

Physical Preparation Podcast Archives - Robertson Training Systems
Mike Robertson
Elite Program Design and Coaching for High Performers
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 26, 2025 • 50min
Building a Fitness Business that Works for YOUR Life with Andy McCloy
Look my friend – like it or not, 2026 is right around the corner.
Which leads me to a simple question:
Will this be your best year EVER?
Whether we’re talking about growing your fitness business, becoming a better coach, or just leading a more authentic and genuine life, I really think today’s episode is going to help!
Andy McCloy is the owner of Body Creations Inc in Madison, Alabama, and the co-founder of Built to Last Gym, which he started with the one and only Luka Hocevar.
And in this episode, we’re going to talk about how to take YOUR business, coaching and LIFE to the next level in 2026!
Quotable Quotes:
If it’s not on my calendar, it doesn’t exist
The more offers you make, the more opportunities you have to make a sale
You have to become the best version of yourself
This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast:
A little bit about Andy, and what’s new in his neck of the woods
Why it’s so critical as a trainer or coach to get clear on the lifestyle you want to lead FIRST
The power of living in your calendar (and Andy’s simple rule for doing this better!)
How to get over sales feeling “Slimy”
Why you absolutely, positively need to make more offers
What drove Andy and Luka Hocevar to start the Built to Last Gym mentorship
1-2 things you can start doing right now, TODAY, to make 2026 your best year EVER
Connect with Andy:
Built to Last Gym Website
Stop the Frustration! Get the Complete Coach Certification
Are you a young fitness trainer or coach?
Are you frustrated by the results you’re getting or the lack of resources available to learn the skills you need to be successful?
Are you struggling to get enough clients or wondering how long you’ll be able to follow your passion for helping others?
It’s time to stop the frustration and stop worrying. It’s time to get certified!
If you’re serious about improving your results, serious about becoming a better coach, and serious about increasing your bottom line, then you need the Complete Coach Certification.
In this massive course, you’ll learn:
How to use the R7 system to create seamless, integrated and efficient programs for clients and athletes of all shapes and sizes
How to create the culture, environment and relationships with everyone you train so you can get the absolute best results
The exact progressions, regressions, and coaching cues I use in the gym – from squatting and deadlifting to pressing and pulling and everything in between
The assessment process I use to determine the best exercises for a client or athlete on Day 1, and how to set them up for maximal success down the line!
This certification is jam-packed with everything I’ve learned over the last 20 years of my career.
So if you’re ready to get serious about the results you’re getting for your clients and the impact your programs have on your income, head over to www.completecoachcertification.com to sign up for the Complete Coach Certification course today!
Subscribe, Rate & Share
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts and leave your honest review. I’d also love to connect via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit our website.
Thanks so much for your support – love and appreciate you!
The post Building a Fitness Business that Works for YOUR Life with Andy McCloy appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

Dec 19, 2025 • 51min
Earned Confidence, Fix it Frameworks and Buildng a High-Performance Mindset with Wil Fleming
If you’ve ever competed in strength sport, you know the platform can be a lonely place.
You’ve trained for weeks or months on end, and here you are – standing in front of a bunch of strangers, trying to move a weight you’ve never lifted before.
So what happens when things go wrong?
You miss your first lift?
Your legs feel heavy?
Or anxiety kicks in and your brain starts to spaz out?
Well luckily whether it’s on the platform, in sports, or just in life, today’s guest is going to help us out!
Wil Fleming is an Olympic weightlifting coach, author of Strong Mind, and the founder of 1Kilo, where he has helped athletes from youth beginners to Olympians unlock their potential through world-class training and mental performance strategies.
A former collegiate hammer thrower and Masters World Champion in weightlifting, Wil has coached multiple national champions and Olympians, including during the Paris 2024 Games.
And in this episode, we’re going to help you and/or your athletes take their mindset to the next level!
Quotable Quotes:
More lifts are made or missed in people’s heads than through their actual movements
Mental toughness is making a mistake and then having the wherewithal to come back
Confidence is earned through previous performances, not just by telling yourself you’re a winner
This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast:
Wil’s journey from collegiate thrower to Masters World Champion and elite-level Olympic weightlifting coach
Why he decided to write an entire book revolving around mindset training for lifters
The most common issues that strength athletes deal with, and how to address them
How to deal with negative self-talk, and turn it from a negative into a positive
The role visualization should play in your training, and how to use it for maximal success
Wil’s “Fix it Framework” – or what do do when things aren’t going your way!
How identity and self-perception influence athletic success
A discussion on different types of lifters (ie low motivation, struggles on game day, etc.) and how to manage them
Arousal: Finding the sweet spot so you perform at your best
1 or 2 things that everyone who listens can use and apply TODAY to get more out of their time in the gym!
Related Links:
Wil Fleming on IG
Strong Mind Book
The Mastery App
Supercharge Your Decision-Making and Program Design with Hawkin Dynamics Force Plates!
Hawkin Dynamics designs and builds performance hardware and software the right way.
Their dual wireless force plates give you the most accurate, real-time data on athletic performance.
You’ll have the ability to performance test your athletes in a matter of seconds, and give them immediate feedback on their strengths, weaknesses and readiness for that day’s training session.
Their software is designed in house and continually updated to ensure the interface is clean, intuitive and easy to use, so both you and your athletes can visualize what’s going on and how to improve their performance.
And Hawkin Dynamics is built around their customers and provide industry-leading support and training services to ensure you get the most out of their solutions.
With options to lease or buy, coupled with a 5-year warranty, Hawkin Dynamics force plates can take your performance facility to the next level.
To learn more, head over to HawkinDynamics.com or follow them on Instagram @HawinDynamics.
Subscribe, Rate & Share!
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts and leave your honest review. I’d also love to connect via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit our website.
Thanks so much for your support – love and appreciate you!
The post Earned Confidence, Fix it Frameworks and Buildng a High-Performance Mindset with Wil Fleming appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

