Well it only took 500-some episodes, but I finally made it happen!

Today we welcome the one and only Megan Young to the Physical Prep Podcast.

This conversation was so much fun, especially learning more about her journey from reluctant track and field thrower, to collegiate strength coach, to cancer survivor, and then finally with her success with the MLS’ Seattle Sounders.

Meg’s resilience and passion for S&C are truly inspiring, and I know you’re going to love learning more about her, as well as what she’s up to these days.

So without any further ado, let’s do this!

Success in performance coaching increasingly comes from cultivating a broad, curious mindset rather than hyper-focusing on a single niche

Prioritizing internal validation and purpose over external markers like titles or wins transforms coaching into a meaningful, sustainable career

AI’s most significant role in coaching is in handling large data sets and synthesis, freeing humans to focus on contextual interpretation and nuanced decisions

Gym owners and coaches, have you heard about PushPress?

It’s the best gym management software company and it’s revolutionizing the fitness world.

So check this out: PushPress is built BY gym owners. They understand the ins and outs of running a fitness business because they’re “in the trenches” in their own gyms every single day.

Key products like Core, Grow, and Train are designed to help you with everything from billing and scheduling to lead generation and progress tracking.

Built on the “help first” ethos, PushPress places an exceptional focus on prioritizing client needs, listening to feedback from their community, and using it as the impetus for its ever-evolving, innovative features.

And here’s the strongest plug I can give them – I’ve actually switched to PushPress for all of my clients and athletes.

Getting things set-up and running smoothly is not only easier, but also far more intuitive than many other solutions.

So if you’re interested in learning more, just head over to pushpress.com/ppp.

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

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

The post Megan Young on Personal Growth, New Challenges, and Curiosity Voyages appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

If you’re a strength coach or personal trainer right now, there’s a good chance a client or athlete has come in and said something like this:

“Yo Mike… what do you think about PRP?”

Or, “My doctor mentioned stem cells.”

Or, “I’ve had two (or 6 or 10) surgeries already—should I look into regenerative medicine?”

And the honest answer is… maybe?

I have some athletes who swear PRP or stem cells changed everything.

And others spent a ton of money and got absolutely nothing out of it.

So as a coach, you’re stuck in the middle—trying to help, trying to be responsible, but without a clear framework for what actually makes sense.

When you understand the right use cases—and the common mistakes—a lot of the noise disappears.

And to help us sort all this out, I’ve got my guy Adam Loiacono on the show.

Adam is a former medical director for the Phoenix Suns and a guy who has spent the bulk of his professional career working in high-stakes environments with high-performers.

And he’s a guy who has really dove head first into regenerative medicine, helping athletes make smart decisions instead of expensive guesses.

So In today’s episode, we’ll discuss

If you work with older clients, or athletes who’ve been through multiple injuries or surgeries and are trying to get back to elite-level training, this conversation will give you a much clearer lens for navigating these decisions.

Some people have success and some people don’t, even though they get the same stem cell injection or PRP injections

The moment I stepped out of team sports, questions changed because my position changed.

With regenerative medicine, you’re trying to avoid that surgery by enhancing the cell environment through external means

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!

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

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

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

The post Adam Loiacono on PRP, Stem Cells, and the Truth about Regenerative Medicine appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

If you’re a strength coach or personal trainer and you’ve worked with a golfer, you can probably relate to one – or ALL – of these.

You want to unlock their mobility, so their swing feels effortless and smooth.

You want to help them hit the ball farther.

And ultimately, you want them to crush it when they get on the course.

So a lot of coaches default to general rotational work, med ball throws, and getting stronger — and just hope it carries over.

But today, we’re going to make this clear and easy to understand.

Because golf swing biomechanics are not reserved for PhDs and tour-level labs.

You just need to understand what actually produces power, what’s measurable, and what truly matters.

And that’s exactly why I’m excited for today’s show with Jack Wells.

Jack DOES have a PhD in Biomechanics and Strength & Conditioning for Golf, where he developed force plate assessment methods that are now used to profile some of the world’s best golfers.

And his work revolves around golf biomechanics, strength and conditioning, and force plate analysis — but what I love about Jack is he’s also someone who truly cares about making all this practical.

By the end of this show, you’ll understand how power is produced in the golf swing, what separates meaningful assessment from guesswork, and you’ll walk away with practical tools you can apply immediately.

Let’s do this!

For me, I fundamentally believe that you have got to have a really good understanding as to why you are doing something

Golf is not a velocity sport. It’s not a power sport. It’s a momentum sport.

