Meet Scott Browning | Exercise Physiologist, Coach, Professional Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott Browning and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott, what do you attribute your success to?
Success is never guaranteed, and when I started my professional training and coaching career, there was an element of naivety; I’d never run my own company. However, I did understand how my coaches impacted me, both positively and negatively. I knew to draw on my experience as an athlete and import the lessons I learned from those who influenced and inspired me.

Upon reflection, the most critical factors in the success of my brand have been my ability to listen, empathize, adapt, and learn. Understanding why someone is where they are, helping them identify obstacles, and charting their path has empowered them to achieve their goals. Authenticity is also essential to create meaningful relationships that allow clients and athletes to share and feel connected and a part of their processes.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m fortunate; I love what I do for a living. I’m most proud of creating movement solutions for individuals who struggle with health or injury issues and wish to continue to pursue their athletic and lifestyle ambitions. My mission statement provides the best insight into what and why I do what I do:

“To inspire freedom through movement and a lifelong journey of health and fitness through empathetic leadership and personal example. To create hope, remove barriers, and provide solutions for a life of continuous movement. To provide compassionate, supportive, and credible evidenced-based solutions by pursuing ongoing higher education. To lead with integrity and honesty, upholding the highest industry standards, and cultivating the respect of those served, allied professionals, and peers.”

I started training primarily out of necessity; I quit my job as a general manager in a children’s play facility and wanted to work in a field where my skills and degree could be used. I had coached a few runners and had experience in personal training. I joke that I would never have gone down this path if I had known how hard it was to get started. A certain bliss in naivety allows us to engage in new activities with blind enthusiasm. Through hard work, morning-to-dark hours seven days a week, an inspiring mentor, and a commitment to provide unparalleled movement experiences, my practice grew and eventually thrived.

Although I initially desired to work with athletes and those with high-achieving ambitions, several experiences changed how I viewed my career, work, and legacy. I was a high-achieving athlete who understood hard work, and I drove my clients with the same relentless effort I used for myself. One client changed the trajectory of my career. She was an older woman with no athletic ambitions and a high propensity to talk, and I mean a lot. It was like pulling teeth to get her to exercise, and I was often frustrated at her lack of effort. I managed to keep her moving but couldn’t understand why she didn’t commit fully to the work I demanded. One day, she came in, more excited and chattier than usual. She couldn’t wait to share the news with me. She started by thanking me for everything I’d done for her. I was at a loss; up to this point, I thought I’d failed miserably. She continued to tell me that she went to the state fair with her grandchildren, and for the first time, she could keep up. Her fitness goals had nothing to do with athletics; she wanted to feel included and capable and not feel left behind.
This experience changed everything for me. I looked at fitness, my career, and what doors movement could open for people. I began asking more detailed questions and listened carefully to what was important to individuals. I started crafting movement solutions that fit the needs and goals aligned with the most important factors in the client’s lives.

I want the world to know and believe they are capable. My hope is that people will walk away from their experiences with me feeling inspired and that what once seemed impossible is indeed possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The mountains surrounding Salt Lake City have been my playground since I moved here many years ago. I would share the Crest Trail that runs from the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, near the famed Brighton Ski Resort, traverses the Wasatch Crest with jaw-dropping views of the Salt Lake Valley on one side and the Park City Valley on the other. The trail ends in Millcreek Canyon, home of Log Haven, one of the finest restaurants in the Salt Lake City. It offers a rustic setting with outstanding food and a great drink menu to celebrate the 12-mile journey through the mountains.

Beyond exploring the vast mountain trail network, I’d indulge them in some of Salt Lake’s unique dining experiences, including Franck’s, my favorite restaurant in the city. Trekking the urban scene downtown, there are some fantastic bars, but a special shoutout goes to Franklin Street for its trendy, elegant, hip vibe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh my, the list is long and challenging to narrow down. First, the legacy of my late father, who passed away when I was 15, serves as the single most inspirational figure. He lost his life in service of his country in the FBI and represented the values of Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity. He taught me to respect and value humanity and to teach when possible, listen, and learn.

My running coach, Demetrio, taught me what hard work was, to dream big and pursue with relentless courage. Through his example, I learned the value of family as he opened his doors to a poor and lost college student. He encouraged me to pursue my passion in exercise science and is largely responsible for my finishing college.

To the owner of the Sports Mall, the club where I started my career. Brent took a chance on a young trainer and allowed me to build a career. He opened the door to a different model in an industry where trainers are treated poorly and struggle to earn a living. His choices led me to have a beautiful career, build a life, and make an impact on my home community.

Website: www.runwithapro.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runwithapro

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbrowningpt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sbrowningpt

Image Credits
Eugene Tapahe (Tapahe Photograhy)(Image Erin), Brookie Curnow. (Mojo Blu Photography) Images Mojo-Blue 729,