Dec 12, 2025 • 50min
Hamstring Strains, Groins Pulls, and How to Stop Them with Ian Oskar Katanec
Ian Oskar Katanec, a manual therapist and strength coach, shares insights from his diverse background, including motocross and working with elite soccer players. He discusses the alarming rise of hamstring strains and groin pulls, attributing this to biomechanics and training mismanagement. Ian emphasizes proper positioning in rehabilitation, the importance of exercises done correctly, and the significance of foot mechanics in injury prevention. His holistic approach and practical advice aim to revolutionize how athletes recover and maintain peak performance.

11 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 1h 15min
The Super Duper Mash-Up Episode (Winter 2025)
In this engaging discussion, mental performance practitioner Brady Howe clarifies the roles of different mental health professionals. Jump coach Joel Smith shares innovative jump training techniques, emphasizing varied drills and arm mechanics. Nutrition expert Christina Chu critiques trendy supplements, urging listeners to save their money. Exercise scientist Jim Stoppani talks caffeine and effective performance nutrients, while coach Ken Vick explores eccentric training methods. Finally, Dr. John Rusin distinguishes credentialed coaches from influencers, advocating for real-world experience in coaching.

Nov 28, 2025 • 1h 4min
The ACL Comeback: Rehab, Reconditioning & Return to Play with Dan Lorenz
Dan Lorenz, Director of Sports Medicine at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, explores the intricacies of ACL rehabilitation and return-to-play strategies. He emphasizes the importance of pre-operative care to reduce inflammation and improve outcomes. Dan discusses the psychological aspects of recovery, the necessity of trust in the rehab process, and how open communication between therapists and coaches can enhance recovery. He also highlights the role of blood flow restriction training and the risk factors for re-tearing. Dan's insightful advice urges patience for long-term success.

Nov 21, 2025 • 60min
10 Tips to Become a Happy, Healthy, and More Successful Coach
Explore essential tips for coaches aiming to enhance their happiness and success. Discover the importance of lifestyle design and living beneath your means. Learn how to craft a fulfilling career while prioritizing personal life. Uncover the value of fostering a supportive coaching inner circle and the necessity of practicing self-care. Find out why it’s beneficial to outsource certain wellness tasks and how to master recovery techniques. Finally, reflect on the positive impact you have on your clients every day.

Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 15min
Dave Gleason on a Holistic and Well-Rounded Approach to Young Athlete Development
In this engaging discussion, veteran coach Dave Gleason shares insights from over 30 years in youth strength and conditioning. He highlights the challenges young athletes face today, including rising injury rates and the pressures of early specialization. Dave emphasizes the importance of recovery, fostering a positive relationship with fitness, and the need for holistic development. He also offers practical advice for parents and coaches to help athletes navigate their journeys, stressing that connection and individualized care are paramount in training.

5 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 16min
Eamonn Flanagan on Building Fast, Explosive and Robust Athletes with Plyometric Training
Eamonn Flanagan, Lead Strength & Conditioning Consultant at the Sport Ireland Institute, shares his expertise on jump and plyometric training for athletes. He dives into the distinctions between different strength qualities and training methods. Eamonn discusses the significance of eccentric impulse in performance, the valuable role of countermovement jumps, and how to assess athletes effectively. He also provides practical advice on programming plyometrics and adapting training based on individual athlete characteristics and recovery.

