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

[3:41] The mission of the Brookbush Institute

• Optimize education in human movement science

[6:19] What the Brookbush Institute teaches

• How body moves (optimal, impairment)
• How to get out of dysfunction
• Load, progression for continued performance

[7:10] Who can benefit from the Brookbush trainings

• Personal trainers
• Physical therapists
• Athletic trainers
• Massage therapists
• Chiropractors

[8:28] Brent’s approach to personalization

• All fitness professionals use same basic tools
• Up to professional to stay within scope, legal boundaries
• Personal trainers use corrective exercises (not manual therapy)

[11:50] The benefits of Brookbush Institute coursework

• Earn CEC credits
• Online format (easy to learn, improve)
• $19.99/month, unlimited access

[16:06] How health and fitness education has evolved

• Shift from live events to online education
• Push for evidence-based practices, but not fully realized

[19:14] Brent’s take on the personal training industry

• Overall quality has improved (degreed professionals more common)
• Minimum standard hasn’t changed much

[21:38] How to choose a quality personal trainer

• Certification from well-respected institution
• Game plan for continuing education
• Matching skill centers, schedule and personality
• Attitude more important than experience

[25:47] How the Brookbush Institute is expanding its course catalog

• Plans for 30-50 new courses this year
• Focus on strength, modality, manual therapy

[27:44] The best Brookbush course for aspiring personal trainers

• Intro to Functional Anatomy beginner course
• Don’t offer personal trainer certification

[29:06] How Brookbush is different from traditional programs

• Flat fee makes all coursework available
• Work at your own pace
• No end exam (promotes cram and forget it model)

[32:50] Brent’s best advice for fitness professionals

• Keep learning, getting educated

Learn More About Brent

The Brookbush Institute

Brookbush on Instagram

Brent on Facebook

Brent on Twitter

Brent on YouTube

Resources

NASM Personal Trainer Certification