core training Archives - Robertson Training Systems

Build Rotary Core Stability with the Pallof Press

on September 25, 2019 | by Mike Robertson

As trainers and coaches, we’re always looking for new and exciting ways to train our core. But sometimes, it’s easy to fall back into our staple exercises – you know, the planks, bears, dead bugs, etc. And while those exercises are fantastic, one big limitation is that they’re all very focused on the sagittal plane […]

Build Your Abs AND Upper Body with the Single-Arm Dumbbell Bench Press

on July 30, 2019 | by Mike Robertson

When it comes to training, I’m all about maximizing bang for my buck. After all, why do multiple exercises when ONE exercise can give you a ton of benefit? In this case, the single-arm dumbbell bench press is an awesome choice, because it not only strengthens the upper body, but builds a strong and stable […]

Skinny vs. Showy Abs

on April 10, 2019 | by Mike Robertson

A long, long, long, long, LONG time ago when I first started working out, I had numerous goals. Obviously I wanted a huge bench (like every teenage boy does). Second, I want to have big arms (again, like every teenage boy does). And last but not least, I wanted to develop that “6-pack” in my […]

The Ultimate Dead Bug Video

on March 6, 2019 | by Mike Robertson

If you love core training exercises, this is your video! The dead bug is one of, if not my favorite, core training exercise of all time. It’s easy to use, and can be done with little (or no) equipment. You can progress it from simple and easy, to extremely hard and challenging. And in this […]

My Top 3 Reaching Core Training Exercises

on April 18, 2017 | by Mike Robertson

As you probably already know, I’m a big fan of core training exercises. Whether it’s bulletproofing the lower back, controlling the hips and pelvis, or helping someone improve their athleticism, a strong and stable core can help you get there faster. But here’s the thing – too often, there’s no rhyme or reason to our […]

Physical Preparation with Dr. Stuart McGill

on December 9, 2016 | by Mike Robertson

Dr. Stuart McGill Spine is the Director of the Biomechanics Laboratory at the University of Waterloo, and he is without a doubt the worlds foremost expert when it comes to low back pain and dysfunction. Beyond his work in the classroom, he is also an active coach and consultant, having worked with 1000’s of athletes […]

RTS Coaching: How to Landmine Press

on March 2, 2016 | by Mike Robertson

The landmine press is one of my favorite exercise variations of all time. First and foremost, if you have clients that struggle to go overhead, this is a great way to “bridge the gap” between horizontal and vertical pressing. Furthermore, you can take this standard movement and either build it up or break it down. […]

RTS Coaching: The Knees Extended Bear

on January 13, 2016 | by Mike Robertson

A few months back, I introduced you to a new core training exercise: The Bear. I love the bear because it really targets the obliques, and also reinforces good reaching patterns for my athletes. However, if you’re anything like me, you always want to get to the next level. Enter, the knees extended bear… Now […]

RTS Coaching – The Breathing Push-up

on July 15, 2015 | by Mike Robertson

At this point, we all know that push-ups rock. They train the serratus anterior, strengthen the rotator cuff, and tie the upper and lower body together. So how do we take an awesome exercise and make it even more awesome (and a lot more challenging)? Simple – we add focused breathing into the equation. Below […]

Are You Full of Hot Air? (Video)

on August 6, 2012 | by Mike Robertson

A common theme for many of our clients at IFAST is faulty diaphragmatic breathing patterns. Often, people are so caught up on how to get air in, they forget (or don’t realize) how important it is to effectively get air out!

My Core Training Story

on September 30, 2011 | by Mike Robertson

Many people want to know why I originally got interested in core training. Even as someone who was just getting into the industry at the young age of 21, I quickly realized everyone and their brother wants to train their abs, or learn how to get a 6-pack. Let’s take a little trip down memory […]

Bootylicious

on February 3, 2010 | by

I got an e-mail the other day that started like this… “I have a big butt, so I know I don’t have any glute issues…” WRONG. How do you know? Have you been tested by a knowledable trainer, PT, ortho, chiro, etc.? Just because you have “big” glutes DOES NOT mean that they are working […]

Weak Torso Society

on January 12, 2010 | by

One of the consistent themes I see at IFAST when working with new clients is torso/core weakness. (Really from this point forward, I’m going to use the term “trunk” versus “core.” It’s much more all-encompassing, and doesn’t have the negative connotations associated with the words “core training.”) It’s pretty sad when you’re getting young, healthy […]