Doug Kechijian on Early Specialization, Longevity Training, and Rehab Success

Doug Kechijian on Early Specialization, Longevity Training, and Rehab Success

Author: Mike Robertson May 8, 2026 Duration: 58:52

Here are a couple of questions I’ve been thinking a lot about lately…

What should “longevity” training look and feel like?

Is early specialization as bad as we make it out to be?

And how do we ensure better success with our rehab and return to play athletes?

If you’re curious about any of these topics, you’re going to love this episode with Resilient Performance and PT founder Doug Kechijian!

One thing I love about Doug is that he’s not going to simply go with the flow – he’s always going to take a practical and balanced viewpoint on different subjects.

So if you’re interested in using common sense over the current dogma, you’re going to love this episode!

 

Quotable Quotes:

Age conspires against us, so how do we not deteriorate with age? It starts with being relentlessly consistent. And it’s easier to be consistent when you’re not constantly getting hurt!

 

You’re using the weight room as a way to increase the stress piggy bank of your athletes, so that when they play their sport, it’s not expensive

 

The kid who does the thing more and doesn’t get hurt is going to be better at it, because the skill component of sports is so high

 

This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast:

  • How the roles of PT’s and strength coaches should overlap throughout the rehab and return to play (RTP) process
  • The most important things you should be focusing on if your goal is “longevity”
  • Should you only be training Zone 2? And where/when might you be looking to incorporate more high-intensity conditioning?
  • Rethinking traditional “big-bang” exercises, and figuring out where they might fit into your programs (if at all!)
  • The power of micro-progressions to avoid setbacks and smooth the RTP process
  • Why data is great, but it’s not the be-all, end-all some would like for it to be
  • Sports specialization vs multi-sport participation in young athletes
  • How training constraints influence program design in real-world settings
  • The disconnect between online social media debates and practical application in training

 

 

Connect with Doug:

 

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The post Doug Kechijian on Early Specialization, Longevity Training, and Rehab Success appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.


Mike Robertson hosts the Physical Preparation Podcast, a space dedicated to the intricate craft of building better athletes and more effective coaches. Instead of quick fixes or fads, conversations here focus on the principles and practical details that form the foundation of sustainable performance. Each episode features in-depth discussions with leading experts from the health and fitness world, breaking down complex concepts into actionable strategies. You’ll hear honest explorations of training methodologies, injury prevention, and the nuanced decisions that separate good programs from great ones. This podcast serves as a continual education for anyone serious about understanding the ‘why’ behind physical preparation, whether you’re designing regimens for others or refining your own athletic journey. The dialogue is grounded in real-world application, aiming to sharpen your critical thinking and provide tools that can be implemented immediately. Tune in for a consistently insightful look at how intelligent training philosophy translates into tangible results, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art and science of human performance.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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