Andrew Paul analyzes athletic movement styles, urging tailored training methods for optimization. Victoria Saucedo highlights the significance of knee health for women's basketball. Jay DeMayo promotes a balanced strength training approach, cautioning against overreliance on weights. Charles Ashford points out common bulking mistakes athletes make. Vince Gabriele shares pricing strategies. Rick Franzblau discusses recognizing limits in training adaptations, while Joel Jamieson emphasizes understanding true Zone 2 training for effective endurance.

What happens when common sense fails us? Or maybe doesn’t tell us the whole story? Let me give you an example… I would assume if an athlete went out and played their most intense soccer match EVER, that they’d be more fatigued, which would increase their risk of injury, and/or would have poor force plate jumps after that match. And while that absolutely might happen – it also might NOT. So why is that? Well, that’s why we have today’s guest on the show!James Collins hails from Dublin, Ireland, and has made stops numerous stops in the MLS including Sporting Kansas City, Minnesota United FC, and the New England Revolution. And more recently, he’s become the special accounts manager for Soccer at Hawkin Dynamics, and started a PhD in Sport Science focusing on training load in elite soccer. And today, we’re going to talk about the relationship between training load, injury risk, and neuromuscular fatigue!   The best protective mechanism for decreasing injury is training hard. – James Collins   This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast: James’ background and how he got started in the world of physical preparation. How his early experiences with injuries sparked his interest. The differences between internal and external training load. Session RPE: What it is and why EVERYONE can use it (even without any sort of tech). Thoughts on why the relationship between training load and injury risk is more complex than we might assume. The best tools we have in our toolbox to protect our athletes from injury. Can you predict neuromuscular fatigue by tracking external training loads? Why return to play MUST be an integrated approach across the entire medical and performance staff. Thoughts on measuring dose and response with training loads. The power of building relationships with athletes to more effectively track and monitor training load.     Connect with James: James on X James on Instagram   Related Links: Adam Loiacono on Acute Injuries, Respecting Biology and the Bell Curve of Return to Play Matt Taberner Controlled Chaos Franco Impellizzeri Research Papers   Supercharge Your Decision-Making and Program Design with Hawkin Dynamics Force Plates! Force plates are in no way, shape or form new technology, but Hawkin Dynamics has brought them to the 21st century. Hawkin Dynamics plates are wireless which makes them portable and easy to set-up and use. You’ll have the ability to performance test your athletes in a matter of seconds, and give them immediate feedback on their strengths and weaknesses. Their software interface is clean, intuitive and easy on the eye, so both you and your athletes can visualize what’s going on and how to improve their performance. And last but not least, dual force plates allow you to see side-to-side asymmetries, especially in athletes who are in the return to play process. 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. Or for direct sales inquires, feel free to reach out to Drake Berberet directly via email at drake@hawkindynamics.com or via direct message on Instagram at strength2.speed   Subscribe, Rate & Share! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast with Mike Robertson – your one-stop-shop for fitness trainers, coaches, and athletes. 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 James Collins on Session RPE, Neuromuscular Fatigue, and the Science of Training Load in Soccer appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

Andrew Paul, the Director of Performance and Rehab for the Oklahoma City Thunder with 19 years of performance training experience, discusses his insights on athlete management. He emphasizes the importance of personalized training based on classification and movement archetypes. Andrew shares his views on balancing strength and agility, the role of flywheel training, and maintaining athlete well-being through a long NBA season. He also reflects on his evolution from personal achievements to mentoring the next generation of trainers.

Imagine this scenario…you’re watching a sporting event, and an athlete gets injured. Maybe it’s something minor like a sprained ankle, or maybe something more severe like a hamstring pull or ACL tear. Have you ever wondered, what does the medical staff do right then? And how does that initial 24-48 hours set up the entire return to play process going forward? Well if you’re interested in how acute phase rehab blends into performance training, and then how we eventually work as a team to get that athlete back on the field, you’re going to love today’s episode with Adam Loiacono! Adam has over 15 years of experience in rehabilitation and performance training for professional and youth athletes, including reaching the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns and the MLS Cup with the New England Revolution. He is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and owns Loiacono Performance Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ, where he integrates sports science, physical therapy, and performance to optimize athletes’ training, recovery, and rehab. And in today’s episode, we’re going to help YOU understand the acute phase of rehab, and how to help support our AT’s and PT’s to get our athletes back on the field as safely as possible.   I’d rather tell the strength and conditioning to pull back the reins, rather than having to encourage them to do more. – Adam Loicacono   This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast: About Adam and what’s new in his world. The FIRST THING he thinks about when he sees an athlete go down or get injured in a game. His steps or “phases” someone needs to work through when going from acute injury into return to play, and why strength is NOT the first box to tick. How swelling and inflammation dictate the process and timeline. The role of training muscles versus movements, especially early-on after an injury. Open vs. Closed Chain Activities: Are one better than the other? How an athlete’s mindset and psychology impact their rehab process. Why training the healthy limb can lead to faster progress down the line. The power of biological timelines in the rehab process. How the S&C coach can play a pivotal role in helping an athlete come back from an injury. Why building strong relationships with athletes during rehab can enhance their recovery experience.     Connect with Adam: Adam on Instagram Adam’s Website   Related Links: Adam’s Previous Shows on the Physical Prep Podcast Dr. Ebonie Rio on Strength, Springs and Rebuilding the Athletic Knee Stacey Hardin on Purposeful Collaboration in Pro Sports Spark Book   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! Spots are limited, and the next certification is set to launch in March. To learn more, please join my FREE Insiders List and stay tuned for our launch details to save $200 when the course opens!   Subscribe, Rate & Share! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast with Mike Robertson – your one-stop-shop for fitness trainers, coaches, and athletes. 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 Adam Loiacono on Acute Injuries, Respecting Biology, and the Bell Curve of Return to Play appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

