Physical Preparation Podcast

Bill Hartman on Movement Models, Return to Play, and Playing the Probabilities


Listen Later

I’ve got a good one for you today my friend!

Bill Hartman brings 35 years of experience, and more importantly, a totally unique way of thinking about rehab, performance, and movement.

In our conversation, we take a deep dive into how he moved from standard, rule-based systems to a principle-driven framework called the UHP that helps him make better decisions with less guesswork.

Along the way, we get into the bigger ideas behind his model—why shape and position matter, how the whole system influences performance, and why the best solutions often come from understanding movement in context rather than chasing isolated fixes.

It’s always great to get Bill back on the show, and I promise this one won’t disappoint.

Let’s dive in!

 

Quotable Quotes:

I got frustrated because I kept hitting dead ends – so I scrapped everything and started from scratch

 

The minute you start adding resistance, you’re adding a challenge where the load becomes the constraint

 

It’s not just about “pushing this thing” – It’s like “hold this position as you do something”

 

This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast:
  • Bill’s background and how he got started in the PT and S&C worlds
  • His shift from rigid rules to principle-based thinking, and why frustration pushed him to build a new model.
  • Why the goal of training or PT is better reasoning, NOT perfect prediction
  • How the model has evolved over time, but the core principles have stayed the same
  • Bill’s approach to evaluating in the return to play process
  • Why you MUST know and understand the injury, the constraints, and the specific demands of the sport
  • A big consideration: Injuries are rarely isolated, and why you have to look at all the pieces of the puzzle when creating a RTP program
  • How external load can become a constraint – and that can be a good OR bad thing (depending on how it’s applied)
  • Table Tests: Why Bill uses them, and what he wants to get out of them
  • How to take the information from table tests and apply it to your standard gym exercises (squats, lunges, etc.)
  • Why all table tests are inherently “dirty”
  • The power of consolidating change and stabilizing an athlete before progressing them
  • How manual techniques and mobilizations fit into Bill’s treatment programs these days
  • Final thoughts, and how you can learn more about Bill’s work!
  •  

     

    Connect with Bill:
    • UHP Network
    • Recon Programming
    •  

      Level Up Your Program Design with Train Heroic!

      Are you tired of using clunky, antiquated program design tools like Microsoft Word or Excel?

      Are you ready to level up your programming, and make it far more engaging to your clients and athletes?

      If so, you need to check out Train Heroic.

      I’ve been using TrainHeroic for years now both here at RTS and at IFAST, and I can tell you the user experience both as an athlete and coach is truly second to none.

      To learn more and start your free 14-day trial, just follow this link to learn more about Train Heroic.

      Not only will you get your first 14 days free, but it’s just $10/month to get started officially after that.

      So don’t wait any longer – head over trainheroic.co/rts and start crafting beautiful programs your clients and athletes will love TODAY!

       

      Subscribe, Rate & Share!

      Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast!

      If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Apple PodcastsSpotify, and YouTube Podcasts and leave your honest review. I’d also love to connect via FacebookTwitter, and Instagram or visit our website.

      Thanks so much for your support – love and appreciate you!

      The post Bill Hartman on Movement Models, Return to Play, and Playing the Probabilities appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      Physical Preparation PodcastBy Mike Robertson