Vigor Life Podcast

Mike Robertson is a close friend and someone I’ve learned a lot from in the last decade and a half and continue to. We’re both curious and love coaching so anytime we talk I’m fired up as we could go on and on about what we’ve learned, what’s working, what’s new, approaches to training, and anything in he fitness and performance realm. This time we talked about how to build a team sport athlete from the ground up step by step, I believe you’ll enjoy it. Mike Robertson is one of the most highly sought-after coaches, consultants, speakers and writers in the fitness industry today.Known for his “no-nonsense” approach to coaching and program design, Mike has made a name for himself as a go-to resource for professional athletes from every major sport, but especially in the world of basketball.Mike is the President of Robertson Training Systems and the co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST) in Indianapolis, Indiana. IFAST has been named one of the Top 10 Gyms in America by Men’s Health magazine three times in the past six years.Last but not least, Mike is a devoted husband to his wife Jessica, and father to his children Kendall and Kade, his dog Finn, and his cats Kiki and Steve.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:=> Why any short term athletic development conversation doesn’t make sense and you have to “slow cook” a great athlete (that stays healthy). => The difference between an already successful athlete and training them vs. building a great athlete (different development approaches). => Step #1 of building an athlete is _______ (it’s not what you think, this will blow your mind). => What is a movement toolbox that an athlete must build (like the ABC’s in the alphabet).=> Mike’s strength standards for athletes to reach in basketball and the exercises he recommends.=> Why getting something athletes “too strong” will make them less bouncy and slower; and how Mike approaches training different types of athletes.=> How to coach athletes that don’t like weights as much and what to communicate with them. => What is an “Athletic Max” and how does Mike use that in his training with athletes. => How any sports season reduces your mobility, joint heath, movement efficiency, and addressing this is key for long term health. => Addressing asymmetries of strength for athletes in the off season; why you have to focus on this. => Where does Mike use overcoming isometrics in training and what strategy he prefers even more. => The 3 phases Mike takes athletes through to develop tendon stiffness. => Why adding too much muscle in an off season is detrimental for most athletes; here’s 3 reasons. => Adding a lot of muscle in the off season can destroy your conditioning (few coaches talk about this).=> How to insert strength and conditioning into a basketball off season (where athletes play a lot of basketball and do skills training). => Mike’s off season basketball strength and conditioning template (for youth, pro, and weekend warriors).=> Why being “fit” and going to workout in the gym won’t prepare you for high intensity full court basketball.=> How Mike approaches return to play with basketball athletes that had an injury. => The blueprint for a weekend warrior getting back to playing basketball. => How to use force plates to discover what an athlete needs to work on and when (and how it helps get buy in with athletes training in the weight room and out of it).=> The methods Mike uses to condition his athletes when getting back to getting game time ready.=> Social media and how it avoids the “well rounded” approach to fitness and performance.=> What methods don’t have scientific backing but make athletes feel better and we use them.LINKS & RESOURCES:Mike Robertson's Website Mike Robertson InstagramMike Robertson Program Design Mentorship Super Coach Mentorship Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel 

Joe DeFranco, a renowned strength and conditioning coach with a roster of elite athletes, shares his insights on aging gracefully after 40. He discusses the importance of holistic fitness, advocating for balance between body and mind while emphasizing personalized training methods. DeFranco highlights the value of integrating machines and free weights for optimal performance, as well as the necessity of effective warm-up routines. He also explores the quality of supplements and the significance of adapting fitness routines to support longevity and well-being.

In this episode, Eric Bach, an online coach and founder of Bach Performance, shares his journey from in-person training to a 7-figure online business. He discusses the 9 physiological adaptations crucial for those over 35, emphasizing personalized workout routines that balance aesthetics, health, and performance. Eric breaks down effective training techniques, including joint-friendly explosive movements, the significance of exercise selection, and how to navigate fitness challenges while maintaining a busy lifestyle. His insights aim to empower listeners to optimize their workouts and improve their overall well-being.