If you’re interested in training basketball players, evolving their workouts as they age, or learning how to create a CULTURE of training in the basketball space, you’re going to love this week’s episode. Born and raised in SoCal, Victoria Saucedo played softball at Utah State where she received a Bachelors degree in Human Movement Science. From there she had stops at NAU, St. Louis University, Wake Forest and VCU before finally landing as the Associate Sports Performance Coach for women’s basketball at Stanford. And in this episode of the podcast, we take a deep dive into how Victoria trains her female hoopers!   That “rudimentary” freshman program is going to set the foundation for what they’ll need their sophomore, junior and senior year. – Victoria Saucedo   This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast: Victoria’s background, journey, and how she got started in S&C. How she would define “sports performance” for women’s basketball. The unique challenges that are presented when working with women’s college basketball players. The importance of building a training foundation and addressing individual needs. How to manage training loads and burnout, to ultimately keep the athletes as fresh as possible. The power of truly investing in your athletes and understanding their goals with training. Educating athletes on the role of the weight room, and where they should be sore after they lift. How to help your athletes develop autonomy, and why coaching eventually becomes a collaborative effort. The power of building a culture and community within the weight room. The BIG Question A really fun lightning round where we talk SoCal, Vic’s college softball highlights, and her recent trip to Europe!     Connect with Victoria: Victoria on IG   Related Links: Jay DeMayo on Jump Training, the Role of Relaxation, and Getting Bouncier   Become an ELITE Performance Coach at IFAST Basketball Insiders! If you want to give your athletes real-world strength that will carry over to the court… …help them build the power and explosiveness to blow by defenders or finish at the rim… …or give them the brakes they need to stop on a dime and stay healthy, you need to join IFAST Basketball Insiders! Each and every month, you’re going to get access to high-end content from myself and trusted experts that will help you write better programs, coach more effectively, and get the absolute most out of your workouts. With everything from sample programs you can swipe and deploy, to case studies showing real-world results, and even exercise breakdowns and tutorials, my goal is to make sure that every program you write and exercise you coach is more effective for your basketball players. But the content is really just the starting point, as every month we’ll have a Q&A call where you can ask me anything about your basketball players. And last but not least, when you join IBI you’re going to be surrounded by a community of basketball strength and conditioning coaches – people who are not only doing this at a high-level themselves, but who also want to help you succeed as well. If you’re serious about taking your basketball strength and conditioning skills to the next level, just head over to IFASTBasketballInsiders.com to get signed up. I can’t wait to see you in there!   Subscribe, Rate & Share! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast with Mike Robertson – your one-stop-shop for fitness trainers, coaches, and athletes. 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. The post Victoria Saucedo on Training Autonomy, Trickle Down Buy-In, and the Importance of Details in College Hoops appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

Joel Jamieson, a renowned expert in strength and conditioning, delves into the world of longevity and heart health. He shares his journey from combat sports to focusing on well-being, emphasizing the critical need for tailored training, especially for those over 40. The discussion highlights the vital role of lifestyle changes in combating cardiovascular disease, including diet, sleep, and stress management. Jamieson also explores the impact of genetics on health and shares personal stories of overcoming challenges to promote a longer, healthier life.

