Building Complete Training Programs (with Mike Robertson)

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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