CREDENTIALS

Vince Barbaro

Education & Certifications

● Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management – Robert Morris University

● Associate Degree in Fitness – Robert Morris University

● Fellow of Applied Functional Science (FAFS) – Gray Institute

● Certified Personal Trainer – American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

● 500-Hour Comprehensive Pilates Certification – Pilates Sports Center

● Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)

● Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified

Vince Barbaro has dedicated his career to helping people move better, become stronger, and improve their overall quality of life through intelligent, individualized exercise. His philosophy is rooted in understanding how the body moves as a whole and creating programs that help clients reach their goals safely, efficiently, and with lasting results.

After earning an Associate Degree in Fitness and a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Robert Morris University, Vince became a Certified Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Early in his career, he worked in commercial fitness, where he quickly realized that every client moves differently and that successful coaching requires more than following a standard workout plan.

Driven to deepen his understanding of human movement, Vince earned his Fellowship of Applied Functional Science (FAFS) through the Gray Institute—one of the most respected movement education programs in the world. The FAFS designation is an intensive postgraduate-level certification focused on biomechanics, anatomy, kinesiology, neuroscience, and three-dimensional movement. Rather than viewing the body as a collection of individual muscles, Applied Functional Science emphasizes how the entire body works together during real-life movement.

This advanced education allows Vince to design highly individualized exercise programs based on how each person moves, helping clients improve strength, mobility, balance, coordination, movement efficiency, and overall function. Whether working with someone new to exercise, an athlete looking to enhance performance, or an individual returning to fitness after an injury, his goal is to help every client move with greater confidence while building a strong foundation for long-term health.

Vince further expanded his expertise by becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist, gaining a deeper understanding of soft tissue health, recovery, and movement. He also earned his Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification, allowing him to incorporate evidence-based nutrition coaching into his holistic approach to fitness and wellness.

Most recently, Vince completed a 500-hour Comprehensive Pilates Certification through Pilates Sports Center, one of the industry’s leading teacher training programs. His education included extensive training on the Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, and Mat, with a strong emphasis on biomechanics, movement quality, exercise progression, and functional strength. Pilates has become an integral part of his coaching philosophy, providing another effective way to help clients improve core strength, stability, flexibility, posture, body awareness, and efficient movement.

Through his studies at the Gray Institute, Vince developed a deep appreciation for the principles of functional movement and how thoughtful, individualized exercise can improve everyday life. This philosophy became the foundation of his coaching approach and continues to influence every program he designs. By integrating Applied Functional Science, strength training, Pilates, massage therapy knowledge, and nutrition coaching, Vince helps clients build strength, move with greater confidence, and improve the way they feel both inside and outside the gym.

Inspired by this philosophy, Vince launched his own personal training business, working independently throughout the Chicago area before taking the next step in his career. In January 2023, he and his wife, Erin, opened Motus Functional Fitness & Pilates in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.

Motus is a boutique, 5,000-square-foot fitness and Pilates studio created to provide a welcoming, supportive environment where clients receive individualized attention from highly educated and experienced professionals. The studio offers personal training, semi-private training, private and group Pilates, physical therapy, massage therapy, recovery services, and esthetic services—all under one roof.

At Motus, every service is designed to help clients move more efficiently, build lasting strength, and improve overall function through purposeful, individualized programming. Vince and the Motus team believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to fitness. By meeting each client where they are and creating programs tailored to their unique goals, they help people build a strong foundation for long-term health, performance, and confidence.

Whether someone is beginning their fitness journey, returning to exercise, or striving to reach the next level, Vince’s mission remains the same: to help every client move better, feel stronger, and live a healthier, more active life.