You ever have that old friend that – whether it’s been 5 months or 5 years – whenever you talk it just feels easy and natural? Well I definitely have a few of them, and one of those guys is Jay DeMayo. And if you’re interested in jump training and how to help your athletes jump higher, you’re going to love this week’s episode! Jay is in his 22nd year as a strength and conditioning coach at the University of Richmond, and his 20th year working with the men’s basketball team in 2024-25. And while I know he’s passionate about everything strength and conditioning, one of the things old Graybeard talks about the most is how to better program and coach jump training…\ …so that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today!   Extensive short coupling jumps are vital for building a foundation in jump training. – Jay DeMayo   This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast: A quick intro/bio from Jay, and what’s new since the last time we chatted. Why low-level jumps and plyos are a cornerstone of jump training in basketball. The “missing ingredient” when it comes to jump training (Hint: It’s not trying harder!) Why understanding the technical model of jump training is so important for our athletes. When to use intensive jump training progressions, and how to dose them appropriately. Finding the balance between jump training and the weight room to increase your bounce. If you’re not already, why you should consider giving athletes more influence over their exercise selection. The role of athletes’ feedback in your training program. How Jay would shift his approach if he worked with high school or professional players instead of college. His thoughts on staying in the S&C game for as long as you want!       Connect with Jay: Jay DeMayo and CVASPS on Instagram   Related Links: Physical Preparation with Jay DeMayo   Become an ELITE Performance Coach at IFAST Basketball Insiders! If you want to give your athletes real-world strength that will carry over to the court… …help them build the power and explosiveness to blow by defenders or finish at the rim… …or give them the brakes they need to stop on a dime and stay healthy, you need to join IFAST Basketball Insiders! Each and every month, you’re going to get access to high-end content from myself and trusted experts that will help you write better programs, coach more effectively, and get the absolute most out of your workouts. With everything from sample programs you can swipe and deploy, to case studies showing real-world results, and even exercise breakdowns and tutorials, my goal is to make sure that every program you write and exercise you coach is more effective for your basketball players. But the content is really just the starting point, as every month we’ll have a Q&A call where you can ask me anything about your basketball players. And last but not least, when you join IBI you’re going to be surrounded by a community of basketball strength and conditioning coaches – people who are not only doing this at a high-level themselves, but who also want to help you succeed as well. If you’re serious about taking your basketball strength and conditioning skills to the next level, just head over to IFASTBasketballInsiders.com to get signed up. I can’t wait to see you in there!   Subscribe, Rate & Share! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast with Mike Robertson – your one-stop-shop for fitness trainers, coaches, and athletes. 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. The post Jay DeMayo on Jump Training, The Role of Relaxation, and Getting Bouncier appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

As strength or performance coaches, it’s easy to focus all of our energy on training. Because sure we want to help our athletes get bigger, faster and stronger – but what if they’re doing all the hard work in in the gym, yet not taking care of business in the kitchen? Kobe was famous for saying that NUTRITION was the last arrow in his quiver – the final thing he could do to put the icing on the cake of his game. So if you want to learn more about how proper nutrition can help you build better basketball players, you’re going to LOVE today’s episode! Charles Ashford is a performance nutritionist with a decade of experience working with elite athlete, and he currently serves as the performance nutritionist for the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA. And today, we’re going to get an inside look at what nutrition coaching really looks like at the elite level!   Nutrition periodization is aligning one’s nutrition based upon their training and competition demands. – Charles Ashford   This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast: Charles’s background and the long and winding journey to the Dallas Mavericks. The 3T’s of Nutrition: Total, type and timing. The crucial role nutrition periodization plays in supporting athletic demands. Two of the BIGGEST MISTAKES athletes make when trying to bulk up. The triangle of muscle gain: Energy intake, evenly distributed protein, and optimizing peri-workout nutrition. How to shift an athlete’s nutrition if their goal is shedding body fat. The role of “stacking” carbohydrates at specific times to support performance and lose body fat. Why protein must stay high and consistent throughout a fat loss phase. The role lifestyle factors play in supporting an athletes body composition and performance. Finding balance between an athlete’s favorite food choices, and those that will support their goals. Charles’ thoughts on supplements, and the ones he’s most likely to suggest for his athletes. Collagen: Yeah or nah? The BIG Question A really fun lightning round where we talk moving from football to basketball, dogs, and his soon-to-be-released Quadrant Nutrition book!     Connect with Charles: Linked In Quadrant Nutrition   Become an ELITE Performance Coach at IFAST Basketball Insiders! If you want to give your athletes real-world strength that will carry over to the court… …help them build the power and explosiveness to blow by defenders or finish at the rim… …or give them the brakes they need to stop on a dime and stay healthy, you need to join IFAST Basketball Insiders! Each and every month, you’re going to get access to high-end content from myself and trusted experts that will help you write better programs, coach more effectively, and get the absolute most out of your workouts. With everything from sample programs you can swipe and deploy, to case studies showing real-world results, and even exercise breakdowns and tutorials, my goal is to make sure that every program you write and exercise you coach is more effective for your basketball players. But the content is really just the starting point, as every month we’ll have a Q&A call where you can ask me anything about your basketball players. And last but not least, when you join IBI you’re going to be surrounded by a community of basketball strength and conditioning coaches – people who are not only doing this at a high-level themselves, but who also want to help you succeed as well. If you’re serious about taking your basketball strength and conditioning skills to the next level, just head over to IFASTBasketballInsiders.com to get signed up. I can’t wait to see you in there!   Subscribe, Rate & Share! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast with Mike Robertson – your one-stop-shop for fitness trainers, coaches, and athletes. 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 Charles Ashford on Nutrition Periodization and Dialing in Body Comp for Basketball Players appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