Great to have my brother @everygotdamndre back on the show while visiting Seattle for our Built To Last Gym mastermind as we dove into the most effective training methods, why he trains the way he trains and programs the way he programs, the reason he often turns down big brand deals, what he believes in when it comes to lifestyle and nutrition, as well as how to stand out online. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:=> What’s the philosophy behind Dre’s own training and mixing up kettlebells, barbells, machines or any other implements.=> How does Dre break down his training week and days. His unique approach to changing up exercises and exploring movements. => How to address boredom when coaching clients so they keep coming back. => The 60/40 split of programmed vs. exploring and how I use it in the system. => Why not completing the outlined workout is ok as it drives the challenge to complete it (this is why at first most people can’t complete Dre’s workouts, but they get fired up to eventually complete them).=> Implementing weak links into training so you don’t have to work them separately. => Why Dre brings his heart rate to a max by the end of his warm up. => How Dre approaches training different abilities (power, strength, cardio, mobility) throughout the year but always stay ready in every single one of them.=> What majority of people are actually looking for when they are joining a training program. => Why Dre doesn’t talk about nutrition much when people start a training program and what happens next. => What to do when you have lighter kettlebells and how Dre approaches challenging the body for most people working out from home. => Dre’s philosophy when it comes to nutrition and lifestyle and how to simply implement it into your lifestyle.=> Why Dre has turned down some very big brand deals even though he uses them (this will shock you!).=> The approach to creating content when you get started vs when you’re established. => The power of making “better work” rather than just more than isn’t good. LINKS & RESOURCES:Adriell Mayes Website https://kettlebellfunctionaltraining.com/Adriell Mayes Instagram https://www.instagram.com/everygotdamndre/Super Coach Mentorship https://lukahocevar.com/super-coach-mentorship/Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

Andy McCloy, the founder of BCI Sports Performance and Fitness, shares insights from his 24 years leading in youth sports performance. He discusses the contrast between authentic coaching versus social media popularity, emphasizing the importance of genuine coaching standards for business success. McCloy outlines how a coaching-first mentality fosters effective teams and addresses the value of mentorship in overcoming business hardships. He highlights that prioritizing clients' success can transform lives and grow successful coaching careers.

Andy Morgan, founder of Ripped Body and co-author of The Muscle and Strength Pyramid, shares his deep expertise in nutrition coaching. He emphasizes a client-centric approach, fitting diets to individual lifestyles. Andy discusses effective strategies for busy men seeking sustainable health improvements and highlights the importance of trust in nutritional supplements. He also dives into building long-term client relationships, using empathy and accountability, and mastering content marketing for business growth. Get ready for insightful tips that can transform your coaching approach!

Was great to finally have Brad on the show and chat about muscle building, strength, what studies show and what coaches know. We dive into what matters in building muscle and what doesn’t, as well as what research may not have caught up with but anecdotally works. Brad Schoenfeld, PhD, is an internationally renowned fitness expert and a leading authority on muscle hypertrophy and body composition training. He is a professor of exercise science at Lehman College and has published over 300 peer-reviewed scientific papers. He is also the author of the seminal textbook, "Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy.”IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:=> What we know what works for sure when it comes to muscle building. => Is it true that metabolic stress isn’t nearly as much of a factor when it comes to building muscle (but why you should do it).=> Two things you MUST do regardless of the methods to muscle building. => The higher level of muscle building you want to pursue, the more you’ll have to pay attention to the intricacies of science in muscle building. => Why beginners shouldn’t switch up exercises nearly as much as an intermediate or advanced trainee.=> Volume vs intensity - which one is more important and why. => Volume works but an increase in volume does not increase linear in increase in muscle; which means you should do THIS.=> How much do genetics and lifestyle factors influence individual response to recovery and muscle building. => General guidelines for sets per week per muscle group and why you shouldn’t pay that much attention to it. => Training splits, frequency and volumes per muscle group - what does the science show and what is practical. => What we had wrong about rep ranges and what we know for sure you have to do if you want to build serious muscle. => Recovering from certain rep ranges and why it may make sense to not do higher reps with compound lifts. => Frequency is a more important variable when it comes to strength training then muscle building since strength is a skill.=> More than 15 reps per set is NOT glorified cardio, but here’s what it does do (and what happened in a research study).=> What Brad believes the rep range most people should use for building muscle. => Science shows there just isn’t a magical range for hypertrophy. => Can you spike hormones with shorter rest periods and whether that’s true and how it affects actual muscle building. => Why super sets are so effective and also practical and what the studies showed. => How long should you actually rest between sets and exercises for optimal muscle and strength gains. => How little it takes to maintain muscle and strength after you’ve spent years building it.=> How much does tempo and time under tension matter when it comes to training. => What does progressive overload really mean (most people got this wrong!).=> What is Brad excited about studying and researching right now and the future of fitness and performance. LINKS & RESOURCES:Brad Schoenfeld Instagram Book: The Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy Super Coach Mentorship Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel 