Oct 31, 2025 • 47min
John Rusin on Workout Frequency, Physical Qualities, and Minimum Effective Dose Training
Whether it’s writing hundreds of articles for websites like T-Nation…
…creating books SO LONG the editors cut you off at 576 pages…
…or educating over 20,000 fitness professionals, there’s only one word I can use to describe today’s guest…
…prolific.
Dr. John Rusin is an internationally recognized strength coach, physical therapist, and injury-prevention expert with nearly two decades of elite-level experience training MLB All-Stars, NFL All-Pros, Olympic gold medalists, and world-record-holding powerlifters.
Named a “Top 50 Health & Fitness Expert” by Men’s Health, he has pioneered a health-first, pain-free approach to performance that has transformed athletes and everyday clients alike.
And today we’re going to take a deep dive into helping YOU optimize your training!
Quotable Quotes:
The key ticket to you being successful as a coach is your clients and your athletes being healthy
—–
If you can create content that helps 80% of people, 80% of the time, you’re absolutely killing it out there
—–
We are the summation of all of our life’s experiences and our careers experiences
This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast:
John’s background, and how he got started in the physical prep space.
The importance of maintaining health and longevity in fitness training.
How to shift from a “no pain, no gain” mentality to a balanced, pain-free performance approach.
The negative impact of social media on fitness education, and the need for credible (and actionable!) information.
Why many of us have evolved our training philosophies and – ultimately – become more well-rounded in our approach
How John’s personal approach to fitness has evolved over the years (i.e. how he still stays in phenomenal shape!)
A really important question: Can you train every day without crushing yourself? Or burning yourself out?
Why every coach should value continuous learning, and why we MUST adapt our training methods over time.
And last but not least, should men actually train more like women?!?!?!
Connect with Dr. John Rusin:
Pain-Free Performance Book
Dr. Rusin on Instagram
Dr. Rusin’s Website
Related Links:
John Rusin on Authentic Movement, Injuries and Pain-Free Performance
Level Up Your Program Design with Train Heroic!
Are you tired of using clunky, antiquated program design tools like Microsoft Word or Excel?
Are you ready to level up your programming, and make it far more engaging to your clients and athletes?
If so, you need to check out Train Heroic.
I’ve been using TrainHeroic for years now both here at RTS and at IFAST, and I can tell you the user experience both as an athlete and coach is truly second to none.
To learn more and start your free 14-day trial, just follow this link to learn more about Train Heroic.
Not only will you get your first 14 days free, but it’s just $10/month to get started officially after that.
So don’t wait any longer – head over trainheroic.co/rts and start crafting beautiful programs your clients and athletes will love TODAY!
Subscribe, Rate & Share!
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts and leave your honest review. I’d also love to connect via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit our website.
Thanks so much for your support – love and appreciate you!
The post John Rusin on Workout Frequency, Physical Qualities, and Minimum Effective Dose Training appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

24 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 53min
Ken Vick on Extensive Pogos, Deep Tier Plyos and Building Real Eccentric Strength
Today – my friend – we’re going to touch on ALL the hot button topics.
For instance, are we potentially missing the mark with our eccentric-focused training?
Putting an over-emphasis on extensive jump training?
Or maybe, just trying to figure out where the heck do deep tier plyos fit into the equation?
Ken Vick is the President and Global High-Performance Director of Velocity Sports Performance, and someone I know is ALWAYS thinking about training and how to optimize it.
And in today’s episode we’ll cover all those topics – and so many more!
Quotable Quotes:
Eccentric actions in sport are the most important in my view. They can give an athlete an advantage or they can cause damage
—–
You just put a huge engine in without any brakes. If you’re not training through eccentric actions, you’re missing the brakes
—–
Watch sports looking at it as a movement specialist. What are the movement patterns and what are the muscle actions that go along with that?
This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast:
Ken’s journey from Olympic weightlifting and track coach to high-performance director.
The Shocks/Springs model, and how they relate to human movement.
Are slow, controlled eccentric exercises with light weights giving us the training adaptations we want?
The value of understanding the force/velocity curve – and never getting too caught up on one side of it!
How Ken uses medicine balls in his training programs.
Why it’s so important to watch sports as a movement specialist – and not as a casual fan of the game!
What role should isometrics play in training? And especially with regards to tendon loading programs?
Ken’s thoughts on both extensive pogos and deep-tier plyos, including where they might fit into your program.
Final thoughts on building frameworks, systems, and why every coach should work with (or at least watch!) sports they don’t coach.
Connect with Ken:
Ken Vick on Instagram
Ken Vick on Twitter
Related Links:
Ken Vick on Sharing, Speed Development and Being a Radical Centrist
Supercharge Your Decision-Making and Program Design with Hawkin Dynamics Force Plates!
Hawkin Dynamics designs and builds performance hardware and software the right way.
Their dual wireless force plates give you the most accurate, real-time data on athletic performance.
You’ll have the ability to performance test your athletes in a matter of seconds, and give them immediate feedback on their strengths, weaknesses and readiness for that day’s training session.
Their software is designed in house and continually updated to ensure the interface is clean, intuitive and easy to use, so both you and your athletes can visualize what’s going on and how to improve their performance.
And Hawkin Dynamics is built around their customers and provide industry-leading support and training services to ensure you get the most out of their solutions.
With options to lease or buy, coupled with a 5-year warranty, Hawkin Dynamics force plates can take your performance facility to the next level.
To learn more, head over to HawkinDynamics.com or follow them on Instagram @HawinDynamics.
Subscribe, Rate & Share!
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts and leave your honest review. I’d also love to connect via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit our website.
Thanks so much for your support – love and appreciate you!
The post Ken Vick on Extensive Pogos, Deep Tier Plyos and Building Real Eccentric Strength appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.


