A National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer, NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist and graduate of Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) with honors, Matthew Barnes not only brings the knowledge of his studies to the table, but an unparallel passion for fitness. A competitive powerlifter Matthew’s love for all things strength has inspired him to help others reach their goals and live more healthy and active lives. He truly believes the human body can achieve any obstacle put before it and wishes to assist others in tapping into their unknown potential through proper training based on scientific principles combined with the inner drive we all have to achieve greatness.
Before pursuing personal training Matthew worked in both marketing and sales environments where he proved himself to be a driven leader as early as a teenager creating marketing promotions with local businesses to build attendance at his hometown theatre. This led to a position as the Promotions Manager at Regal Entertainment Group where he won numerous awards for his marketing campaigns with movie studio partners. Matthew soon realized what he loved most was the interaction with the public while creating these campaigns and in 2005 he left the theatre industry and enrolled at Central Connecticut State University to study political science, in hopes of one day using his skills to help others in his community.

While enrolled he continued to learn new talents, working as an accountant in the Student Accountability Office before classes and serving as Chairman of the University’s Media Board in the evening. This work led to a Washington D.C. internship in 2009 at the United States Department of Commerce. At Commerce Matthew worked with the Minority Business Development Agency’s Legislative Affairs Office drafting congressional committee reports, organizing meetings and assisting with trade shows among various other duties.

Matthew is currently employed at Horizon Personal Training where he has the privilege of everyday bringing his clients one step closer to their goals.

Specialties: NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist, Strength training, first aid CPR AED certified, marketing, social media, fund raising, cross promotion, government relations, public speaking, Microsoft Office, customer service, and sales.