My name is Joseph De Boulet Rooplal and I am the owner of Joey’s Body Tech Muscle and Fitness Centre. A personal trainer, I am also a paramedic with the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service and a massage therapist (VIP Spa). I am the trainer/physio/nutritionist for Terminex La Horquetta Rangers Football Club.
How did you get started in the Health Industry?
At the age of 14, having always been involved in sports I also did a lot of running. I was underweight at 110 lbs so I got involved in weight training to gain some weight. This led to my love for bodybuilding and fitness training where I eventually started competing and even represented Trinidad and Tobago in bodybuilding. I came in the top three for several shows and even went on to win some shows as the overall winner. I opened Body Tech in 2003 which is now fondly called Joey’s Gym. As a gym owner and instructor, I wanted to become the best which led to me doing several courses in fitness training, nutrition, massage therapy and which also led me to become more involved in the medical field. This enhanced my training and my ability to train others and ensure that maximum results are obtained.
What is your philosophy on health?
My main goal is to maintain health for people of all ages, helping athletes to manage pain and injury rehabilitation, preventing disease, helping to encourage development and facilitate recovery.
To bring about the best possible athlete where strength and conditioning and the prevention of injuries are concerned.
To help people lose weight and feel better about themselves while getting a ‘sexier’ and healthier body.
Why did you choose to open a gym in Princes Town?
When I first came to Princes Town there was only one gym. I decided the population in Princes Town and environs needed a facility where trainers can assist clients holistically and be able to give quality, affordable training.
What impact did your fitness centre have on the community?
Major lives were changed by persons obtaining results in their varied sporting discipline and injuries were rehabilitated. Several young people became involved in the fitness industry and went on to become instructors, even owning their own gyms. We not only changed peoples’ lives by giving them a healthier, fit, sexier body, but we also had several couples becoming married. Several young people whose parents are members of the facility have now gone on to become doctors and health care professionals by first being a part of exercise programmes that made them more aware of the importance of a proper diet and a healthier lifestyle.
What plans do you have for the future?
To continue to work with the youth by developing programmes that can help decrease obesity and encourage people to be healthier mentally and physically. To encourage all persons, even retirees, to continue doing exercises to increase mobility and a continued healthier lifestyle which will lead to a better-aged population.
What gives you the most fulfilment from your profession?
Working with Special Populations, designing and implementing training programmes best suited to ensure quality and a healthier lifestyle. To give people faith and the assurance that they can change their lives through exercise and proper nutrition which can lead to a longer, healthier and rewarding life.