Brad Baker
Contact Brad: bradleyallenbaker@gmail.com
My Story:
My passion for health and wellness, along with my desire to help others achieve their goals began at an early age. When I was in 8th grade, I had a major chest reconstruction surgery due to a birth defect. It took more than 6 months to rehab and I had lingering lung deficiencies for years to follow.
Around this same time, some of my closest loved ones were also dealing with major health issues that left them in and out of the hospital for months. Through these experiences, I learned an immense amount about myself and what drives me. I became passionate about optimizing my health and focused on learning all I could to protect those I care deeply about.
I immersed myself in all things health and wellness to get as much knowledge as I could. I wrote exercise programs for friends, family, and anybody who would let me, because I wanted them to be healthier, happier, and live a more optimized life.
I earned a degree in Clinical Movement Science and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Minnesota. I started working in an outpatient orthopedic clinic and never stopped pushing myself physically and mentally. I became a Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, and became certified in several areas that I thought would lead to better outcomes with my clients.
What I learned in this process, is that healthcare can be a difficult landscape to navigate and there is a lot of misinformation out there. I also realized how there was much more functional and practical implications for a person’s overall health than what I learned from my conventional education. I was no longer okay with chasing the symptoms and was determined to change the system.
Why I do what I do:
My driving force is to empower others to regain control of their health and achieve physical freedom. Our bodies are designed to self-repair and function at incredible levels but, we need to provide the optimal environment for them to do so. I believe that no matter what a person’s starting point is, they can drastically improve from their current situation, which I find extremely exciting and motivating.
Truthfully, it is emotionally taxing hearing clients share what they can’t do, what pain is limiting in their life, and how it is impacting all areas – relationships, occupation, sleep, stress, mental health, etc. However, it is the most amazing feeling in the world to hear, “I haven’t been able to do this in 10 years”, or “I never thought I would be able to do this again.”
Once you make the commitment to yourself, that you are going to invest your time, energy and effort into revolutionizing your health, my promise to you is that your return on investment will be greater than you could have ever imagined. Feeling energized, having zero pain, and being physically free will improve all other aspects of your life!
Personal:
I live in Minnesota with my wife, Meagan, our two boys, Jaylor and Tyden, and our dog, Bear (a spoiled toy poodle). We enjoy being physically active in a variety of forms; from working out and running together, to playing co-rec sports as many nights of the week as possible. Not to mention, competing fiercely with friends and family in board games and yard games.
I also enjoy things that stretch me mentally such as reading books, listening to podcasts and exploring different ideas and viewpoints. Being a continued learner is something I pride myself on and I try to live by two mottos: “I would rather learn than be right” and “There is no failure without quitting, there is just learning.”
Credentials:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy – University of Minnesota
- Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (ABPTS)
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (NSCA)
- Dry Needling Certified (SMI)
- Blood Flow Restriction Certified (ORS)
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science – University of Minnesota
- Regional Owner, Better Faster Stronger Science (Minnesota)