The irony here is that many golf-specific movement screen lacks any form of specificity, and it’s really problematic

Hawkin Dynamics designs and builds performance hardware and software the right way.

Their dual wireless force plates give you the most accurate, real-time data on athletic performance.

You’ll have the ability to performance test your athletes in a matter of seconds, and give them immediate feedback on their strengths, weaknesses and readiness for that day’s training session.

Their software is designed in house and continually updated to ensure the interface is clean, intuitive and easy to use, so both you and your athletes can visualize what’s going on and how to improve their performance.

And Hawkin Dynamics is built around their customers and provide industry-leading support and training services to ensure you get the most out of their solutions.

With options to lease or buy, coupled with a 5-year warranty, Hawkin Dynamics force plates can take your performance facility to the next level.

To learn more, head over to HawkinDynamics.com or follow them on Instagram @HawinDynamics.

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

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

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

The post Golf Swing Biomechanics & Power Assessment Explained with Jack Wells appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

If you work with athletes who travel, tell me if you’ve seen this before.

They fly across the country, and when they show up, something just feels off.

Reaction time is slow.

They’re moody and irritable.

OR they’re just tired flat when it really matters.

And we usually treat it like it’s just a sleep problem – but deep down, we know it’s more than that.

Jet lag isn’t just about being tired: It’s about your athlete’s internal clock being completely out of sync with when they’re supposed to perform.

They might be awake, but their nervous system, hormones, and decision-making speed are still operating in a different time zone.

So today we’re diving deep into this with someone who has lived this at the highest level of sport.

Tom Clark has spent over a decade working in elite performance — primarily in Formula 1 — supporting drivers and teams in one of the most demanding travel schedules in global sport.

He’s operated in a multifaceted performance role, helping athletes manage preparation, recovery, and sustained excellence under constant travel and pressure.

And he’s also a doctoral candidate specializing in jet lag, travel fatigue, and circadian disruption — researching how global travel impacts physiology, decision-making, and performance.

If you coach athletes who travel, or you want to optimize your own performance across time zones, this podcast is going to help you right now!

Effective circadian adjustment hinges on strategic light exposure and sleep timing, not merely on increasing sleep hours.

Traditional advice – like maximizing sleep or exercising immediately after travel – may actually hinder adaptation if misapplied.

Manipulating light, timing sleep, and behavioral adjustments are more reliable and cost-effective than supplements or ‘quick fixes.’

Are you looking for ways to coach more effectively while cuing less?

Or getting your clients and athletes into the right position WITHOUT overwhelming them with 35 cues every set?

If so, you need to check out Whatsthatstrap!

What’s That Strap makes specialty cable machine attachments that are specifically designed for rotation and multidirectional movement.

The 3D Strap is amazing for driving separation between the hips and shoulders like you would in tennis, golf, baseball or even basketball, but it can also be used to resist rotation in standard weight room exercises like squats and lunges as well.

And while the 3D Strap is awesome, I also find myself using their chop handles all the time as well. Whether it’s for exercises like chops and lifts, or just using them as a bonus sled dragging attachment, I absolutely love their versatility.

To learn more about Whatsthatstrap or pick up a 3D Strap or chop handles, head over to WhatsThatStrap.com and use the discount code RTS at checkout to get free shipping on all US orders.

I know you’re going to love training with their attachments!

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

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

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

The post How Elite Athletes Manage Jet Lag and Travel Fatigue to Optimize Performance with Tom Clark appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

A lot of coaches and serious lifters know VO2 max matters… but they’re not totally sure how to train it correctly.

Some people are hammering HIIT circuits and hoping that’s enough.

Others are living in Zone 2 because that’s what the longevity crowd is preaching.

And a lot of strength coaches are stuck in the middle, wondering if pushing conditioning harder is going to cost them strength, power, or muscle.

So you end up with confusion.

Mixed messaging.

Programs that make people tired… but don’t necessarily move the needle on either lifespan or performance.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I actually improving VO2 max… or just getting good at suffering?” — you’re not alone.

And if you’ve tried to balance conditioning with strength work and felt like something had to give, I totally get it – because I was there too.

But here’s the thing:

The issue isn’t whether VO2 max matters, because it clearly does – for heart health, work capacity, and long-term performance.

The real issue is that most people don’t understand what actually drives improvements in VO2 max.

It’s not just doing more random cardio.

It’s not just “go as hard as I can.”

