Clinical Exercise Physiology Team
Nicholas Barsoum
B.ExPhys (UNSW)
ESSA Member
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Accredited Exercise Scientist
Nick is an experienced senior Exercise Physiologist with ESSA and has a passion for assisting people rehabilate chronic injuries and disease using principles of the motor control theory. Nick incorporates neuromuscular reprogramming techniques into holistic rehabilitative exercise programs to address full body movement dysfunctions and asymmetries. With a vast experience working within both private practice and hospital environments, Nick has built extensive experience in the prevention and management of conditions including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, obesity, Parkinson’s, stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis and surgical interventions.
Playing soccer at an elite level has enabled Nick to implement his experience in the management and programming of strength and conditioning programs for his high level athletic clients. The incorporation of rehabilitation principles into his strengthening programs enables Nick to ensure his athletes stay injury free whilst performing at their maximum physical potential.
Marcus Cassaniti
B. HealthSc, M. ExPhys (CSU)
ESSA Member
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Accredited Exercise Scientist
Marcus is an ESSA accredited Exercise Physiologist and exercise scientist with a passion for promoting health and well-being. Marcus specialises in musculoskeletal, neurological and chronic diseases and enjoys taking a functional approach to help strengthen and empower his clients to life the best life they can.
He believes that exercise and lifestyles changes can have positive effects on a wide variety of chronic disease while pushing the importance of exercise as medicine to combat many of the issues people deal with in everyday life.
Nutritionist
Sonya Cacciotti
BHSc, AdDipNat, GradDipHlthSci (Nutrition Medicine), GradDip (Sports Nutrition)
Registered Nutritionist and Naturopath
Supporting the comprehensive care offered by Fitness Clinic, Mrs Sonya Cacciotti is available for nutritional consultations.
Sonya first began working in the nutritional field within a medical setting with Dr Michael Hayter in Ballina in 1998 whilst in her second year of study and has extensive experience combining lifestyle and medical treatment plans based on current evidence and individual client requirements.
Sonya’s passion for helping people find their optimal wellness was ignited during her studies, each qualification spurring her on to learn and apply more. She holds a Health Science Degree majoring in Complementary Medicine and a Post Graduate Diploma of Health Science, Nutrition Medicine. In 2016 she completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Nutrition through the International Olympic Committee and is an ISAK trained Level 1 Anthropometrist.
Her studies are complemented by extensive industry experience, including over 20 years of clinical and academic work both in Australia and the USA.
Sonya is registered with the Nutrition Society of Australia and the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.
Personal Trainers
Luke Dirckze
Luke is an enthusiastic and motivated Personal Trainer, giving up full time employment in 2016 to follow his passion within the fitness industry. His personal achievement in successfully losing a third of his body weight sparked the interest in helping others with their goals.
Luke has helped a range of clients with their health and fitness goals, either in one on one Personal Training sessions or in group fitness classes. He understands that attitude and consistency are key to achieving results, and is always eager to share his tactics for a healthier mindset.
“I’ve been involved with Fitness Clinic since 2013, and love the friendly community of members and trainers! There’s nothing more satisfying than being in a motivating gym environment, especially one like Fitness Clinic where everyone is welcoming and ready to share their knowledge on health and fitness.
Research Team
Joe Walsh Msci Phys
Joe is a highly experienced exercise scientist. A principle researcher in a number of global research teams, he has conducted research in many areas of sport and exercise, with findings presented at major international conferences in Europe, Asia, North America and Australasia. Joe has much experience working with athletes and teams across a range of sports and events both within Australia and internationally. Currently Joe is involved with a number of research studies being conducted at Australian and US universities, including Charles Darwin University and the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine at Bond University here in Australia.
Associate Professor Mike Climstein PhD, FASMF, FACSM, FAAESS, AEP
Dr. Mike is one of Australia’s leadig exercise physiologists and is currently also involved in a number of research projects being conducted in association with Sydney University.
QUALIFICATIONS
PhD Exercise Science & Human Performance – Oregon State University
MSc Exercise Science – Utah State University
BS Biology – Utah State University
AEP Accredited Exercise Physiologist