ABOUT PEAK HEALTH
Meet our Clinicians
Dedicated Experts Committed To Your Health & Fitness.
Why Peak Health?
We are University Qualified Scientists and Clinicians with unmatched exercise expertise.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower individuals of all fitness levels to achieve optimal health through a holistic approach to movement, strength, and recovery.
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive, motivating environment where clients are supported, inspired by their progress, and part of a community committed to excellence on their wellness journey.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is centred around measurable progress and personalised care.
We believe in the power of integrating rehabilitation, nutrition, and strength training to build a solid foundation for resilience and success. Our expert clinicians are committed to helping you achieve pain-free movement, enhance your performance, and improve your overall health in a safe and effective manner.
Our Difference
Data-driven recovery for real, visible progress at every level.
We stand out by combining expert clinical knowledge with a personalised approach to health and fitness ensuring every aspect of your health and wellness is addressed with precision and care
Martin Kurz
Principal Exercise Physiologist
MClinExPhys/BAppSc(Ex&SS)(Hons)/ESSAM, AEP, ASS
Martin founded Peak Health in 2016 to provide comprehensive support for anyone looking to improve their physical condition, whether by regaining pain-free mobility or enhancing athletic performance. Holding a Bachelor’s in Sport Science, an Honours degree from research with the St. Kilda Football Club, and a Master’s in Clinical Exercise Physiology (ESSA Accredited), his services qualify for Private Health and Medicare rebates.
For over a decade, Martin has helped clients from diverse backgrounds improve their strength, fitness, and pain levels. He has gained firsthand experience in elite training and rehabilitation practices across various sports, including Australian Rules, Gymnastics, the Performing Arts, and CrossFit. In his athletic career, Martin was a Senior International gymnast, representing Victoria at the Australian Gymnastics Championships eight times, and also played representative-level junior football. Since retiring from gymnastics in 2012, he spent time as a senior coach at Schwartz’s CrossFit Melbourne—a multiple CrossFit Regional Games champion affiliate—and developed Melbourne’s premier adult gymnastics program, Peak Gymnastics.
Martin has presented strength and conditioning seminars domestically and internationally and continually expands his expertise in assessment, strength, conditioning, and rehabilitation to ensure clients receive top-tier guidance. His rehabilitation work has included athletes from Gymnastics, AFL, AFLW, as well as performers from Cirque du Soleil and renowned stage shows. As the current Head of Strength & Conditioning for the Victorian Men’s High Performance Gymnastics Program, Martin emphasises not only the need to restore athletes to function, but also to prevent future injury and help them exceed their previous performance goals.
Tertiary Studies
• Deakin University – Bachelor of Sports Exercise Science / Bachelor of Commerce (Sports Management)
• Deakin University – Honours in Exercise and Sport Science
• Deakin University – Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology.
Qualifications
• Exercise Sport Science Australia Accredited Exercise Physiologist
• Exercise Sport Science Australia Accredited Sport Scientist
• Medicare, HICAPS, WorkCover & TAC Clinical Provider
• Certified Level 1 & 2 Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Provider
• Certified Level 1 & 2 Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Provider
• Certified Fundamental Capacity Screen (FCS) Provider
• Certified Functional Breathing Screen (FBS) Provider
• Certified Y-Balance Test (YBT) Provider
• Strength System Certified Coach
• Level 3 McGill Certified
• Certified Level 1 RockTape Kinesiology Taping Provider
• Advanced Level Gymnastics Coaching Accreditation
• StrongFirst Girya Level 1 Kettlebell Coach
• MAT Running Level 1 Certified
Matthew Farthing
Exercise Physiologist
MClinExPhys/BAppSc(Ex&SS)(Hons)/ESSAM, AEP, ASS
Matt is an accredited Exercise Physiologist and Strength and Conditioning Coach with a deep passion for musculoskeletal rehabilitation. He views rehabilitation not only as a pathway back to sport or daily activities but as an opportunity to transform weaknesses into strengths and achieve results that surpass baseline recovery. Matt believes strongly in the value of education and empowerment in the rehab process, teaching clients the 'why' behind their programs to help them take control of their own bodies.
With experience across private practices and gyms, Matt has successfully trained people from all walks of life, helping them manage both acute and chronic pain as well as conditions affecting neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic health.
Matt is also a certified Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) professional, specialising in golf performance enhancement and pain management. His TPI certification allows him to deliver targeted programs for golfers aiming to improve strength, flexibility, and stability on the course, while addressing pain or injury prevention. His understanding of the biomechanics of golf enables him to develop customised strategies that enhance performance and reduce injury risk for players at all levels.
In addition, Matt brings experience from the elite strength and conditioning field, having worked with junior swimmers at international, national, and state levels. Through this, he honed skills in junior athletic development and gained extensive knowledge in rehabilitating swimming-related injuries. This unique blend of experience has fuelled his passion for bridging the gap from rehabilitation to high performance.
Outside of work, Matt has a strong sporting background in football, cricket, and golf. His own experiences with sports injuries as a youth gave him firsthand insight into the importance of structured, specific exercise training in building resilience and preventing further injury.