It’s understanding the physiology, the energy systems, and how VO2 max training fits inside a bigger conditioning framework.

And the good news is this — you don’t have to choose between longevity and performance. When it’s programmed intelligently, VO2 max training can support both.

So today, Joel Jamieson and I are going to simplify what’s often overcomplicated.

By the end of this show, you’ll understand exactly how to structure VO2 max training inside a real-world program. You’ll know when to push intensity, when to build the base, and how to do both without compromising strength or recovery.

And Joel is going to break this down in a way that’s practical — not theoretical — so you can actually apply it ASAP!

Your body is running on aerobic metabolism using the oxygen from the second you’re alive until you’re dead. It is the primary system of life

Improved aerobic metabolism means not just greater power output but also a longer, healthier life

The faster the progress you make, the less sustainable it is over time. Slow and steady is a much better long-term path

Gym owners and coaches, have you heard about PushPress?

It’s the best gym management software company and it’s revolutionizing the fitness world.

So check this out: PushPress is built BY gym owners. They understand the ins and outs of running a fitness business because they’re “in the trenches” in their own gyms every single day.

Key products like Core, Grow, and Train are designed to help you with everything from billing and scheduling to lead generation and progress tracking.

Built on the “help first” ethos, PushPress places an exceptional focus on prioritizing client needs, listening to feedback from their community, and using it as the impetus for its ever-evolving, innovative features.

And here’s the strongest plug I can give them – I’ve actually switched to PushPress for all of my clients and athletes.

Getting things set-up and running smoothly is not only easier, but also far more intuitive than many other solutions.

So if you’re interested in learning more, just head over to pushpress.com/ppp.

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

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

The post Joel Jamieson on How to Increase VO2 Max For Longevity AND Performance appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

Okay my friends, today we’re trying something 100% and completely NEW with this podcast!

Yes, even after 500 episodes, I’m still looking for ways to keep it fresh and exciting, so I really hope you enjoy it.

In today’s MR Training Talk, we’re going to dive deeper into some of my most popular articles and social media posts in recent memory.

For example…

I’m going to answer all those questions – and more – in this week’s episode of the Physical Prep Podcast!

Tailor exercises to an athlete needs – not trends – for better results and fewer injuries

Recognizing whether an athlete is more stiff or compliant allows for a precise intervention

In-season training success relies on balancing multiple workout types—loading, maintenance, “stim” and recovery

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!

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

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

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

The post Buffer Zones, Optimizing Training and In-Season Workouts appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

If you train young athletes, this episode is for you!

Here I’m going to share 7 powerful insights from my 25 years of coaching young athletes.

Whether it’s customizing your communication, monitoring your energy, or practical strategies to motivate and connect with your young athletes, I know you’ll take something away from this podcast that will help you level up.

So without any further ado, let’s dive in!

Understanding each athlete’s unique character, interests, and mindset is crucial for effective coaching. Tailoring your approach enhances engagement and development

The goal is to make young athletes love the process of training so it becomes a lifelong habit, not just a chore. Transform the gym into their favorite place

A relentless focus on effort and attitude can compensate for talent gaps. Perseverance becomes the real differentiator in performance.

Are you looking for ways to coach more effectively while cuing less?

Or getting your clients and athletes into the right position WITHOUT overwhelming them with 35 cues every set?

If so, you need to check out Whatsthatstrap!

What’s That Strap makes specialty cable machine attachments that are specifically designed for rotation and multidirectional movement.

The 3D Strap is amazing for driving separation between the hips and shoulders like you would in tennis, golf, baseball or even basketball, but it can also be used to resist rotation in standard weight room exercises like squats and lunges as well.

And while the 3D Strap is awesome, I also find myself using their chop handles all the time as well. Whether it’s for exercises like chops and lifts, or just using them as a bonus sled dragging attachment, I absolutely love their versatility.

To learn more about Whatsthatstrap or pick up a 3D Strap or chop handles, head over to WhatsThatStrap.com and use the discount code RTS at checkout to get free shipping on all US orders.

I know you’re going to love training with their attachments!

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

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

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

The post 7 Thoughts on Coaching Young Athletes appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

Dr. Marc Lewis is the Director of Applied Sports Science for the Houston Texans, and prior to his time in the NFL, he also had stints at Penn State, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and the University of South Carolina.

Now today’s show is obviously going to focus on sports science, because that’s kind of his jam.

But I’d argue even if you aren’t hard core about sports science, there’s a ton to be learned here.

