"My fitness is not just a vision anymore, it's a reality!! Not to mention my new figure! And I can now wear my skinny jeans with a lot of pride."
Sharon Ruwende
About Me
My name is Barry Hooper, I am a young and enthusiastic Exercise, Massage and Nutritional Therapist aiming to make a positive change to people's lives. I currently work part time for the NHS within mental health and special populations. I am skilled to exercise clients who suffer with mild mental disorders, such as depression, and strongly encourage exercise as part of the rehabilitation (please note permission must be granted from your GP). I want to help as many people as I can feel better about themselves, whether it's losing a few pounds, to become fitter, or just to build your self esteem and confidence.
I have been in the fitness industry since September 2005, and a qualified personal trainer since July 2007. I have been qualified in massage since July 2008. I launched VisionFit in January 2009.
My pathway into the health & fitness industry is from playing cricket. I am a right arm fast bowler, which requires having great fitness, strength, power and athleticism. Having played as a full time professional cricketer for four years at the famous Marylebone Cricket Club (otherwise known as Lord's Cricket Ground), I found myself using their gym facilities to enhance my skills as a player and improve my strength and fitness to advance my game. Alongside the gym workouts, we would receive excellent coaching, and took part in some testing drills as part of our warm ups. I have taken these and incorporated ithem into my style of training to make VisionFit sessions enjoyable and fun, but overall effective.
I still play cricket, but at a less competative level. I play in the Shepard Neame Kent Premier League with my club Bickley Park. I regularly finish in the top 10 wicket takers. But in 2005, I claimed the highest wicket taker title in the Kent Premier League. Each year I strive to reclaim this title, and strongly believe I will.
In regards to my professional development, I am looking to upgrade my Sports Massage qualification to the top level 5. I also would like to gain a level 4 qualification in fitness, cardiac rehabilitation phase IV and Exercise after Stroke are on my list of possibilities.
Certified Personal Trainer - NASM / PTS
GP/Exercise Referral Instructor - The Wright Foundation
Sports Massage Therapist Diploma - ITEC
Holistic Massage Therapist Diploma - ITEC
Studio Cycle Instructor Phase One - Keiser
Cricket Coach (Level 2) - ECB
Ultrasound Therapy - Physique Management
Taping & Strapping - Physique Management
Mental Health Awareness - NHS
Adult Life Support and Defibrillation - NHS
