"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 27 year old and this is my company, I currently work part time in the NHS at Tolworth & Springfield Hospital's as an Exercise Therapist assisting mental health patients and encouraging them to partake in exercise to improve their way of life. I am very happy to exercise clients who currently suffer with mild mental disorders, such as depression (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 to compete in a half marathon, or just to build your self esteem and confidence; I want to assist you to be the best you can - see what my current members have to say.
My goal is to create a successful business by expanding the VisionFit name, initially outside of the Croydon borough, then working my way into and around the London boroughs. Using my outdoor classes, I plan to recruit the best personal trainers who possess bags of enthusiasm, personality and charisma to help the growth and expansion of the VisionFit brand. One thing that is guaranteed - I will work ridiculously hard to ensure VisionFit is a success.
I have successfully worked as a fitness trainer helping many people achieve their goals for over four years. I always love meeting a new client and seeing their potential. I find great reward helping each person turn their life around, awaken them to the idea of a healthier lifestyle and showing them happiness is achievable.
In regards to my training style and methods, I apply these principles (in order of importance) when teaching my participants:
1. Safety - checking equipment, checking surface, stopping traffic
2. Technique - to reduce injury and isolate correct muscles fully
3. Intensity - to improve and progress your fitness effectively.
My pathway into the health & fitness industry is from playing cricket. 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 most of these and incorporated it into my style of training to make VisionFit sessions enjoyable and fun, but overall effective.
I still play cricket, but it is less serious, and now more social. I play in the Shepard Neame Kent Premier League with my club Bickley Park. We had a good season in 2009, finishing a comfortable 4th from 10 teams in the league. Personally I had a good season finishing 5th out of the highest wicket takers in the league. In 2005, I claimed the highest wicket taker title in the Premier League. Although I got close in 2009, I aim to claim it back this year.
In regards to my professional development, I am looking to upgrade my Sports Massage qualification to the top level 5. In early 2011, I plan to fly out to Trinidad for a cricket season with the aim to impress top cricket coaches and play for the national team. Lastly, university is on my agenda. I am very keen to study a degree in Physiotherapy. I feel my caring approach to people will suit this educational addition to my background.
By the new year of 2020, I am hoping to be well established within my business and have all these necessary skills and qualifications for me to really take off in this country and for VisionFit to explode all over the UK.
Qualifications
NASM / PTS Certified Personal Trainer (REPS Level 3)
Wright Foundation Exercise Referral
ITEC Sports Massage Therapist Diploma (Level 3)
ITEC Holistic Massage Therapist Diploma (Level 3)
Keiser Studio Cycle Instructor Phase One
ECB Cricket Coach (Level 2)
NHS Life Support and Defibrillation
NHS Mental Health Awareness