One of my closest friends and Mr. Coach and Culture is back on the pod for the 4th time—Martin Rooney. We dive into how to turn around the culture of a team, business, or family. As a proud Girl Dad, Martin shares values that helped raise four strong daughters.We also dig into his first fiction book, Blood Feud: Raising Cain.Martin is a fitness expert, entrepreneur, and founder of Training for Warriors—now in 200+ locations worldwide. A former US bobsledder, Division I track athlete, and two-time Guinness World Record holder, he’s consulted for Fortune 500s, elite military units, and NFL teams.This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to lead—in business, sports, or at home.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:=> Lessons from a decade of coaching track and field for his daughter’s high schools. => How the new generation of kids doesn’t care about your accolades and won’t listen if you don’t  ______ to grab their attention. => What does it mean if you have “culture vultures” and why you must instantly take these actions to change it. => Are you punishing everyone for the behavior of a few? This creates a negative culture. => The base of your culture starts with the big “T.”=> Culture never sleeps and how you can make sure that negativity doesn’t fill the space. => How Martin has influenced my culture of preparation of coaching and presenting. => The best culture leads to great communities and those can overcome great challenges and adversity. => The power of expectations and showing your family “how we do things here.” => Setting standards and how it pushes you to do things the right way, whether nutrition, training or changing diapers. => Guiding your team and family through the actions YOU take. => The power of belief and how Martin taught what one of the most powerful things you can do for your kids (and your clients).=> How I became a better speaker every year and which are the biggest lessons I learned. => Why you should hunt for skillsets at all times in your life. => Martin’s journey into becoming a fiction writer and releasing his first book. => The incredible origin story of how Martin started writing this book. => How to overcome the mental challenge of starting new from scratch and having to build something meaningful.=> Every day you’re either doing something to move your dream forward or you’re not. => The future of learning is changing and the old ways are dying- fast. How learning for coaches will look like in the future. => Martin is creating curriculum for a university, how is AI influencing learning of the future. => What Martin thinks are some dangers for the younger generation in schools. Live Momentous. This is my favorite brand of supplements that I have been taking for over 6 years and to be able to partner with them has been exciting as I get to recommend the highest quality supplements on the market (along with a no questions asked 30-day money back guarantee if you don’t like them). You can get 15% off by going here. RP Hypertrophy. If you’re looking to build muscle in a proven way, science backed and individualized way, then look no further than the programs created by Dr. Mike Israetel and the RP Strength team. You will know exactly which exercise to do, how to do it, what sets and reps, tempos, and also weight adjustments you need to make to have the gains you’ve been looking for. You can also get $50 off for the year or monthly discount. TrainHeroic. This is the app I use for my Athlete for Life online programs, and it’s also the app we use for our semi private personal training at Vigor Ground. This is by far the most user friendly AND client friendly app on the market, which is why I choose for my online and in person/gym business. If you’re a coach you can try it out for free here.LINKS & RESOURCES:Martin Rooney website Martin Rooney Instagram Book: Blood Feud - Raising Cain Super Coach Mentorship Luka Hocevar YouTube

