Get to know the Barefoot Team – Physio Cath’s Barefooter Story

1 – What’s something you love to do outside of work and how does it help you live your Barefoot Lifestyle? 

Spending time with friends and family! I usually try to do this in an outdoor setting so getting a dose of both nature and personal connection!  It’s always a good way to regroup, get inspired and refill my own cup. 

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

Thinking about it, it’s exploring shapes and transitions that I love in movement (makes sense with my long history of dance).  These days that tends to look like a combo of yoga, pilates and strengthening exercises in my living room. 

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

Growing up I lived and breathed everything dance.  I was fortunate enough to have wonderful teachers at home, and to attend workshops in other cities.  These experiences taught me a lot about commitment and discipline, passion for the arts, self-reliance and teamwork. I was always encouraged to show up and surround myself with people who were levels up from me to be inspired and not intimidated. While I was less fond of the 5am starts and the many, many blisters from pointe shoes – I wouldn’t trade that experience for 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? 

As much as I love travelling within Australia, my dream holidays tend to be international destinations.  I love experiencing different cultures and seeing the world through someone’s eyes.  I’ve got a long list of destinations I’ve been storing up over the past few years but my dream holiday tends to have a mix of history, nature, performance, and food. 

Favourite holiday so far would have to be a trip to Japan with my partner.  We explored Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Though honourable mention is a three-month solo trip through Europe/UK/Israel, I’m still incredibly proud of myself for that experience and I learnt a lot! 

5 – What made you want to become a Physiotherapist and what has been a stand out moment for you as a physio? 

The thing I loved most about teaching yoga and pilates was working with someone to explore a movement to make it accessible to them, or to achieve that “aha” moment.  I could only do so much of that in the teaching setting, plus I had always been interested in people, movement, health and the human body so physiotherapy seemed like the best way to combine it all! I always love when a client comes into a session or sends an email about how they are doing an activity that they weren’t able to do before. It’s always such a privilege to go on this journey with clients. 

Bonus question: You are known for your love of the arts in general, what has been one of your favourite shows/ performances you have seen and why? 

How to choose?! A stand out performance would have to be Forgery from the Australian Dance Collective (a Brisbane based company!).  It was an improvised piece in response to real time prompts. The artistry and athleticism had me on the edge of my seat the whole show. I loved it so much I went back two nights later and experience a nearly entirely different but equally amazing show. To really pull off improv as performance you need to have guts, confidence in yourself and confidence in your fellow performers. Talk about leaning in!