5 Minutes With….. Dr Jackson Fyfe

Q. What’s your research focus in a nutshell?

My research aims to help more people – particularly older adults – benefit from resistance training. It’s the best thing we can do to improve and maintain our muscle mass and strength, which are key to staying healthy and independent for longer. Despite the many benefits, less than 10% of Australian older adults meet our resistance training guidelines – which is something we need to change!

Q. What’s the best piece of advice you could give to an ECR?

My best advice is to run your own race. In the academic bubble it’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game. But focusing on being a better version of yourself, rather than how you stack up against others, can help you maintain focus and perspective without feeling too overwhelmed.

Q. What’s your research ‘big picture’? What would you like to see change?

I dream of a world where it’s the norm to do at least the minimum “dose” of exercise to improve health. If we can get most people doing even simple forms of physical activity more often, I can only imagine how much better our physical and mental health would be across the population!

Q. What is the one rule that guides you through life?

I’m generally a positive person. I like the idea of “tragic optimism” – a mindset that maintains hope and finds meaning despite life’s inevitable challenges. If we can accept reality but do what we can to maintain hope, we’re more likely to respond better to challenges and stress – which are a given in life!

Q. What’s your favourite food OR (physical) activity?

Coming from Italian heritage (on my mum’s side), nothing beats a home-cooked pasta (carbonara or matriciana would be top of the list).

Find out more about Jackson’s research here. Subscribe to The Weekly Exerciser.