Helping build the strength of children with disability wasn't something Sam Rossetto initially saw himself doing when he was previously working in the aged care industry.
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But as the first exercise physiologist employed at StGiles, the University of Tasmania graduate is doing just that and he's loving every minute of his new job.
Working mainly with young people who have National Disability Insurance Scheme plans, Mr Rossetto said his focus was on keeping kids active, building their confidence and enabling them to develop basic skills.
"If you can't comfortably throw a ball or catch a ball, run or play tag, you're not going to involve yourself," he said.
"We find that if a person's not active as a junior they don't carry it on to adult life and there's huge implications after that."
Highlighting the positive difference exercise physiologists can make, Mr Rossetto recalls his experience working with a young boy who has autism.
"Getting him motivated sometimes is quite tough, he's a very active boy.
"I set out a plan based on the literature, I executed it and I was able to sit him down.
"His mum came over, shook my hand and said he hadn't been able to get through a full session before so I was pretty stoked."
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Mr Rossetto said while many people often thought an exercise physiologist was the same as a physiotherapist or personal trainer, there were differences.
He sees himself as a middle ground between both professions and said physios were more focused on diagnosing conditions when they first arise.
"We don't work acutely but we can work with chronic conditions," Mr Rossetto said.
Mr Rossetto believes exercise physiologists complement the work physiotherapists do and could help cut waiting lists in Tasmania, where there is often unmet demand for allied health services.
Born and bred in Launceston, Mr Rossetto also predicted waiting lists would be reduced if more people were given the opportunity to study occupational, speech and physiotherapy in Tasmania, without needing to relocate to the mainland.
"I think if people stay here and really gain appreciation for this area...we might have a better retention," he said.