The Best in Continuing Education for Fitness Professionals with Brent Brookbush- EP055
To stay at the top of your game as a fitness professional, continuing education is key… But some coursework is better than others. Best case, you earn CEC credits while you learn practical applications that make you better at your job.
Brent Brookbush is the founder and CEO of the Brookbush Institute of Human Movement Science, a platform that seeks to optimize the delivery of human movement science education by integrating technology with evidence-based, skill-centric coursework. Brent has been in the health and wellness industry since 1998, and he has dedicated the last 14 years of his career to education for movement professionals. He holds a doctorate degree in physical therapy from the CUNY Graduate Center.
Today, Brent covers his personal fitness journey, explaining his career shift from jazz trombone to movement science. He gives us a rundown of the Brookbush Institute, discussing its mission around educating health and fitness professionals and the online coursework available to subscribers. Brent shares his take on the evolution of health and fitness education and how Brookbush sets itself apart from other programs in the industry. Listen in for Brent’s insight on choosing the right personal trainer and pursuing lifelong learning as a fitness professional.
Topics Covered
[1:32] Brent’s personal fitness journey- Skinny kid, interested in fitness ‘to get big’
- Part-time PT to support music career
- Developed passion for teaching, speaking
- Optimize education in human movement science
- How body moves (optimal, impairment)
- How to get out of dysfunction
- Load, progression for continued performance
- Personal trainers
- Physical therapists
- Athletic trainers
- Massage therapists
- Chiropractors
- All fitness professionals use same basic tools
- Up to professional to stay within scope, legal boundaries
- Personal trainers use corrective exercises (not manual therapy)
- Earn CEC credits
- Online format (easy to learn, improve)
- $19.99/month, unlimited access
- Shift from live events to online education
- Push for evidence-based practices, but not fully realized
- Overall quality has improved (degreed professionals more common)
- Minimum standard hasn’t changed much
- Certification from well-respected institution
- Game plan for continuing education
- Matching skill centers, schedule and personality
- Attitude more important than experience
- Plans for 30-50 new courses this year
- Focus on strength, modality, manual therapy
- Intro to Functional Anatomy beginner course
- Don’t offer personal trainer certification
- Flat fee makes all coursework available
- Work at your own pace
- No end exam (promotes cram and forget it model)
- Keep learning, getting educated
Learn More About Brent
Resources
NASM Personal Trainer Certification