Tertiary Studies
• Deakin University – Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (Strength Conditioning)
• Deakin University – Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Qualifications
• Exercise Sport Science Australia Accredited Exercise Physiologist
• Exercise Sport Science Australia Accredited Sport Scientist
• Medicare, HICAPS, WorkCover & TAC Clinical Provider
• Australian Strength & Conditioning Association Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Certified Level 1 Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Provider
• Certified Level 1 Selective Functional Movement Assessment Provider
• Certified Functional Breathing Screen Provider
• Certified Level 1 Titleist Pro Institute Clinician
• StrongFirst Kettlebell 101 Credentialled
Will Dutt
Exercise Physiologist
MClinExPhys/BAppSc(Ex&SS)/ESSAM, AEP, AES
Will is a dedicated and accredited Exercise Physiologist with extensive experience in helping individuals of all ages and abilities enhance their health. He specialises in assessment and rehabilitation of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Will tailors his approach to meet each client’s unique needs by educating and empowering clients to better understand and manage their health and rehabilitation journeys. With a holistic approach, he not only addresses the underlying causes of health issues and movement dysfunction but also considers individual lifestyle factors, allowing him to create goal-oriented and meaningful exercise programs.
In his youth, Will competed at a national level in tennis as part of the Optus Junior Tour. He later shared his passion for the sport by coaching players of all skill levels, from beginners to aspiring athletes. His athletic background has given him a deep understanding of the significance of strength and conditioning in enhancing performance and preventing injuries.
Outside the gym, you can find Will spending time with his border collie, enjoying a cup of coffee, or engrossed in a good book. An avid traveller, Will embraces adventure through hiking and scuba diving, with memorable experiences that include trekking the mountains of Patagonia, canoeing along the Amazon River, and hiking in the Austrian Alps.
Tertiary Studies
• Deakin University – Bachelor of Sports Exercise Science
• Deakin University – Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Qualifications
• Exercise Sport Science Australia Accredited Exercise Physiologist
• Exercise Sport Science Australia Accredited Sport Scientist
Medicare, HICAPS, WorkCover & TAC Clinical Provider
• Australian Strength & Conditioning Association Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Certified Level 1 Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Provider
• Certified Level 1 Selective Functional Movement Assessment Provider
• Strong First Kettlebell 101 Credentialled
Sophie Gilford
Exercise Physioligist
MClinExPhys/BAppSc(Ex&SS)/BNutrSc/ESSAM, AEP, AES, ASS
Sophie is a dedicated health professional with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science with Distinction and a Bachelor of Nutrition Science with Distinction from Deakin University. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Exercise Physiology, she is continuing to enhance her expertise in exercise science, particularly with respect to strength and conditioning.
With a rich background in sport, Sophie is a former competitive rower and has served as a rowing captain and coach, where she honed her leadership and mentoring skills. Her professional experience includes a Nutrition and Sport Science Internship at the Richmond Football Club, where she gained invaluable insights into high-performance training, athlete management, and advanced conditioning techniques.
Sophie is passionate about making a meaningful impact in her clients' lives by positively influencing their health behaviours, especially in exercise and nutrition. Her knowledge of exercise intervention enables her to design personalised training programs that optimise performance and promote overall wellness. With strong organisational skills, flexibility, and effective communication abilities, Sophie connects with clients to tailor her approach to their unique needs.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Sophie has a deep passion for food and enjoys baking. She looks forward to combining her love for nutrition and exercise to create holistic wellness solutions, empowering her clients to achieve their goals.
Tertiary Studies
• Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science with Distinction (Deakin University)
• Bachelor of Nutrition Science with Distinction (Deakin University)
• Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Completion June 2025) (Deakin University)
Qualifications
• Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) Member
• First Aid & CPPR Certificate
• Working with Children Check
Sophie Kane
Dietician / Nutritionist
APD (Accredited Practicing Dietitian)
Sophie is deeply passionate about empowering individuals to cultivate healthy and sustainable habits that help them achieve their personal goals while enhancing their overall relationship with food. With a master’s degree in dietetics, she possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective nutritional guidance. Her qualifications also make her services eligible for private health and Medicare rebates, ensuring greater accessibility to her expertise.
Understanding that nutrition is a crucial component of well-being, Sophie recognises that everyone has unique dietary needs and preferences. By taking a holistic approach, she strives to create a supportive environment where clients feel motivated and inspired to make positive changes in their lives. Her dedication to guiding individuals on their wellness journeys reflects her commitment to promoting a balanced lifestyle that encompasses both physical health and emotional well-being.
Specialising in disordered and binge eating as well as sports nutrition, Sophie believes there is no “one size fits all” approach to nutrition. She stays informed of the latest research and scientific advancements in health, empowering her clients with up-to-date knowledge. Sophie collaborates closely with her clients to develop personalised and sustainable nutrition plans, providing ongoing support to help them become the healthiest version of themselves.
