About
Cert Ed, PgC, MSc, PhD candidate, FCIMSPA. Exercise referral specialist, strength and conditioning coach, and PhD student at the University of Suffolk — based across Norwich, Great Yarmouth and surrounding areas.
Richard Edrich has been an exercise referral specialist and personal trainer for over 20 years, working with people whose conditions can be managed or improved with exercise. He holds numerous qualifications in fitness, nutrition, sports conditioning and education, and an MSc in Strength and Conditioning Science.
His master’s research looked at lower back pain in junior tennis players, and at how different training approaches affect muscle growth. He is now a PhD student at the University of Suffolk, exploring effective exercise interventions for people managing stroke and acquired brain injury, and the onset of sarcopenia.
Martial arts
Richard holds a 2nd degree black belt in mixed martial arts — Chinese boxing, western boxing and Doce Pares. After competing in full contact at regional level he became the fitness trainer for several stick fighters. Between 2000 and 2005 he was responsible for the physical preparation of Stuart Brown through a national and international career that produced three world titles and two European titles.
Tennis
Tennis is another long-standing passion. While playing at a local club he supported several players, one of whom reached number 8 in the county (under 18s) and 14 in the open age group. He has also acted as strength and conditioning adviser to Lee Austrin, International RPT tennis coach, analysing performance and advising on fitness session design.
“I have seen increased speed around the court and now have better mobility and balance when making shots. I have also seen a decrease in knee pain — which has been an issue for a number of years!”
Education
In education, Richard was course leader for Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science at East Coast College, and for the FdSc/BSc Sport, Health and Exercise Science degree at the University of Suffolk, Great Yarmouth campus. After a period as Healthy Lifestyles Manager at Onelife Suffolk and Advanced Public Health Officer, he is now a Health Specialist at Age UK, Norwich. Of course, he still works independently providing clients with periodised programmes to improve functional capacity, manage health conditions, and help athletes maximise physical potential.
Path
2000–2005
Responsible for the physical preparation of Stuart Brown through a national and international career. In that period Stuart won three world titles — Los Angeles, Cebu City and London — and two European titles in Kraków and Berlin. Work included travel to Los Angeles and London to prepare for fights.
Education
Course leader for Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science at East Coast College, Great Yarmouth, and for the FdSc/BSc Sport, Health and Exercise Science degree at the University of Suffolk, Great Yarmouth campus.
Public health
Healthy Lifestyles Manager at Onelife Suffolk, then Advanced Public Health Officer — leading health services and projects before moving into specialist work with older people.
Now
Health Specialist at Age UK, Norwich, while independently providing periodised programmes to improve functional capacity, manage health conditions and help athletes maximise physical potential. PhD research at the University of Suffolk explores exercise interventions for stroke, acquired brain injury and sarcopenia.
Qualifications
