MEET THE TEAM
PETER TYDEMAN
Exercise Physiologist
I'm an Accredited Exercise Physiologist based in the Blue Mountains, with over 15 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. My journey began in 2010 with Certificate III and IV in Fitness, and continued through to a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, which I proudly completed at the University of New England in 2022.
In 2025, I took over Foundation Allied Health in Lawson, NSW, with the goal of continuing to deliver exceptional allied health services to my local community. I'm passionate about helping people set meaningful goals and work toward them—whether through rehabilitation, performance enhancement, or improving overall wellbeing.
I'm accredited with ESSA, ASCA, and AusActive, and hold coaching qualifications as a Level 2 run and athletics development coach with Australian Athletics, as well as an AusCycle-accredited mountain bike skills coach. Supporting others in unlocking their full potential through movement is what drives me every day.
Outside of work, I stay active through mountain bike racing and volunteer as a junior coach with the Western Sydney Mountain Bike Club and Katoomba District Athletics Club. I live in the Blue Mountains with my wife, Sally, and our two energetic kids, Zac and Chloe. I love spending time outdoors, gardening, and hearing people’s stories—it's a privilege to walk alongside others in their health journey, and I look forward to continuing this work in the community I call home.
ASHLEIGH BIRKETT
Level 2 Allied Health Assistant
I’m a personal trainer working with NDIS participants to build strength, improve movement, and support greater confidence in how their bodies function day to day. My approach is grounded in physiology, problem-solving, and body mechanics, with a focus on practical outcomes that improve overall lifestyle, independence, and long-term health.
I got into this work because I’ve always been curious about how the body works and how movement can change the way people feel. Over the past 10 years, I’ve worked in a range of gyms and training environments, supporting people with all kinds of goals and abilities.
My training style leans toward functional, relatively high-intensity work inspired by CrossFit, but I’m also a big believer in variety. I encourage clients to try different activities, no matter their level of fitness, ability, challenges, or environment. Finding something enjoyable and sustainable is a key part of the health and fitness principles I teach. That process can feel daunting, or too overwhelming to even “dip a toe” into, especially outside of structured programs or set goals. This is where I thrive: adapting and developing any activity to suit the individual. Whether it’s strength training, trail running, triathlon prep, or walking the dog, I love helping people find what works for them and supports a happy, active life.
In the end, it’s about finding what works — and sticking with it long enough to see real change.
JASON WHEELER
Physiotherapist
First Choice Spinal & Sports Physiotherapy is a local, family-owned practice committed to providing personalised care in a welcoming environment.
Founder Jason established the clinic following a life-changing 20m fall in 2018, which prompted him to re-evaluate his personal and professional priorities. With experience in private practice since 2006, Jason grew disillusioned with larger, profit-driven clinics and created First Choice to prioritise patient-focused, high-quality care.
The clinic treats both athletes and the general population with equal dedication, offering longer appointments to ensure thorough assessment and tailored treatment. Jason believes every patient and injury is unique, and treatment plans are carefully developed to achieve lasting results.
Jason holds six years of formal physiotherapy training, including a Master's Degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, providing him with advanced, up-to-date knowledge. He has also volunteered at major sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games and Six Foot Track Marathon, and has extensive experience with rugby union.
As a Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and active member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), Jason also mentors junior physiotherapists and continues to contribute to the profession at national sporting and fitness events.