As part of our WE ARE AUSactive member feature series, we recognise the diverse experiences and lived journeys of AUSactive members who contribute meaningfully to the exercise and active health industry across Australia. This WE ARE AUSactive member feature highlights professionals whose work supports stronger, healthier communities.
This week, we are proud to present the WE ARE AUSactive member feature of Chris Highgate, an experienced exercise professional and founder of Highgate’s Functional Conditioning. With more than 30 years of involvement in the fitness industry as both a trainee and a trainer, Chris’s career reflects a deep commitment to education, resilience and service.
From early exposure to elite strength sports and coaching to working with military, police and specialist populations, Chris has built a career grounded in evidence based practice. Following his lived experience with mental illness, he has continued to expand his education and apply exercise as a powerful tool to support both physical and mental wellbeing.
This WE ARE AUSactive member feature is a reminder of the vital role exercise professionals play in improving quality of life, particularly for individuals with complex needs, and highlights the importance of ongoing professional development, adaptability and empathy within the active health industry.
Meet Chris Highgate
How long have you been a member of AUSactive?
I joined what was then Fitness Australia in 2015 after completing my Certificate III in Fitness. Shortly after, I registered my business, Highgate’s Functional Conditioning.
What motivated you to pursue a career in the exercise and active health industry?
I’ve been actively involved in the fitness industry for over 30 years, initially as a trainee and later as a trainer. Like many young people, I started training simply because I wanted to put on size, but that quickly became an obsession after being introduced to Australian bodybuilding legend Rocco Oppedisano.
Over time, I had the privilege of meeting and training with elite athletes at the Footscray Institute of Technology in Melbourne including Bev Francis and Gael Patricia Mulhall-Martin, and weightlifters who represented Australia at Oceanic and Commonwealth Games level. These experiences had a huge influence on my understanding of training and performance.
Later, after being introduced to and subsequently coached by Wayne McDonald (World President of I Compete Natural) sparked a deeper interest in coaching, particularly in heavy sports such as weightlifting, powerlifting and Tug-O-War. From there, coaching and helping others became a natural progression
What qualifications do you hold?
I hold a broad range of qualifications across fitness, health, business and public safety, including:
- Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Emergency Management)
- Diploma of Business
- Diploma of Project Management
- Diploma of Security and Risk Management
- Certificate IV in Fitness
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- Certificate IV in Security and Response
- Foundation Diploma of Natural Health
- Advanced Certificate in Nutritional Counselling
- Certified Life Coach
- Diploma of Reflexology
- First Aid and CPR
- Working With Vulnerable People check
I’ve also completed extensive fitness-specific education across strength and conditioning, functional training, injury prevention, older adults, special populations, exercise and mental health, and nutrition.
What has your journey as an exercise professional looked like?
I’ve worked in gyms across the Melbourne metropolitan area and written training programs for individuals preparing to enter the Military and Police services.
Just prior to 2015, the Australian Federal Police introduced a requirement for specialist instructional staff to hold at least a Certificate III qualification. I was given the opportunity to complete the qualification and assist in group training sessions delivered by the AFP’s wellbeing section.
My journey has included coaching across a wide range of populations, from athletes and tactical personnel to older adults and individuals with complex medical and mental health needs.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Managing PTSD following medical discharge was a turning point in my life. Through education and exercise, I have been able to support my own wellbeing and help others facing similar challenges.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Managing mental illness has been my greatest challenge, but it has also shaped how I coach. It has strengthened my ability to deliver safe, tailored and compassionate exercise programs.
How has AUSactive supported you?
AUSactive provides professional connection, education and confidence through alignment with current industry standards and expectations.
What advice would you give to future professionals?
Commit to learning. Choose a pathway, stay curious and continue developing your skills throughout your career.
What is your favourite part of your work?
Supporting older adults and individuals with medical or mental health challenges and seeing exercise improve their quality of life.
What has been your highlight of being an AUSactive member?
Connection, professional security and access to high quality education and resources.
