

1 – What’s your favourite activity outside of work and how does it help you live your Barefoot Lifestyle?   

Outside of work, I love spending time with my dog, Potato. So, taking him for walks, fetching, playing soccer and a nap. I find it relaxing when I spend time in places where there is a lot of nature! I also love to get my family and friends to get together to play volleyball and have a nice dinner as well! 

2 – We know that bodies love to move, what do you enjoy doing movement-wise? 

I take Potato for a walk every morning to start my day, and in the afternoon, I love to play soccer with Potato plus table tennis with my father. It is hard to come out on top as my dad has got an amazing defence! On the weekends, my family and friends come together to play volleyball using a portable setup, put the net slightly lower, and it’s perfect for badminton! Being portable, we can take it wherever we want, including parks, the backyard, or the beach too! 

3 – Tell us about a happy memory or memories and how it shaped the person you are today? 

When I graduated from primary education, I was disappointed having not received the science award in my class. One of my happiest memories was being awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Science Award in the graduate cohort at my high school. This really shaped the person that I am today, because this moment demonstrated to me that no matter how difficult the task in front may appear to be, it is achievable, with clearly set goals, coupled with a lot of time, determination, and perseverance! In this case, this goal took seven years to achieve! 

4 – If you could choose your dream holiday, would you prefer an international or local destination? And what has been your favourite holiday so far?  

My dream holiday must be Japan! My partner and I love a good anime, and the preserved historical/cultural artistry, music and food is something that we really want to experience. My favourite holiday so far has been the Airbnb trip up to the Sunshine Coast with my family, including Potato! It was so peaceful with only the sound of leaves rustling gently. It was pet friendly, and so Potato was able to be completely involved in all the activities. He also helped with hotpot and Korean BBQ by being there! 

5 – What made you want to become a Physiotherapist and so far, what has been your favourite moment as a physio? 

Helping people from a health perspective has always been my dream ever since I was a kid. It is how I see myself doing my bit to change the world. I was extremely fascinated about science, anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. Growing up, I was increasingly aware of the health challenges our world faces, and how physiotherapy can be at the forefront of disease prevention rather than reactive healthcare. One of my favourite moments as a physio was on clinical placement where I worked with a client with long-term pain and disability from knee osteoarthritis. The client returned one day asking me if it was necessary to come to class anymore, as the client’s pain had much improved, and was participating in hobbies again! 

Bonus question: You have mentioned that you do not have the average Taiwanese food. How do you and your family connect over food? 

We like to eat simple with minimal added seasoning which contrasts with the food when I visit my family in Taiwan. The natural taste of the ingredients themselves brings out so much flavour! We also love to connect with family and friends during mealtime. Just recently, I hosted a hotpot at home with my friends, partner and my family and we were all watching the League of Legends Finals together!

When thinking about our wonderful Barefooter clients there’s generally quite a few shared attributes and one of them is a Zest For Life. A zest for life is something Seraj has in spades. He lights up any room he is in and always has a smile and a funny story to share whether that be a recent work story, one from his many hobbies or travel related. He also has a long list of passions to keep him chatting, but one thing that underpins it all is his love of movement and all things exercise. That’s where Physio comes in helping keep Seraj feeling his best so he can keep up with his very full schedule. He recently answered some questions from Britt, so keep reading to find out a bit more about what this Barefooter gets up to!

Question 1: It’s been an awesome few years now of getting to call you a Barefooter Seraj, what does living your best Barefoot lifestyle mean to you and what does that look like?

Living my best Barefooter lifestyle is about being able to do the daily activities I love and not worry about my lower back troubles. Things like being able to hike long distances where activities I took for granted. Plus the feeling post dry needles is also pretty incredible.

Question 2: We know bodies love to move and I know you love all things sport and exercise; can you share with us your favourite exercise/sport and why?

