Robertson Training Systems
Robertson Training Systems is a founder-led, bootstrapped fitness education company in Indianapolis that sells the Complete Coach Certification, IFAST University mentorship, and the RTS Annual Training Program built around the proprietary R7 program-design methodology, serving professional coaches, elite athletes, and general fitness consumers through a podcast-led content engine.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersFishers, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Robertson Training Systems does
Robertson Training Systems (RTS) is a privately held fitness education and coaching company founded in 2002 by Mike Robertson and headquartered in the Indianapolis, Indiana area (Fishers, IN per firmographics; Indianapolis per the IFAST co-location). RTS sells coach education and training programs built around a proprietary methodology called the R7 Program Design System (Release, Reset, Readiness, Reactive, Resistance, Resiliency, Recovery), co-developed by Robertson with Bill Hartman and Eric Oetter, and supported by two additional frameworks, the Neural-Metabolic Continuum and the Exercise Selection Matrix. The company operates the co-owned Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST) facility, which Men's Health has named one of the Top 10 Gyms in America three times in the past six years.
The core product portfolio includes the Complete Coach Certification (online, cohort-based, twice-yearly enrollment with early-bird pricing), the RTS Annual Training Program (annual subscription covering fitness, nutrition, recovery, and mindset), the IFAST University group mentorship with monthly Q&A calls, a Program Design Mentorship, limited one-on-one private coaching (2-3 spots), and the free Unlocking Mobility Masterclass used as a funnel asset. Distribution is content-led and primarily digital: a 500+ episode Physical Preparation Podcast distributed across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Stitcher, and SoundCloud, a long-form blog, an email Insiders List, and webinars/masterclasses serve as the top-of-funnel, converting to paid certification and mentorship.
Revenue is generated primarily through subscription/recurring and cohort-based pricing across the certification, annual program, and mentorship streams, plus limited professional services for private coaching. The customer base is split between (1) professional athletes (NBA, NFL, MLS, CFL — referenced as clients and collaborative relationships rather than large enterprise contracts), (2) fitness trainers and coaches (the primary payer for certification and mentorship), and (3) general-population fitness consumers (RTS Annual Training Program, weekend warriors). Go-to-market is community-led and product-led: authority is built through the podcast and thought-leadership content featuring high-profile guests (Eric Cressey/Yankees, Joel Jamieson, Bill Hartman, Tanner Care, Doug Kechijian), then converted via free masterclasses into paid certification and mentorship programs. The company remains bootstrapped and founder-led with 1-10 employees and no recorded external funding.
Robertson Training Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Robertson Training Systems
- Legal name
- Robertson Training Systems
- Website
- https://robertsontrainingsystems.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Robertson Training Systems is a founder-led, bootstrapped fitness education company in Indianapolis that sells the Complete Coach Certification, IFAST University mentorship, and the RTS Annual Training Program built around the proprietary R7 program-design methodology, serving professional coaches, elite athletes, and general fitness consumers through a podcast-led content engine.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Robertson Training Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Fitness Education and Coaching
- NAICS
- Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Strength & Conditioning / Athletic Performance Training (HSADAEAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Online/Remote Personal Training & Programming (HSADAAAM), General Personal Training (In-Person & Virtual) (HSADAAAA)
Keywords
Where Robertson Training Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Fishers
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Robertson Training Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Complete Coach Certification: Online certification program for fitness trainers and coaches covering program design, coaching, and cuing. Limited enrollment twice per year with early-bird discounts available.
- RTS Annual Training Program: Annual subscription-based training program with nutrition, recovery, and mindset coaching components. Positioned as comprehensive personal transformation program.
- IFAST University Mentorship: Group mentorship program with monthly Q&A calls, website content access, and active Facebook group. Mentorship led by Mike Robertson and Bill Hartman.
