Pushing the limits of physical fitness has been a part of Matt Hamilton’s life since his youth. Matt has a deep passion for fitness and is a student of his craft. Beyond just the physical benefits, he believes exercise is critical to positive mental health. The Kurrajong local runs local gym Last Round and is committed to using this platform to help people grow holistically.
“It builds you up…to keep on top of a balanced mental attitude and maintain focus, fitness plays a pretty important role in that. It certainly has for me”, Matt said.
“That sense of ongoing achievement…you set that goal, you do the hard work, you get the reward. When you start to add those things up…you start to get a pretty decent reserve of resilience both physically and mentally”.
Matt knows the power of physical exercise better than most. After nearly two decades in the NSW Police Force, Matt hit rock bottom in 2010. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was the result of years of traumatic moments. Whilst managing the day-to-day challenges, it was the identity crisis that proved just as difficult to overcome.
““The thing that was equally as debilitating as the actual PTSD was the loss of identity…you go through this rollercoaster ride”, Matt said.
“It’s not until you come through the other side of that and lucidly and go back identify these points along your career path that led to recognising that it was something that impacted me.”
Being in a position to help others through fitness underpins Matt’s purpose. In a world of instant gratification and quick wins, Matt has maintained a focus on the horizon, ensuring that the long-term goals are the true measure of achievement. He views his role as a guide – pursuing the infinite game – for his clients at Last Round, that each person can untap that potential inside.
“What drives me to get better at this is that I don’t have all the answers. As a coach, I am big on the education side of it…telling people what they’re doing and why they’re doing it”, Matt said.
“Training is not about the session, it’s not about what you get done this week…the goal of coming to Last Round…it’s a long term prospect.For me, it’s about finding the best path (for the client)…I’m helping them along the way, steering them.”
Instagram: @passionperspectivepodcast
Music: “Friendship” by Annie Burbank
This episode contains references to mental health issues.. If this is at all triggering for you, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and reach out to your network of family and friends.
