Biography

Richard Edrich Cert Ed, MSc, PhD student at the University of Suffolk

Richard Edrich has been an exercise referral specialist and personal trainer for over 20 years, working alongside individuals with specific conditions that can be managed or improved with exercise. Richard holds numerous qualifications in fitness, nutrition, sports conditioning and education. Furthermore, he holds an MSc in Strength and Conditioning Science and performed research into lower back pain in junior tennis players and the effectiveness of different training approaches on muscle growth. More recently, Richard has begun his PhD at the University of Suffolk to explore effective exercise interventions for those managing stroke and acquired brain injury (ABI) and managing the onset of sarcopenia.

In addition to his fitness and health qualifications, Richard holds a 2nd degree Black belt in a Mixed Martial Arts, requiring high levels of proficiency in Chinese, western boxing, and Doce Pares. After some success in full contact at the regional level, he undertook the role of fitness trainer for several stick fighters – one of which gained great success. Between 2000 and 2005 he was responsible for the physical preparation of Stuart Brown during his national and international stick fighting career. During this period Stuart Brown won 3 world titles in Los Angeles (USA), Cebu City (Philippines) and London (UK), and 2 European titles in Krakow (Poland) and Berlin (Germany). Richard was, when possible, required to ensure appropriate physical preparation for fights, which resulted in travelling to Los Angeles and London.

One of Richard’s passions, alongside other sports, is playing tennis and in recent years began providing tennis conditioning sessions. Whilst playing for a local club, he supported the development of several tennis players, one of which achieved the rank of number 8 in the county (Under 18s) and 14 in the open age group. Also during this time, he has been acting as a Strength and Conditioning adviser to Lee Austrin, International RPT Tennis Coach. This role required him to analyse players’ performance and advise on fitness session design.

Alongside his career in the fitness industry, Richard had a career in education and was a course leader for Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science at East Coast College (Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, UK) and FdSc/BSc Sport, Health and Exercise Science degree at University of Suffolk, Great Yarmouth campus.

After a period working for Onelife Suffolk as the Healthy Lifestyles Manager, leading several health services and projects, Richard now works for Public Health Norfolk alongside providing clients periodized programmes to improve functional capacity, manage health conditions and help athletes maximise physical potential.

Richard Edrich
Email: richardedrich@hotmail.co.uk
Location: Great Yarmouth
Mobile: 07809637806