For instance, would you be interested in how a small wrestling team using a $347 set-up outperformed a bigger school with fancy tech?

Or the big questions you should ask yourself FIRST, before you make any investment into your sports science program?

If so, you’re going to love this episode – so let’s dive in!

Our job is to help athletes perform better within their sport and help the team win games

The key is to create an infrastructure that links technology to practical interventions and action items

It’s not just about having data; it’s about centering it around the athlete and how to best support them

Hawkin Dynamics designs and builds performance hardware and software the right way.

Their dual wireless force plates give you the most accurate, real-time data on athletic performance.

You’ll have the ability to performance test your athletes in a matter of seconds, and give them immediate feedback on their strengths, weaknesses and readiness for that day’s training session.

Their software is designed in house and continually updated to ensure the interface is clean, intuitive and easy to use, so both you and your athletes can visualize what’s going on and how to improve their performance.

And Hawkin Dynamics is built around their customers and provide industry-leading support and training services to ensure you get the most out of their solutions.

With options to lease or buy, coupled with a 5-year warranty, Hawkin Dynamics force plates can take your performance facility to the next level.

To learn more, head over to HawkinDynamics.com or follow them on Instagram @HawinDynamics.

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

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

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

The post Marc Lewis on Overcoming Adversity, Data-Driven Insights, and Enhancing Sports Science appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

What a year it was in 2025!

Serious growth with IFAST Basketball.

The gym is humming along.

And my kids are getting BIG!

But even with all the good stuff, there’s always a need to look back and reflect.

Sure some things went right – but I definitely wasn’t perfect.

Where did I miss the mark?

And what can I do better in 2026?

I cover all that – and some lessons I learned along the way – in this week’s episode!

It’s not about giving my kids more stuff. It’s about making memories and doing things that they’ll remember and cherish for a lifetime

If you build it, they will come. Well, you know what? That sounds great. And it makes for an awesome movie. But it doesn’t work in real life!

The more curious you are, the more enjoyable this whole training and coaching thing is

Gym owners and coaches, have you heard about PushPress?

It’s the best gym management software company and it’s revolutionizing the fitness world.

So check this out: PushPress is built BY gym owners. They understand the ins and outs of running a fitness business because they’re “in the trenches” in their own gyms every single day.

Key products like Core, Grow, and Train are designed to help you with everything from billing and scheduling to lead generation and progress tracking.

Built on the “help first” ethos, PushPress places an exceptional focus on prioritizing client needs, listening to feedback from their community, and using it as the impetus for its ever-evolving, innovative features.

And here’s the strongest plug I can give them – I’ve actually switched to PushPress for all of my clients and athletes.

Getting things set-up and running smoothly is not only easier, but also far more intuitive than many other solutions.

So if you’re interested in learning more, just head over to pushpress.com/ppp.

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

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

The post 2025 Review, 2026 Preview, and Lessons Learned Over the Past Year appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.

Are you a smaller college, facility or business owner who is looking to take their sports performance program to the next level?

If so, you’re going to LOVE today’s episode.

Dr. Anne Beethe currently serves as the Director of Peak Performance at Colby College, a high performance model housing Sports Medicine, Strength and Conditioning, Mental Performance, Nutrition, and Sport Science.

And in today’s episode, we’re going to talk about how she built an amazing high-performance program with limited people, funds and resources – something I’m sure many of us can relate to!

The more a team has engaged with us – more entry points, more contacts – the more likely they are to succeed

When whoop first came out and coaches were like, why are my athletes better in the yellow? I’m like, “it’s okay if they’re not in the green!”

We have to work as our own team to make sure this all works together

Hawkin Dynamics designs and builds performance hardware and software the right way.

Their dual wireless force plates give you the most accurate, real-time data on athletic performance.

You’ll have the ability to performance test your athletes in a matter of seconds, and give them immediate feedback on their strengths, weaknesses and readiness for that day’s training session.

Their software is designed in house and continually updated to ensure the interface is clean, intuitive and easy to use, so both you and your athletes can visualize what’s going on and how to improve their performance.

And Hawkin Dynamics is built around their customers and provide industry-leading support and training services to ensure you get the most out of their solutions.

With options to lease or buy, coupled with a 5-year warranty, Hawkin Dynamics force plates can take your performance facility to the next level.

To learn more, head over to HawkinDynamics.com or follow them on Instagram @HawinDynamics.

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

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

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

The post Building a High-Performance Model on a Budget with Dr. Anne Beethe appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.