My favourite sport ever since I was a child has been AFL. Growing up in Melbourne, everyone at school was a Collingwood supporter and I had followed suit. Winning the premiership last year made 2023 one of the best years of my life. Being able to play it again socially has been extremely rewarding both mentally and physically.

Question 3: In all out chats Travel is somehow always brought up, can you tell us what has been your favourite travel memory so far and why?

I did my first ever international solo trip last year to Europe. The countries which I had visited were Norway, England, Sweden and Denmark. My favourite memory of the whole trip were the fjords in Norway. The place felt incredibly surreal. A close second though were the Tivoli Gardens in Denmark. 

Question 4: Further to that point what is your dream holiday destination?

My dream holiday destination is Norway again but I want to visit again during winter and experience the Northern Lights and get to swim with Wild Killer Whales.

Question 5: When you aren’t busy being Apple’s best sales representative what do you like to do on your days off?

On my days off theres two different things I love doing: going to the beach and trying different cuisines. At the moment I can’t get enough of trying different menu items from the Andonis cafe.

1 – What’s your favourite activity outside of work and how does it help you live your Barefoot Lifestyle ?  

When I am not at work, you can find me at the climbing gym. I love bouldering as it is a great way to move around and have fun at the same time. I also love that it reminds me that persistence and consistency pay off. There is a lot of falling off the wall, but you must pick yourself up and keep going. It is the best feeling to send a climb that you have been working hard to figure out!

2 – We know that bodies love to move, what do you enjoy to do movement-wise?

I am happiest when I am moving, so most of my favourite things to do are physically active. Rock climbing/bouldering is great as it is physically demanding but also requires problem solving skills to figure out the route. Running is how I relieve stress. My workouts at the gym and yoga allow me to keep up my form so I can continue to enjoy the activities I love.

3 – What is one of your favourite memories and how did it shape who “Kelcie” is today? 

My love of travel and adventure began in 2006 on my first overseas trip to Thailand and Laos. It inspired me to see the world. I have travelled to several countries in Africa, Costa Rica, Singapore, the United States, and of course, Australia! I am always up for a new adventure and will likely try some sort of high adrenaline activity along the way, such as bungee jumping, sky diving, white water rafting… I’ll try anything!

4 – If you could choose your dream holiday, would you prefer an international or local destination? And what has been your favourite holiday so far? 

Australia is technically an international destination for me, so I would love to see all the amazing sights Australia has to offer. I would love to go to the Kimberleys and explore WA a little more. New Zealand is on the list as well!

My favourite holiday was in 2012 when I travelled through several countries in Africa for 6 weeks and camped. Nambia was one of my favourite countries to visit as the Namib desert in the south is incredible, especially at sunrise (and I’m not a morning person).

5 – What made you want to become a Physiotherapist and so far what has been your favourite moment as a physio?

I have worked in the fitness industry since 2011 and I started my own private personal training business in 2018. My focus as a trainer was building high quality and control of movement for my clients to make them more resilient. I worked with a lot of retirees who were looking to maintain their health and make the most of their retirement years. Business was just picking up for me at the gym in March of 2020, and then we all know what happened next. I needed a career that was more pandemic proof, so I used my downtime during the pandemic to complete the prerequisite courses I needed to get into physiotherapy school. I got into the University of Queensland and now I am a Physiotherapist in Australia!

One of the standout moments for me has been how much I enjoy working with my clients and hearing from them that I am in my element.

Bonus Question: We know you love your mountain sports! What is your favourite one and why?

Do I have to pick just one?!? Rock climbing may seem like the obvious choice, but I really love stand-up paddleboarding across mountain lakes. I love being on the water and usually it is quite relaxing to paddle across a lake, set up camp for a night on the other side, and paddle back in the morning.

Questions by Caitlin

A passion for anything health and fitness paired with a bubbly personality make Jacki a delight to have in the clinic and a great role model for living your Barefoot lifestyle!

1. Pre COVID you were regularly competing in Masters swimming, including National championships. Can you tell us more about how you got into that and what motivates you to keep going?