Jen is a kindred coaching soul and a true coach. She’s been a group trainer, American Gladiator, head coach of Biggest Loser replacing Jillian Michaels, online community builder, magazine cover model, celebrity trainer, and now a lead coach for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Pump Club. We dive into coaching, career lessons, and fitness industry insights.She's been a go-to expert in entertainment, appearing regularly on LIVE with Kelly and Ryan, The Doctors, and Dr. Oz. Jen also serves on SHAPE Magazine’s Brain Trust and authored the bestselling Diet Right for Your Personality Type.With a background in community leadership and behavior change, her true passion is working with beginners and those who need to begin again, remaining available to people everywhere as their daily get-fit motivator.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:=> The BIG difference between online and in person coaching.=> The two most important factors when it comes helping clients achieve lifelong results.=> What skills Jen learned from coaching kids that are extremely valuable when coaching adults.=> The best coaches have this skill and clients will be able to recognize it.=> What is the #1 things that leads to trust; because once you have trust you can lead your clients anywhere. => Why Jen doesn’t like doing an entertain then educate approach to social media.=> What Jen learned through the Biggest Loser that really helped her career.=> Why autonomy in coaching matters, and when the coach has to take the lead.=>  When did Jen decide to quit the industry and how WWE (wrestling) made her turn around and get back to coaching.=> What’s the biggest mistake younger coaches are making in the industry right now. => How getting away from coaching in person can lead to losing your confidence.=> The lessons from not showing up as your best every day, and why you’re not failing when you do. => The power of connecting with other coaches and going to events to build lifelong relationships and learn faster. => What changed Jen’s mind from going to get her masters degree but “learning more was a detour.”=> Why experience and being able to make things practical is a super power; THIS is how to learn it. => What led to Arnold Schwarzenegger calling Jen to coach in his Pump Club and what you can learn from it. => What are the most important principles when it comes to staying in great shape over 40.=> Why being really strict to your nutrition may be leading to more stress than its worth.=> The best Jen looked for TV is when she was the least healthy. Shout out to our sponsors! Live Momentous. This is my favorite brand of supplements that I have been taking for over 6 years & to be able to partner with them has been exciting as I get to recommend the highest quality supplements on the market, that have exactly what they say in them and they are all the highest quality ingredients (along with a no questions asked 30-day money back guarantee if you don’t like them). You can get 15% off by going here.RP Hypertrophy app. If you’re looking to build muscle in a proven way, science backed and individualized way, then look no further than the programs created by Dr. Mike Israetel and the RP Strength team. You will know exactly which exercise to do, how to do it, what sets and reps, tempos, and also weight adjustments you need to make to have the gains you’ve been looking for. You can also get $50 off for the year or monthly discount here. TrainHeroic. This is the app I use for my Athlete for Life online programs, and it’s also the app we use for our semi private personal training at Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance. This is by far the most user friendly AND client friendly app on the market, which is why I choose for my online and in person/gym business. If you’re a coach you can try it out for free here: trainheroic.co/vigorlifepodcastLINKS & RESOURCES:Jen Widestrom site Jen Widestrom Instagram Super Coach Mentorship Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel 

Dr. Mike Israetel, cofounder of RP Strength with a PhD in Sport Physiology, shares insights on lifelong athleticism and effective training strategies. He discusses the importance of strength training and dietary control to enhance performance while preventing injuries. Delving into the evolving landscape of weight loss drugs, Dr. Mike highlights how these could revolutionize health and coaching. Their conversation weaves together scientific principles with personal anecdotes, offering practical tips like gradual reconditioning for returning athletes.