Role of physical activity and its therapeutic benefits, in particular within the treatment of substance abusers

Born and raised locally, I had a number of career changes (soldier, evil “Black Armourer” in a medieval jousting tournament, tree surgeon) before working in the health and fitness industry. I studied for my BSc (Hons) Sport Studies here at Southampton in the department I now lecture within. I graduated with a 2:1 in 2000 and started my own personal training business, Active Health & Fitness. In 2001, I enrolled on the MSc Exercise & Health Sciences at University of Bristol, which I studied for part time. While studying for my MSc, I continued the personal training and also taught Sport Science at a further education college, where I completed my Certificate in Education.

In 2002, I joined the University of Southampton as Lecturer in Sport, teaching the health and fitness elements in the BA (Hons) Sports Management and Leadership and BSc (Hons) Sport Studies programmes. Since then my teaching has expanded and I now teach qualitative research methods, and a range of units across both programmes. In 2004, I took over as the chair of the departments ethics committee, which compliments my research methods teaching. I am currently working on my PhD investigating the role of physical activity in addiction treatment, supervised by Professor Ken Fox at the University of Bristol. Allied to my PhD I have started training to become a counselor.

Away from of work, I am a phase IV cardiac rehabilitation instructor delivering cardiac rehabilitation for cardiac patients. I have also taught Boxercise for several years and train whenever commitments allow. I enjoy music and try to DJ, much to my son’s amusement; I am passionate about things on two wheels, enjoying mountain biking, riding road bikes and motorbikes.

1. Sport Studies BSc (Hons)
2. Managing and Developing Sport BA (Hons)

ACSM Health and Fitness Instructor
ACSM Advanced Personal Trainer
BACR Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Instructor
Falls Prevention Instructor
Motivational Interviewing
Boxercise Instructor

Personal training for Active Health & Fitness