I looked at the calendar earlier and noticed that today is June 27th. I'm sure you know that already.
So why am I talking about it now? What is the signifigance of 6-27?
Five years ago today I attended my first RKC certification and began my journey as a professional kettlebell instructor.
Five years ago today, I stood on the field and learned to do the drills I thought I knew how to do. I learned to teach them. I learned that this is what I was meant to do in life.
There are events that wind up impacting us so deeply, become such a part of us, that it is not possibly to imagine our lives or ourselves without them. Graduations, marriage, military service, etc. are pivotal events, defining moments in our adult lives. The kind of events that you classify other things as happening either before or after.
June 27th 2003 was like that for me. That weekend changed the course of my life and how I define myself forever.
Over the past five years I have built a business, taught and coached hundreds of people, improved my own health and strength, as well as helping others to do so, all because of that weekend.
Even more importantly, I have met some first-class people and made lifelong friends as a result of the strangely shaped hunks of iron.
The level of gratitude I have to Pavel, Dragondoor, & the RKC organization cannot ever be fully put into words.
If you want to experience something like that, attend the RKC. We will do our best to give you the same experience.
Today is June 27th 2008. My name is David Whitley, Sr. RKC, and I am living my dream.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
My student speaks
The iron ore feels its self needlessly tortured as it goes through the furnace. The tempered blade looks back and knows better.-Japanese Proverb
As an instructor, I feel very proud when a student has breakthough. It could be finally getting a particular technique that has been challenging them, dropping body fat, just about anything that takes them in the direction of fullfilling their potential.
At times the courage and toughness of my students amazes me.
Jen Bryan is such a student. I have put her through some of the toughest workouts that I have ever constructed. I have pushed beyond the edge of what she thought she was capable of and she continues to emerge more and more tempered.
On her blog she reveals things about herself that most peopple would hide away from their own eyes, never mind the public.
This makes me proud:
"There have been quite a few posts lately on the AOS forum from people who I frankly just don't think have the mettle to workout with kettlebells--or much of anything that might cause discomfort from the sound of it. Anyone who can actually, seriously, post "callouses, gross!" on a kettlebell forum just needs to go the f^@% home.
Yes, some people are limited by circumstances and may need to or want to workout inside. Injuries might make some moves difficult or impossible. But... kettlebells are what they are. Don't try to make them into something easy or soft.
Kettlebells are not for the faint of heart.
They are not for those who whine about the heat or the cold or dirt or sweat--or any other thing for that matter.
Kettlebells are best battled outside in the rain or sleet or sun or wind where you can beat them or they can beat you, and the story is told only by the pock marks in the grass and the dirt on your hands.
Though they will do so, they are not meant to make prettier muscles but better muscles.
They are meant to temper from the inside out, testing your mettle, strengthening muscle, ligament, tendon, and even a little skin.
Those who fear such a challenge from a small metal ball and do not wish to bear its mark are not worthy of its gifts. And they should go home.
Don't get me wrong. Sometimes I don't even think I'm worthy. But I'm working on it."
Jen, you totally kick ass!
As an instructor, I feel very proud when a student has breakthough. It could be finally getting a particular technique that has been challenging them, dropping body fat, just about anything that takes them in the direction of fullfilling their potential.
At times the courage and toughness of my students amazes me.
Jen Bryan is such a student. I have put her through some of the toughest workouts that I have ever constructed. I have pushed beyond the edge of what she thought she was capable of and she continues to emerge more and more tempered.
On her blog she reveals things about herself that most peopple would hide away from their own eyes, never mind the public.
This makes me proud:
"There have been quite a few posts lately on the AOS forum from people who I frankly just don't think have the mettle to workout with kettlebells--or much of anything that might cause discomfort from the sound of it. Anyone who can actually, seriously, post "callouses, gross!" on a kettlebell forum just needs to go the f^@% home.
Yes, some people are limited by circumstances and may need to or want to workout inside. Injuries might make some moves difficult or impossible. But... kettlebells are what they are. Don't try to make them into something easy or soft.
Kettlebells are not for the faint of heart.
They are not for those who whine about the heat or the cold or dirt or sweat--or any other thing for that matter.
Kettlebells are best battled outside in the rain or sleet or sun or wind where you can beat them or they can beat you, and the story is told only by the pock marks in the grass and the dirt on your hands.
Though they will do so, they are not meant to make prettier muscles but better muscles.
They are meant to temper from the inside out, testing your mettle, strengthening muscle, ligament, tendon, and even a little skin.
Those who fear such a challenge from a small metal ball and do not wish to bear its mark are not worthy of its gifts. And they should go home.
Don't get me wrong. Sometimes I don't even think I'm worthy. But I'm working on it."
