In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Mike Robertson, President of Robertson Training Systems and co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST), named one of the top ten gyms in America by Men's Health. They explore the foundational principles of program design, individualizing training, and navigating the complexities of an athlete's career. Mike introduces his "7 Rs" framework for building effective training programs, emphasizing the importance of every component from warm-ups to recovery.
They dive into Mike's athlete assessment process, which includes identifying limitations and opportunities through conversation, movement analysis, and objective data. The discussion also covers the balance between performance gains and durability, including how risk tolerance in training should evolve across an athlete's career. Finally, they outline strategies for training post-injury, emphasizing psychological support and using recovery periods for holistic development. This episode offers actionable insights for coaches and athletes aiming to optimize adaptation and career longevity.
Topics Include:
- The “7 Rs” framework for effective program design
- Educating clients on the “why” behind their training
- Athlete assessment and using objective data
- Balancing performance gains with durability
- Adapting training to career stage and sport schedule
- Programming and supporting injured athletes
- Consistency’s role in long-term development
- Exercises to restore movement capacity
- Using isometrics and eccentrics in early offseason
📲 Connect with Jim: RobertsonTrainingSystems.com | Instagram: @robtrainsystems
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome and intro to Mike Robertson
01:29 – Mike’s influence on the podcast and programming approach
04:34 – The origin and breakdown of the “7 Rs” framework
06:18 – Educating clients and the impact of effective warm-ups
11:14 – Mike’s assessment process and use of objective data
15:31 – Video feedback and building confident training plans
19:18 – Follow-up testing and performance vs. movement balance
23:36 – Training buckets: Mobility, Neural Output, Metabolic
24:50 – Offseason strategies and avoiding interference effects
28:45 – Exercises to restore movement and enhance durability
33:34 – Risk tolerance and adjusting training across career stages
37:33 – Adapting to different sport calendars
42:10 – Holistic return-to-play strategies and mindset during injury
46:13 – Feedback loops and the importance of consistency
50:49 – Q&A: Improving hip IR and early offseason strategies
54:48 – Where to connect with Mike and his resources
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Thanks for listening!
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