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Simplifying Your Squat and Deadlift
I don’t know about you, but I can’t stop thinking about lifting and training. Even when I’m attempting to zone out or dial in on something else, often my thoughts drift and I find myself thinking about training once again. Lately I’ve been re-visiting my thoughts on squatting and deadlifting. Not only am I working […]
Continue ReadingSetting Up for a Big Squat
If you read enough blog posts and articles, everyone wants to talk about technique on the big lifts. And who am I to complain? I covered all of that in-depth in my Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift blog posts over the years. But you know what? I’d argue that 90+% of all lifts are missed […]
Continue ReadingArching versus Bracing
What is a superior cue to the strength coach or trainer? “Arch” or “Brace”? After discussing this via e-mail with my good friend Wil Fleming last week, I felt it was finally time to sit down and put this blog together. A cue that we’ve all used in the past when teaching someone how to […]
Continue ReadingTop 10 Blog Posts of 2011
Let the “It’s the end of 2011!” posts begin! I figure someone has to start the trend, and I’ve got a bunch of stuff to publish before the end of the year, so today we’ll begin with my Top 10 Blog Posts of 2011. Needless to say, the blog has grown exponentially over the last […]
Continue ReadingSquat
The squat may be the single most important lift you can perform in the gym. When properly executed, the squat is not only an amazing tool for strength development, but it can promote fat loss or muscle gain (depending on your nutrition), and it can reinforce mobility in almost all the major joints of the […]
Continue ReadingCoaching Neutral Neck
Last week, we discussed why neutral spine is important – not only for keeping injuries at bay, but for improving your performance as well. Far too often, people assume that neutral spine means ONLY the thoracic and lumbar spine, and totally forget about the cervical spine, or neck region.
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 ReadingSimple Squat Fixes
As many of you already know, my good friend and fellow strength coach is getting ready to release his new product, Show and Go next week. I know that Eric has spent the better part of two years pulling this thing together. Writing the program, developing the video content, it all takes a ton of […]
Continue ReadingThe Corrective Strawman
It’s easy for someone with little to no experience working with real people to say that “corrective” exercise doesn’t work. It’s also easy to do this if you’ve never seen it in action, or if you’ve seen it executed by the wrong practitioner. Naysayers will tell you that corrective exercise is nothing more than some […]
Continue ReadingApril 9th, 2009
Robertson Training Systems Newsletter 5.08 In This Issue: – Mike hatez teh squatz!!!! Mike hatez teh squatz!!! Yes, the title is somewhat in jest, but I hope you will enjoy the quick turn-around on the newsletters! Yesterday, an article ran on T-Nation titled Mythbusters. Essentially, this was a 15 minute conversation I had with Nate […]
Continue ReadingA simple squatting tip
The other day, I was watching our intern, Nick, squat. He was getting rounded over in the bottom a bit, and couldn’t figure out why as he hasn’t been coached all that much. In all honesty, it’s a very common issue, and one that I used to have happen to myself all the time. There […]
Continue ReadingSquatting 101
“The squat is the king of all exercises.” If you’ve trained long enough, chances are you’ve heard that before. And for good reason; the squat may be the single best lift you can perform in the weight room. Unfortunately, many people have no clue what they’re doing when it comes to squatting. Not to mention […]
Continue ReadingSimple tips to squat deeper
One question I get all the time is, “My back tucks under when I squat – is this ok? And how can I fix it?” To answer the first question, no, it’s not ok. This tucking, buttwinking, or whatever you want to call it puts the spine under repetitive flexion. Do it long enough and […]
Continue ReadingOlympic vs. Powerlifting Squats
Originally posted at www.t-nation.com There’s a rivalry in the iron world between the Olympic lifters and the powerlifters as to who’s stronger. This argument has invariably led to the two camps debating which one squats more and who has the better style of squatting. The reality is this is like the old cliché of comparing […]
Continue ReadingModified 5×5 Squat Program
Originally posted at www.t-nation.com The Perfect Program? I’m going to get my ass kicked for writing this article. Dave Tate, Jim Wendler, Eric Cressey… I can just see the hate mail pouring in. Not just that, but Louie Simmons only lives three hours from me. He might just drive over to Indianapolis and kick my […]
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