Jen, you totally kick ass!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Long Cycle
First- a bunch of low rep overhead work today, mixed in with various pinch work.
24kg press
1x5/5
32kg press
1x5/5
40kg press
2x3/3
44kg (32+12 in one hand)
3x 1/1
48 kg bent press
2x1/1
48kg pushpress
1x2/2
Somewhere in there I tore a deck of cards for the first time since May 10th, when my wrist went to crap. It was slow, ugly and sloppy, but I tore it.
I wanted to do some condition, but didn't feel snatching because my grip was comfortably worked, not wanting to mess with that.
So, I did Long cycle clean and jerk with 1x24kg, 10 minutes straight, changing hands every 10 reps, 10 reps per minute. Ending heart rate was 156, medium. Felt pretty good.
24kg press
1x5/5
32kg press
1x5/5
40kg press
2x3/3
44kg (32+12 in one hand)
3x 1/1
48 kg bent press
2x1/1
48kg pushpress
1x2/2
Somewhere in there I tore a deck of cards for the first time since May 10th, when my wrist went to crap. It was slow, ugly and sloppy, but I tore it.
I wanted to do some condition, but didn't feel snatching because my grip was comfortably worked, not wanting to mess with that.
So, I did Long cycle clean and jerk with 1x24kg, 10 minutes straight, changing hands every 10 reps, 10 reps per minute. Ending heart rate was 156, medium. Felt pretty good.
Monday, June 16, 2008
You don't have to be a Titan
Check out this article from yesterday's Tennessean: http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/SPORTS01/806150380/1027
The Tennessee Titans have discovered what clients already know...kettlebells are an outstanding strength and conditioning tool!
The good news is, you DO NOT have to be a member of the Titans to get the benefits of kettlebells. You can join us at http://www.nashvillekettlebell.com, Nashville's ORIGINAL kettlebell bootcamp workout...with guaranteed results!
The next Nashville Kettlebell Bootcamp begins on July 30th. Reserve your spot today at http://www.nashvillekettlebell.com
The Tennessee Titans have discovered what clients already know...kettlebells are an outstanding strength and conditioning tool!
The good news is, you DO NOT have to be a member of the Titans to get the benefits of kettlebells. You can join us at http://www.nashvillekettlebell.com, Nashville's ORIGINAL kettlebell bootcamp workout...with guaranteed results!
The next Nashville Kettlebell Bootcamp begins on July 30th. Reserve your spot today at http://www.nashvillekettlebell.com
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
And we are LIVE!!!
The new DVD Full Body Power: Kettlebells Beyond the Basics is is Live!
The first 10 people to purchase will recieve a 30 minute phone coaching session ($100 Value) with me for free!
http://www.fullbodypower.com
The first 10 people to purchase will recieve a 30 minute phone coaching session ($100 Value) with me for free!
http://www.fullbodypower.com
Monday, June 9, 2008
Less than 24 hours to go!
We go LIVE with the Full Body Power: Kettlebells Beyond the Basics DVD at 12:00 Noon Central Standard time Tuesday, June 10th!
The first 10 people to purchase will recieve a 30 minute phone coaching session with me for free!
www.fullbodypower.com
The first 10 people to purchase will recieve a 30 minute phone coaching session with me for free!
www.fullbodypower.com
Friday, June 6, 2008
Full Body Power
We are ON SCHEDULE to launch the Full Body Power DVD on Tuesday, June 10th at 12:00 noon Central!
I am very excited about this and I am looking forward to your comments after you see it.
Here is what Pavel had to say about it:
"Comrade, if you liked More Russian Kettlebell Challenges, you will enjoy Full Body Power: Kettlebells Beyond the Basics by David Whitley, Senior RKC. A strong presentation of advanced kettlebell exercises which seemlessly blends strength, conditioning, and flexibility. The "Hold My Beer and Watch This" section is worth the price of admission. Dave's blend of truck strength and size and kid flexibility is rare and inspiring. -Pavel Tsatsouline, the author of The Russian Kettlebell Challenge and Enter the Kettlebell"
I am very excited about this and I am looking forward to your comments after you see it.
Here is what Pavel had to say about it:
"Comrade, if you liked More Russian Kettlebell Challenges, you will enjoy Full Body Power: Kettlebells Beyond the Basics by David Whitley, Senior RKC. A strong presentation of advanced kettlebell exercises which seemlessly blends strength, conditioning, and flexibility. The "Hold My Beer and Watch This" section is worth the price of admission. Dave's blend of truck strength and size and kid flexibility is rare and inspiring. -Pavel Tsatsouline, the author of The Russian Kettlebell Challenge and Enter the Kettlebell"
Thursday, June 5, 2008
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