Mike Robertson Interview

Robertson and I hanging out before he gets ready to drop some knowledge bombs on me

For those of you who don't know who Mike Robertson is, well I feel sorry for you. Mike is one of the brightest minds in the fitness industry and has one of the best facilities around (voted as one of the top 10 gyms in America by Men's Health). You can check out his blog and information about him and I-FAST (his and Bill Hartman's gym) here.

Mike has also been the single biggest influence in my life when it comes to being a trainer. He and Bill showed me the way and changed the way I thought and advanced myself in this field. I interned with them back in August of 2009 and knew I was going to learn...a lot. Not only did I learn a lot, but I learned more than I could have possibly imagined. I still have a long way to go, but they helped shape me into who I am today. I consider Mike my mentor and a great friend. Without further delay here is the interview....

1. ME: I don´t have the privilege of being around you all day, everyday like I did last year during my internship. Fill me in on what you have been up to lately as far as Robertson Training Systems and I-FAST go. Any new projects, products, or seminars in the works?

MR: You know me Mikey – I’ve always got a ton going on!

As far as IFAST goes, the gym is really taking off. Tons of new clients coming in, and always working on the business side of the equation as well. Right now, we’re trying to implement an all-in-one scheduling and payment system, which will hopefully make all of our lives easier.

We’re also working on templates for all of our training programs. We don’t just randomly pick-and-choose exercises; there’s a progression and system that we follow with all of our clients. Hopefully this will expedite the program design process, while still giving us the same level of customization.

As far as RTS goes, man, that’s a whole ‘nother can of worms! Obviously, the site overhaul was a huge project. Regardless, it was well worth the effort and I think it looks great. I’m also still working on the lower back manual, and prepping for a seminar in Vancouver.

Busy busy!

2. ME: Let’s touch a little more on IFAST. Eric Cressey dropped in recently for the day. I can only imagine what it would be like with you, Eric, and Bill in the same gym at the same time. What topics were discussed as far as the training realm goes?

Eh, it’s never as exciting as you’d think. Last time Charlie Weingroff, Bill and myself got together, we spent an entire dinner talking about social media and Jersey Shore!

When Eric was around, we spent a lot of time discussing the work of the Postural Restoration Institute. This is probably the “newest” stuff we’re using at IFAST, and we’re really like the results we get with their information. Definitely check them out if you’re interested.

Otherwise, it was really just another day at the office.

3. ME: Any trainers/coaches/physical therapist that are new to the scene/not well known that I and my readers should know about and start following? Any good reads lately? DVDs?

MR: Well, again the PRI people are definitely smart, so check that stuff out.

In all honesty, I’m always a bit leery/skeptical if someone new just shows up on the scene. It’s one thing if they’ve been coaching for 10 or 20 years, but now we’re living in the age where people are “Internet-made” and simply riding on someone else coat tails.

Rather than looking for “new” people, I’ve actually cut my blogs in half so I’m only reading from people who actually “teach” stuff – not just regurgitate the same old stuff.

If you want some smart people to follow, read up on anything by Charlie Weingroff, Carson Boddicker, Patrick Ward, Mike Reinold and Joe Kenn. Those are five guys that don’t get the press they deserve, but they’re all wicked smart and bring quality information to the table.

4. ME: I remember when my internship ended you were just getting back into lifting heavy. What`s your training looking like nowadays?

MR: Really just trying to get stronger and this point in time. Right now I’m following what I call “Bastardized 5-3-1,” which is basically Wendler’s 5-3-1 program modified to my own needs and goals.

Lifting is going well, body feels good, and we’ll just see what happens in the future.



MR back in his powerlifting days

5. Is there anything that you have dropped from or added to your arsenal that is worth noting since I interned? Why did you do it?

The PRI is the big thing that we’ve added, but mostly it’s just getting better at the basics.

I don’t think we can ever be skilled enough at teaching basic exercises and body positions. I think mastery of that stuff isn’t sexy, but great coaches know how powerful they are and are willing to trade sexy for useful.

I want to be a great coach, so that’s what I’m doing: Always working on and refining the basics and foundational stuff.

6. ME: Looking back on the path you travelled to get to where you are now, is there anything that you would have done differently? It doesn’t even have to be something major. It could be something very minute, yet could have really made a big difference.

MR: Rather than looking back with regret, I look at my life as a series of challenges and opportunities.

I was miserable when I lived in Ft. Wayne. I didn’t tell a lot of people that, but other than powerlifting I just really didn’t like what I was doing. But rather than dwell on that, I used it as a source of motivation – I poured my heart and soul into learning about the body, and how to use exercise to get people moving and feeling better.

I went into that situation with ZERO experience with therapy, rehab, corrective exercise, or whatever you want to call it. Now, if people think of Mike Robertson, for better or worse they think of someone that understands the body and how to get it moving and shaking correctly.

So while it was a trying time in my life, I made the most of it and I’m a better person now because of it.

Not sure if that answers your question, but hopefully it gives you some of the insight you were looking for!

7. ME: Of course I gotta save the best (well in my opinion), for last. What’s some advice you have for me and any other up and coming trainers?

MR: You realize I could go on forever with this, right?

Here are the pieces of advice I try to give to all up and coming trainers, assuming they’re willing to listen.

1 – Shut your mouth and use your ears

Too many young people (and saying this makes me sound really OLD!), don’t want to listen. They assume because they know a few fancy words and trained a few people that they know more than everyone else.

WRONG!

I think I know a thing or two, but when I’m around Bill Hartman, I shut up and listen – there’s stuff to be learned.

If you are willing to take the time and listen to others, it’s amazing what you can pick up. Even if you don’t agree with everything, at the very least you can firm up your own resolve as to why you believe certain things.

Nothing irritates me more than when an intern assumes they know everything.

2 – Stop and be present

Not just for young coaches, but for everyone – slow down and just watch your clients. How are they moving? What needs fixing?

Their body is telling you a story – the question is, are you listening?

The saying goes, “If it looks right, it flies right.” So many people come in with horrible posture and movement mechanics, it doesn’t take an expert to see these things. They lay person can often see them when they take a step back and look at the big picture.

At the end of the day, learning to trust your eyes and what you’re seeing is a huge step in the right direction for young trainers and coaches.

3 – NEVER stop learning

Self-explanatory – you’re never as smart as you think you are.

On top of that, we’re constantly learning more about the body. If you’re not fascinated by this stuff, you’re in the wrong field.

4 – Don’t be afraid of being great

This is just a general comment, but don’t’ be afraid of being successful, or even being great.

Sometimes, I think people have this negative connotation of what it means to be a “personal trainer” or “strength coach.”

They don’t realize how powerful they are in other people’s lives.

If I can take a young athlete and improve their performance, teach them how to lift weights properly, and improve their self-confidence, do you realize how powerful that is?

As trainers and coaches, we have the ability each and every day to impact people’s lives in a positive way. Take this job seriously – I’m not saying don’t have fun – but take it seriously and do your best to help people out.

The rewards are beyond anything you can put a cash value you on.


Can't thank you enough for the awesome interview MR! Again make sure you check out Mike's blog and if you are ever in the Indianapolis area, be sure to drop-in and meet Mike and Bill and check out their awesome gym!