Okay my friend – we’re BACK! It’s been a hot minute since we did a Q&A episode (almost a year, if you’re keeping track), so I knew it was time to make this happen. I absolutely love doing these episodes, because any time I can serve YOU, it makes me feel good on the inside Here we cover a range of topics here from training to business development, so let’s dive in and answer some questions!   Don’t just sell features, think about the benefits and what it really means to them. – Mike Robertson   This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast: The MR Life Update, including IFAST athlete training, summer trips, and kiddo highlights Lessons I’ve learned from opening IFAST Basketball Insiders General tips for starting an online business How going from trainer/coach to biz owner triples the amount of jobs you have My “Big Rocks” for off-season basketball development How training is different between established pros and up-and-coming/developing athletes The IFAST compensation program, and how we ran our Personal Development Interviews (PDI’s) What you need to do BEFORE you ask for a raise The final question: Should coaches talk about politics on social media???     Related Links: IFAST Basketball Insiders Vince Gabriele Podcast Lee Taft Podcasts Scott Charland Podcast Profit First Book Traction Book   Become an ELITE Performance Coach at IFAST Basketball Insiders! If you want to give your athletes real-world strength that will carry over to the court… …help them build the power and explosiveness to blow by defenders or finish at the rim… …or give them the brakes they need to stop on a dime and stay healthy, you need to join IFAST Basketball Insiders! Each and every month, you’re going to get access to high-end content from myself and trusted experts that will help you write better programs, coach more effectively, and get the absolute most out of your workouts. With everything from sample programs you can swipe and deploy, to case studies showing real-world results, and even exercise breakdowns and tutorials, my goal is to make sure that every program you write and exercise you coach is more effective for your basketball players. But the content is really just the starting point, as every month we’ll have a Q&A call where you can ask me anything about your basketball players. And last but not least, when you join IBI you’re going to be surrounded by a community of basketball strength and conditioning coaches – people who are not only doing this at a high-level themselves, but who also want to help you succeed as well. If you’re serious about taking your basketball strength and conditioning skills to the next level, just head over to IFASTBasketballInsiders.com to get signed up. I can’t wait to see you in there!   Subscribe, Rate & Share! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast with Mike Robertson – your one-stop-shop for fitness trainers, coaches, and athletes. 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 August 2024 Q&A: Starting a Fitness Biz, Off-Season Basketball, and How to Ask for a Raise appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

If you want to grow your fitness business, or dream of someday opening your own gym, then THIS is the podcast for you. Vince Gabriele is the author of 11 books – all written to help gym owners grow their business. After running his New Jersey gym for 13 years (that he still owns today) he now helps gym owners become great business owners so they can enjoy life in the fitness industry. He founded and owns 4 companies: Gabriele Fitness, Grit Athlete Performance, Fitness Business University and KISS Marketing. His podcast, The Fitness Business university podcast is ranked second among all fitness business podcast in the world. And today, we’re going to take a deep dive into the world of small group training and how to make it a profitable business!   Problems are inevitable in business, but it’s important to navigate how you respond to them. Controlling your emotions and making decisions based on reality rather than emotion is key. – Vince Gabriele   This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast: Vince’s background and how he got started in the industry. Why his time at Fitness Quest 10 was such a critical piece of his development. What made him want to go out on his own and open a gym. Semi-Private training versus small group personal training – what’s the difference??? The short-term versus long-term marketing game, and which one you should be playing. Is Lifetime Customer Value the most important metric in your business? The “marketing glove” concept – and why the number ONE is the worst in regards to lead generation. Why speed is critical to your success in landing new clients. The thinking behind Good, Better and Best pricing structures. An overview of the BIGGEST MISTAKES Vince has seen with regards to pricing. The BIG Question. A fun lightning round where we talk business mistakes, big wins, life lessons, and what’s next for Vince Gabriele.     Connect with Vince: SmallGroupPersonalTraining.com   Related Links: Alwyn Cosgrove on Fat Loss Training, Mentorship and Paying it Forward Scott Schutte and Dr. Janine Stichter on the Psychology of Fitness in 2020   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! Spots are limited, and the next certification is set to launch in September. To learn more, please join my FREE Insiders List and stay tuned for our launch details to save $200 when the course opens!   Subscribe, Rate & Share! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast with Mike Robertson – your one-stop-shop for fitness trainers, coaches, and athletes. 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 Vince Gabriele on Marketing, Lead Generation and Lifetime Customer Value in Your Fitness Business appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.