Before COVID hit and everything changed, I had been regular Master’s swimming competitor.  It all began when I turned 50 and was looking for a challenge.  I hadn’t swum competitively for 35 years, so that first time diving off the blocks to race was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time! The first competition I did was the National championships on the Gold Coast (I don’t like to do things by half!).  I came home with a medal and was hooked.  The many interesting and fun people I have met at the many swim meets I have been to around Australia is awesome.  It is a very inclusive place to compete, and really the best thing is beating yourself with a PB.  Since COVID a lot of our competitions have been cancelled, but I keep training for the fun of it and the friendships made at the pool.

2.  You also love lifting heavy in the gym which we love to see! Have you got any goals you’re currently eyeing off in the gym and what is about lifting heavy stuff that you like so much.

The arrival of COVID moved my focus to my other great exercise love, the gym.  I love lifting heavy, it gives me a sense of power and invincibility.  I am constantly surprised by how much weight I can move in a session, we are all much stronger than we think!  I am currently training for a strength testing day run at the PE DEPT, the gym I attend.  I am hoping for some PB’s, in the 3 lifts, back squat, bench press and deadlift.  Hopefully with all the help from my support crew, Caitlin at Barefoot, and the team of trainers I will get some joy!!  Of course as long as I lift well with good form I will be happy.

3.  In a former life you were a nurse, but more recently you have trained as a personal trainer and teach group classes, largely focusing on older populations. What drew you to that and what have you learned in the process?

It seems turning 50 prompts changes in your life!!  I studied and became a personal trainer as I approached 50, I have always loved anything to do with sport and exercise.  With a healthcare background it seemed the obvious step, to assist others to achieve fitness goals.  I currently specialise in the older age group fitness and run classes specifically aimed at older people.  It is a section of the community who are mostly overlooked by the fitness industry, but a group who needs it as much as others.  I love my old people (I can say that, cause I am old too) they have a great attitude and gain so much more from coming to the gym than the exercise alone.  There is the whole social aspect which can be as important if they live alone.  I am also involved in an exercise program for cancer survivors.  Just like the older age group this demographic can be left behind as well.  I have learned from both groups that most things are possible if you just get up and try!!

4.  Where is the first place you are headed once the world (safely) opens back up?

Once the world reopens, which hopefully is soon, I will be going to visit my son in Scotland, with a little side trip somewhere in Europe, depending on the time of year!

Questions by Britt

It is always great to chat to you and hear your passion about helping improve people’s lives. What led to you becoming a peer support person and can you tell us a bit about what your job entails?  

What led me to my current career as Peer support worker was that both my mother and myself suffered mental health issues. I wanted to be able to support people from a non-judgemental place to help them through their recovery.  I have had my own addiction and mental health struggles and my role allows me to role model recovery and give patient and families hope.

On top of the amazing job you are doing you have recently undertaken a University degree. What made you want to study Social Work and what is your goal career position? 

Since working for Queensland Health and in the mental health sector I wanted to learn more and be able to make more of an impact, so I decided at the age of 37years to start uni and become a Social worker! Social work will allow me to inject my knowledge, skills, and life experience in many areas in social justice and human services. Another main driver of wanting to become a Social worker is for my kids when we have them.

Outside of being a super awesome professional we know you love travelling, what has been one of our favourite holidays and why?  

I have to say my favourite place was New Zealand. I loved the weather, wine, food and everywhere you look it’s just beautiful.  My wife and I are yet to travel to Tasmania, and this are definately one place on our bucket list. We love the cold, fireplaces, red wine and getting in touch with nature.

And finally; can you share how special your wedding day was to you

I never thought I’d ever get the opportunity to marry someone until the laws changed so I kinda resided to the fact I’d never really find my soul mate. When Louise came into my life everything changed, for the first time I felt complete,  like the other part of me was finally here. We both wanted a winter wedding which we had in the Hunter Valley in July. Red wine, fire pits, family friends and my soul mate, it was the most incredible day of my life.