In This Issue:

– Robertson Training Systems Updates
– Training Tip
– Nutrition Tip
– Exclusive Interview with Fitness Entrepreneur Jim Labadie
– New Articles
– Schedule

Updates:

The “Building the Efficient Athlete” DVD Series is BLOWING UP!

I’ve got to admit – I was a little leery when this thing came out. Eric and I put so much time and effort into pulling it together, I just hoped that the response would be everything we expected.

All I can say is, YOU ALL have stepped up to the plate! The response has been everything we expected and more. Here’s another great testimonial we got from Arlene Robbins, a powerlifter and seminar attendee:

“If you want to be the best…TRAIN & LEARN FROM THE BEST!

Attending the Building the Efficient Athlete seminar was one of the best experiences of my life. I have over 20-years of lifting experience under my belt. In this 2-day seminar, I came away with solutions to my nagging injuries that have held back my lifting progress.

We delved into functional anatomy, which is a must for improving training techniques. We then went into hands on assessments, as well as corrective tips for any and all training questions any of the participants had – this seminar covered it all!

I also purchased Eric & Mike’s Magnificent Mobility DVD – another WINNER! I’ve wasted many years doing static stretching. By doing these new drills I’ve improved my mobility greatly.

If you ever get a chance to attend a seminar with Eric or Mike – put it on your PRIORITY LIST. And by all means get a copy of Building The Efficient Athlete and Magnificent Mobility – and become the best you can be!”

Arlene Robbins, Powerlifter

Building the Efficient Athlete DVD Series

New Article up at T-Nation!

Bill Hartman and I wrote an article for T-Nation a while back, and it’s making waves over on the T-Nation site. If you haven’t checked it out yet, it could change the way you think about upper body training.

Check it out here:

Push-ups, Face Pulls, and Shrugs for Healthy Shoulders

Training Tip:

Decrease your leverage to increase your squat!

Powerlifters are masters of applied biomechanics, with powerful under-the-bar knowledge. The wide-stance, low-bar squat position is biomechanically the most efficient way to move massive amounts of weight in training or on the platform. However, one of the best ways to drive your squat weight up is to actually make your leverages worse in training.

Elite powerlifter Ed Coan has often stated that a majority of his off-season training revolves around high-bar, close stance squats. Not only does it make him more biomechanically inefficient, but it also trains some muscles that don’t get as much work in a powerlifting style squat. This is actually a simple concept that many sport coaches utilize: By making the training or practice harder than the actual competition, you greatly enhance your ability to succeed.

Try this little tip for a 4 week cycle, and then return to your traditional power squats. I promise, you’ll be amazed at how strong and powerful you feel!

Nutrition Tip:

Unhealthy “Health” Foods
By Dr. John Berardi

Products that claim to be “Cholesterol Free” and “Low in Saturated Fat” often have the most trans-fatty acids. Unfortunately these are the products that most of the public thinks are “healthy.” Remember, trans fats have absolutely no place in the diet! They’re the only type of fat highly associated with very negative health outcomes.

If you like this tip and want to learn more about JB and his products, check out his Precision Nutrition website.

Exclusive Interview with Fitness Entrepreneur Jim Labadie

Jim Labadie is one of the leaders in the fitness industry when it comes to becoming an entrepreneur. Any up-and-coming personal trainer, strength coach, physical therapist, etc., that has the dream of working for themselves should take the time to read his articles and purchase his products.

Jim is also one of the busiest guys I know, so we’re excited to have him here today to do a quick interview with us!

MR: Jim, please take a second and let the readers know a little bit about
yourself: Who you are, who you work with, why you entered the industry, etc.

JL: I work with fitness professionals and strength and conditioning coaches who either own their own business or want to own one. Simply put, I help them make more money and live a better life. I’ve worked as a personal trainer and owned an in-home training business. When I was at the University of Delaware, I was a volunteer strength coach. I sat for the CSCS while still in school and found out I had passed it once I’d graduated. The men’s lacrosse and women’s volleyball teams were my responsibility, but I also worked with the football and men’s and women’s basketball teams. Oh, and I was certified as a USWF Level One Club Coach. Not sure that even exists anymore. Anyway, I really don’t know shit about training anymore compared to guys like you and Eric Cressey. But I do speak the language. If I couldn’t, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.

MR: You are well known for being a go-to guy with regards to the business side of personal training, with a very extensive list of big clients. What led you to this realm of the industry?

JL: I realized my “calling” when I was involved with Ryan Lee’s Elite Sports Training Alliance. I was listening to conference calls with Alwyn Cosgrove, Stephen Holt, and Brian Grasso, and I quickly came to the conclusion that not only was I not even remotely close to their level, but I had no desire to become so. And I’m a big believer that if you don’t love what you’re doing and you have no desire to be great at it, you’ve got no business doing it.

So anyway, that’s what led me to do what I do. There are many things I suck at but helping trainers make a better life for themselves ain’t one of them. I’m great at what I do because I love it.

MR: Finding your calling makes all the difference. You also have a product out called “Velvet Rope Marketing.” What’s the concept behind it?

JL: Velvet Rope Marketing is based off the fact that people want what they can’t have.

What happens when you tell a kid they can’t have something? Yeah, they want it more. And do you really think adults are more than just big kids?

The “Velvet Rope” teaches you to not only position yourself as an expert, but to promote exclusivity. Let it be known that you don’t take everyone on as a client.

Let it be known that you expect your clients to become walking, talking billboards for you and your company. Let it be known that there are rules to follow and you won’t accept clients who are going to half-ass it or complain.

Now that might seem counterintuitive, but it works like magic. People are floored when you tell them there’s a chance you might not accept them as a client. They immediately start fighting for the right to become so. And they literally talk themselves into the sale. By the time they get done convincing YOU they will make a good client all you need to do is ask how they want to pay!

Am I wrong or is that the exact opposite approach almost all fitness pros take to marketing and sales?

MR: That’s very true Jim. But should all trainers be using this approach? It sounds like it might not be up everyone’s alley.

JL: No, not everyone should.

Those who don’t feel comfortable using it, well, they need to get some confidence. But I can tell you that if you come of sounding weak people will see right through you. When you tell people there’s a chance you won’t take them on as a client you have to mean it. You really do need to be willing to walk away from the table.

Think about it: How much does a lousy client cost you? Sure, they are a paying client. But if they aren’t holding up their end of the bargain and not getting results then they are costing you money. How? Do you think they are telling their friends the reason they don’t look any better after working with a trainer is their fault? Or yours?

And what told do they take on your attitude and energy? How does that effect your other clients?

Additionally, you shouldn’t put the “Velvet Rope” to use if you suck. If you can’t deliver results. If you are a lousy trainer you have no business using this technique.

MR: I’m pretty sure everyone on here knows how I feel about trainers who suck!

Thanks a ton for your time Jim; where can the readers find out more about you and your services?

JL: They can find out all about me at http://www.TrainandGrowRich.com I’ve got a “FREE Stuff” page with tons of FREE info, obviously, that will make you more profitable right away.

You can also get a FREE copy of my ebook “63 Must-Have Sales Tips for Personal Trainers” at http://www.PTSalesTips.com

MR: Thanks again for your time Jim!