Mike Robertson interview

by Scott Andrew Bird | September 10, 2006
Filed in interviews

When it comes to mobility work, core training and an intimate knowledge of anatomy you'd have to go a long way to better Mike Robertson. This afternoon I had a chance to listen to a recent interview [.mp3, 8.3mb] with Mike by the Diesel Crew's 'Smitty'; a discussion which covered areas from several of Mike's recent articles and seminars.

First cab off the rank was a brief look into the T-Nation article 28 Things I'm Learning, beginning with the Ghandi quote

Live life as though you will die tomorrow; learn like you will live forever.

Of particular relevance to Mike's ideals is the second part of that quote, and he sounds like a voracious learner. Audiobooks seem to be high on his list.

A key point made in this article (and the interview) is the importance of correcting any existing gluteal dysfunction prior to engaging in regular forms of training. As Mike states in the article,

I'd be willing to wager than 95% of the US population has some serious gluteal dysfunction going on.

That's a fairly substantial group of people.

Peak Performance Seminar, New York

The seminar sounds like a great one (DVDs and transcripts will be available shortly), and one of the key points was the importance of maintaining the weight over the heels in various exercises (examples given were deadlifts and step-ups) rather than over the toes. Short version - weight on heels = better gluteal recruitment.

The Modified 5×5 Squat Program
This is a great article. The key point here is that Beginner Lifters need more volume than intensity (so they can learn the moves), Advanced lifters need more intensity than volume and Intermediate lifters need something in between. This is where the modified 5×5 program comes in.

The interview discussed ways of knowing when a lifter is considered 'Intermediate' (a difficult thing to identify at the best of times as there are no hard-and-fast rules), and the three signs Mike generally uses as a gauge are :

• If you've been training less than three years.
• If you can't squat 2x bodyweight with a belt only (this has limited application to larger lifters).
• If you have great technique with light weights/warm-up sets, but fall apart on heavier reps/sets.

He then went on to discuss the importance of hips in power generation, and the fact that the lower back + hamstrings often play larger roles than they really should. Very few people, for example, make full use of their glutes in a Glute-Ham Raise.

High Performance Core Training

By his own admission, Mike's first article on Core Training wasn't nearly as detailed as later pieces. This article sets a new standard.

Mike discusses the crucial - and often overlooked - distinction between 'Core Stability' and 'Core Strengthening'. Good stuff. This is closely followed by a brief discussion on optimal pelvic alignment.

18 Tips for Bulletproof Knees

Fantastic article. What Mike doesn't know about the knee isn't worth knowing.

In the interview Mike discusses an analysis he did of Smitty's rehab following knee surgery. If there was any doubt about his knowledge of the knee before, there isn't now.

The subject of knee surgery leads on nicely to recovery methods such as use of a Foam Roller and the Graston Technique.

The Inside Out Project

Mike's currently working on Inside Out - essentially Magnificent Mobility for the upper body. Should be great (it's definitely on my shopping list).

If you've missed any of the abovementioned articles, head over and give them a read. You won't be disappointed.

Discussion

I'd love to hear what you think. Pop over to the forums and share your opinion. See you there.