Outside of work, Sophie enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, and playing tennis. She has a deep love for food, cooking, and culinary culture, believing that eating should be enjoyable, stress-free, and nourishing. Her motivation lies in helping others embrace mindful and intuitive eating habits to foster healthy and peaceful relationships with food, mind, and body.
Tertiary Studies
• Swinburne University - Master of Dietetics
• Deakin University - Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Sciences
Qualifications
• Certified Level 1 Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Provider
• Certified Level 1 Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Provider
• NDIS Worker Screening Cleared
• Sports Medicine Australia Level 1 Sports Trainer
• Working with Children’s Check
• First Aid Training
• CPR training
CAREERS
Join The Team
Are you looking to join the Peak Health Team? Apply here!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to a consult?
Standard exercise wear or loose-fitting attire that you can move freely in is advised as all of our clinical assessments and interventions are movement/exercise based!
Are your services Private Health or Medicare Rebatable?
Health Fund Rebates: Many health funds now offer varying levels of rebates for services including physiotherapy, exercise physiology, exercise science, and dietetics. We recommend contacting your fund directly to learn about the specifics of your coverage, as it can differ from person to person.
Medicare Rebates for Chronic Conditions: Medicare rebates are available for patients with chronic pain or chronic health conditions under a Team Care Arrangement. This requires a referral from your GP, and the rebate can be applied to several of our services, including physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and dietetics. Please consult your GP to determine if your condition qualifies for the rebate.
What does training at Peak look like?
Peak Health sessions are led by expert, university-trained exercise professionals who provide personalized, evidence-based programs tailored to your unique goals. We dramatically improve strength and function through targeted exercises that enhance physical performance and promote long-term health. By integrating physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and nutrition, we create a holistic approach to fitness. Our focus is on sustainable, injury-free progress, ensuring lasting results. Whether in group classes or one-on-one training, we foster a supportive, motivating environment that empowers clients to achieve their best.
What makes your Group Strength & Fitness Classes different?
Our Group Strength & Fitness Classes stand out because they’re designed with your individual needs in mind. While they may look like standard workouts, each session is carefully structured, adapted, and progressed to support your body’s unique requirements. Before joining, every member undergoes a comprehensive initial assessment to identify health or movement limitations. This allows us to create a personalised warm-up plan that addresses these areas, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing your overall performance.
Our classes combine powerlifting, kettlebell training, free weights, and cardio into dynamic, engaging workouts. With a focus on personalised progress in a supportive group setting, our expert coaches guide you safely and effectively through every exercise. Backed by clinical expertise, we help you build strength, improve fitness, and achieve your goals—all while training alongside a motivated, like-minded community!
How do I get started?
To get started simply reach book an initial consultation with one of our expert clinicians or exercise scientists. During this consultation, we’ll assess your individual goals, discuss your health and fitness history, and evaluate your injury status, if applicable, to create a tailored plan that suits your needs.
Whether you’re looking to improve your general fitness, manage a chronic condition, recover from an injury, or pursue specific performance goals, our team is equipped to guide you every step of the way. After your consultation, we’ll set you up with the right services, whether it's physiotherapy, exercise science, nutrition support, or one of our specialised exercise programs. Get in touch with us today to take the first step toward achieving your health and fitness goals!
What is Exercise Physiology?
Exercise Physiology involves personalized assessments, guidance, and treatment plans to improve health, manage chronic conditions, recover from injury, and enhance overall well-being through exercise. Delivered by Accredited Exercise Physiologists, services are based on the science of physical activity and tailored to your health status, goals, and fitness level.
Services Include:
1. Individualised Exercise Plans:
Tailored programs for specific health needs, from cardiovascular fitness to injury rehabilitation.
2. Chronic Disease Management:
Programs to manage conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
3. Injury Rehabilitation:
Structured exercises for recovery, strength, and mobility.
4. Health & Fitness Assessments: Evaluations to assess fitness, strength, and endurance for targeted interventions.
5. Prevention & Wellness: Strategies to reduce chronic disease risk, manage stress, and improve performance.
Exercise physiology services are safe, effective, and based on science to improve health through movement
What is the difference between a Physiotherapist and an Exercise Physiologist?
While both Physiotherapists (PTs) and Exercise Physiologists (EPs) work to improve physical health, their roles and focus areas can slightly differ:
- Physiotherapists tend to diagnose and treat injuries, pain, and dysfunction, specialising in musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical rehabilitation. They utilise manual therapy, exercise and other modalities to reduce pain, improve movement, and restore function.
- Exercise Physiologists focus on the prescription and management of exercise to improve overall health, fitness, and performance. They specialise in designing tailored exercise programs for individuals with chronic conditions (such as cardiovascular, metabolic, or neurological diseases), musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and injury prevention. Exercise physiologists use exercise as a primary intervention to manage conditions, prevent disease, and enhance well-being.
In short, physiotherapists primarily address injury and rehabilitation, while exercise physiologists focus on the prevention and management of chronic conditions through exercise. Both collaborate to ensure optimal health outcomes for their patients.
