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Coaching
Coaching Neutral Wrist
Over the past three weeks, we’ve discussed why neutral spine is important, as well as neutral neck. Today we’re going to bring the series to a close, discussing the importance of keeping a neutral wrist. While this one may not be as intuitive as the other two, it’s nonetheless important. Watch most people perform any […]
Continue ReadingPoint-Counterpoint: Mike Reinold
Mike Reinold is a guy I not only respect, but someone I’ve learned a great deal from. How can you NOT learn from a guy whose expertise is used to keep some of the greatest athletes in the world healthy? So when Mike wrote a blog last week about why he DISLIKED the YTWL shoulder […]
Continue ReadingCoaching Neutral Spine
One of the most powerful tools we have in our toolbox can be purchased at your local hardware store for less than a couple of bucks. A simple piece of PVC pipe can help you coach and cue neutral spine with your clients and athletes, consistently getting them in the appropriate position. Neutral spine is […]
Continue ReadingA Kettlebell Coaching Session
Yesterday I did a one-on-one kettlebell training session with a client. And before I get any crap about 1-on-1’s, I’ll be writing a business post about that in the very near future. So try hold your sarcasm back for another week or two 🙂 Today’s post – while not uber exciting – while hopefully give […]
Continue ReadingThe Three Step Training Process
Effective coaching of clients and athletes isn’t a rigid, cookie-cutter process. When you get down to the heart of it, high-quality coaching and training can be boiled down to three key components: Assessment Program Design, and Coaching Let’s begin by looking at the individual components, and then how their interplay manifests itself into a holistic […]
Continue ReadingImproving Your Bench Press Arch
Let’s be honest – everyone likes to bench press. And one of the easiest things you can do to increase your poundages (and look like more of a bad-ass) is to improve your bench press arch. Whether your goal is to compete in a powerlifting meet, or to simply move more weight than the other […]
Continue ReadingBlocked 90-90 Split-Squats
Sorry I’ve been out of the loop for the past week. At midnight last Wednesday night, my wife went into labor and later than evening we celebrated the birth of our baby girl, Kendall Ann Robertson! Needless to say it’s been a crazy couple of days, but hopefully we’ll get back in the swing of […]
Continue ReadingWhat I Learned at IFAST
The following is a guest blog by former intern (and now current IFAST team member) Zach Moore. I can honestly say that Zach is a special guy. He trained at our gym for close to a year while finishing up a Masters in Economics, and when he asked if we would consider taking him on […]
Continue ReadingQ&A Conventional Deadlift
Hey Mike, I need some work on my deadlift. After reviewing this video I definitely see a few things I need to work on. Would you care to take a look and let me know the biggest things you see that need work? Or feel free to pick it apart completely. I can handle it […]
Continue ReadingMy Thoughts on Youth Training
As many of you already know, a huge section of our clientele at IFAST is young athletes. With kids as young as 11, up to those finishing off their high school career, I can say without reservation the most enjoyable part of my day as a coach is working with these kids. Let me tell […]
Continue ReadingThe Coaching Progression
The other day I was working with a new(ish) client, and I was cuing her to get into proper position. Upon completion of the set, she turned to look at me and said: “How come you never told me that before?” And my response was simple: Because you weren’t ready for that before!
Continue ReadingMy Top 10 Fitness Books
We all have “those” books. You know the ones – they always lay next to your bed, either with dog-ears or post-it notes to mark the most important passages. These are the books that have helped mold you as a coach or trainer. Today, I thought it might be helpful to give you all some […]
Continue ReadingAre you following the right program?
Today, I’ve got a hypothetical question I want to ask you. Are you following the right program? And before you blindly answer “Yes” or “Of Course,” really step back and think about that for a moment.
Continue ReadingThe 90-90 Split-Squat
Half-kneeling and split-stance exercises are beneficial for numerous athletes and trainees. Whether your goal is to soothe knee and lower back pain, or to improve your performance on big lifts like squats and deadlifts, half-kneeling and split-stance exercises can be a fantastic addition to your program.
Continue ReadingCoaching Cues Comment Contest
As you guys can tell, things have been a bit slow around here. Sorry about that – things have been a little bit more hectic than usual lately 🙂 To get things cranked back up, I figured I’d run a little contest. Here’s what I’d like for you guys to do.
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