- Private Online Coaching: One-on-one coaching services for individuals seeking personalized training programs. Limited availability (2-3 spots mentioned).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Complete Coach Certification - Online certification with early-bird discounts available |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Robertson Training Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Robertson Training Systems sells online certifications, annual training programs, and group/private mentorship to individual fitness coaches and athletes, all centered on the proprietary R7 Program Design System. Revenue is driven primarily by the Complete Coach Certification, the RTS Annual Training Program, and IFAST University mentorship, with limited private online coaching slots. Educational content is delivered through a 500+ episode podcast, blog, YouTube, and the co-owned IFAST gym in Indianapolis.
Product overview
Robertson Training Systems is a fitness education and coaching company founded by Mike Robertson, offering a suite of products centered around strength and conditioning, program design, and athletic development. The core offerings include the Complete Coach Certification (a comprehensive certification program teaching the proprietary R7 program design system), RTS Annual Training Program, and Program Design Mentorship. The company also provides online coaching services, hosts the Physical Preparation Podcast (500+ episodes), and operates IFAST (Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training) as its physical training facility. The methodology emphasizes building movement efficiency first, then developing physical outputs like speed, strength, power, and conditioning. The flagship R7 System provides a structured framework for program design encompassing Release, Reset, Readiness, Reactive, Resistance, Resiliency, and Recovery phases.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Complete Coach Certification: A comprehensive certification program for trainers and coaches that teaches program design, coaching, and cuing methodologies.
- RTS Annual Training Program
- IFAST (Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training)
Products and services
- Complete Coach Certification A comprehensive online certification program for individual fitness trainers and coaches that teaches program design, coaching cues, and client assessment methodology based on Mike Robertson's R7 system. Enrollment is limited to twice per year, with early-bird discounts available via the Insiders List.
- RTS Annual Training Program
Quantifiable outcome
- IFAST named one of Top 10 Gyms in America by Men's Health magazine three times in six years
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Robertson Training Systems
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Robertson Training Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Robertson Training Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST)coreCo-owned business entity where Mike Robertson serves as co-owner alongside Bill Hartman. IFAST serves as the physical training facility for Robertson Training Systems content, hosts the 3-month coach internship program, and is recognized as a Top 10 Gym in America by Men's Health magazine. This is the primary physical location and demonstration facility for all programming and coaching methodologies.
- Eric Cressey (Cressey Sports Performance)coreLong-standing professional relationship dating back years. Eric Cressey is President of Cressey Sports Performance and Director of Player Health and Performance for the New York Yankees. The two co-developed the original mobility DVD nearly 20 years ago from a failed T-Nation article. Mentions going 'way back' together with extensive collaborative history.
- ExerflyminorFlywheel training equipment manufacturer featured as podcast sponsor. Exerfly provides motorized flywheel technology for eccentric overload training. Used by NFL, NBA, 50%+ of English Premiere League teams, and Olympic development programs. Sponsorship includes 36-month interest-free financing promotion mentioned in podcast content.
- Bill HartmancoreBusiness partner and co-owner of IFAST. Co-developed the R7 Program Design System with Mike Robertson and Eric Oetter. Provides joint mentorship through IFAST University with monthly Q&A calls. Integral partner in both business operations and content creation.
- Revo (Missoula, MT)minorHost venue for RTS Seminar on October 11-12. Partnership enables live in-person seminar delivery in regional market outside digital-only distribution.
- Joel JamiesoncoreInfluential mentor whose book 'Ultimate MMA Conditioning' transformed Mike Robertson's approach to conditioning and energy systems training. Joel Jamieson is cited as providing tools to build better athletes and has been a frequent podcast guest. Mike Robertson serves as a speaker at Joel Jamieson's Conditioning Coach Workshop.
- Lee TaftminorSpeed and movement coach whose seminar in 2012 initiated Mike Robertson's journey to becoming a better speed and movement coach. Mentioned alongside Nick Winkelman as influential professional development connection.
- Nick WinkelmanminorKnown for communication in coaching and 'The Language of Coaching.' Seminar with Lee Taft in 2012 contributed to Mike Robertson's evolution as a coach. Podcast guest discussing coaching communication methodology.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves2 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Robertson Training Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Barbell Logic: Online coaching certification and education company built around strength training methodology. Offers the Starting Strength Coach and Barbell Logic Coach certifications with recurring mentorship tiers — closely comparable model to RTS's Complete Coach Certification and mentorship subscriptions.
- Renaissance Periodization: Science-based fitness education company founded by Dr. Mike Israetel offering coach certifications, nutrition courses, and consumer training programs. Directly comparable in online coach certification and educational content monetization, with a larger scale and broader course catalog.
- Mind Pump Media: Fitness education media company and MAPS Coaching brand founded by Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, and Justin Andrews. Comparable in podcast-driven fitness education monetization, certification programs (MAPS Fitness, MAPS Performance), and broad consumer coaching services.
- Stronger By Science: Evidence-based fitness education brand founded by Greg Nuckols, featuring deep content library, podcast, and coaching products. Comparable to RTS in evidence-based positioning, podcast-driven content engine, and coach-audience focus.
- 8 Weeks Out (Joel Jamieson): Conditioning coaching and education brand founded by Joel Jamieson (Ultimate MMA Conditioning author), offering coaching certification and products targeted at strength coaches. Directly comparable as a niche conditioning methodology brand with coach education focus and an existing RTS strategic partnership.
- Cressey Sports Performance: Eric Cressey's strength and conditioning facility and education brand, co-founded with Mike Robertson. Serves elite athletes (including NY Yankees) and offers coach education products with a similar podcast-driven, certification-and-mentorship business model. Closely comparable peer with documented multi-decade collaboration.
Broad incumbents
- Precision Nutrition: Larger incumbent in the coach certification and nutrition education market, with continuous-enrollment Level 1 and Level 2 certifications plus a broad consumer fitness product portfolio. Comparable to RTS in coach education but at materially larger scale.
- NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine): Large-scale fitness certification body offering CPT, PES, and other credentials with continuous enrollment and broad consumer recognition. Operates as a broad incumbent in the same fitness certification category where RTS competes at the premium niche.
- NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association): Industry-association certification body for strength and conditioning coaches, offering CSCS and other credentials. Represents the institutional incumbent in strength and conditioning certification — the formal credential pathway adjacent to RTS's premium specialist positioning.
Others
- Hawkin Dynamics: Force plate technology provider and RTS technology/integration partner used at IFAST for performance assessments. Adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor, but a relevant comp because it monetizes the same elite S&C and pro sports performance market via data and analytics.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Robertson Training Systems social profiles
Digital presenceRobertson Training Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Robertson Training Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Robertson Training Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Robertson Training Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Robertson Training Systems
What does Robertson Training Systems do?
Robertson Training Systems sells online certifications, annual training programs, and group/private mentorship to individual fitness coaches and athletes, all centered on the proprietary R7 Program Design System. Revenue is driven primarily by the Complete Coach Certification, the RTS Annual Training Program, and IFAST University mentorship, with limited private online coaching slots. Educational content is delivered through a 500+ episode podcast, blog, YouTube, and the co-owned IFAST gym in Indianapolis.
Is Robertson Training Systems a public or private company?
Robertson Training Systems is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Robertson Training Systems founded?
Robertson Training Systems was founded in 2002. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Robertson Training Systems based?
Robertson Training Systems is headquartered in Fishers, United States, in the North America region.
How does Robertson Training Systems make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Complete Coach Certification is the primary driver. The others are RTS Annual Training Program, IFAST University Mentorship and private Online Coaching.
Who are Robertson Training Systems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Barbell Logic, Renaissance Periodization, Mind Pump Media, Stronger By Science, 8 Weeks Out (Joel Jamieson) and Cressey Sports Performance. Broad incumbents are Precision Nutrition, NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association). Hawkin Dynamics is listed as an others.
Does Robertson Training Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Robertson Training Systems.
What industry is Robertson Training Systems in?
Robertson Training Systems's product category is Fitness Education and Coaching. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSADAEAB, Strength & Conditioning / Athletic Performance Training, with a secondary code of HSADAAAM, Online/Remote Personal Training & Programming. Its NAICS code is 611620 and its SIC code is 8200.