What the SHREK just happened (reading time 7 minutes)

29 juni 202116 augustus 2023 Iris Kensenhuis

Hi Folks,
To whom it may concern 😉 ,

Isn’t it funny how you can long for the weekend and once it’s there time flies when you are having fun?

I’m still thinking about last weekend and the highlights of another equipped training. Believe me when I say that Monday follows way too soon after that. Makes me wonder how other people enjoy their weekend and how long the feeling of being free lasts? And if having some leisure time on your hands shifts your mood?

I’ve noticed that I’m switching between moods, energy levels and roles every day. One example that comes to mind is that I’m so used to being in calls and online-meetings during the day. And on top of that even more aware of my posture and facial features in this digital workspace. Whilst during training I can just let that all go and be my unbothered self. The contrast between those two is so so big.

When coach Wim edits the video of our central training I’m always stunned and positively surprised by the expressions that are made by me. I can guarantee those are not intended to be funny. It’s just how I look and how I’ am. And it makes me unique, something to be proud of. We can agree to disagree ♥. Just see it for yourself (without a smile).

With that said I hope most is well and this week brings you enough energy and time to complete all the things you’ve planned to or are about to schedule in.

Until the next one.

Xoxo Iris xoxo

Rhythm is a dancer….. (5 minutes reading time)

20 juni 202116 augustus 2023 Iris Kensenhuis

Hi Folks,
To whom it may concern 😉 ,

After at least 1,5 years of no competitions because of the state the world was in, it’s a pleasure and privilege to be able to be in competition preparation again. If there is one thing I’ve learned about myself and this situation it’s “SLOWING DOWN”. Things that I already never took for granted; health, a roof above my head, being able to see different parts of the world and sharing quality time with loved ones (nearby and overseas) became even more special. Even getting to know my body and understand how it moves was one of it.

Before all the lock downs (I even lost count), I participiated in every competition that I was able to attain. I’m blessed to say that I’ve learned a lot about myself and the sport at every one of them. Mostly that there is no winning without losing. Looking back at these times my focus slowly but surely has shifted more and more to equipped powerlifting. Even though this discipline seems to be the less favored by the most people who are participating in this sport it resonates with me on another level; it takes another kind of mental courage and preparation. Besides that it shows me that Rhythm is a dancer and I need a companion.

The gym is still a place I can call home, and home is where the heart is. Other sport activities also spiked my interest in these uncertain times showing me how to balance out strength, flexibility, letting go versus tensing up. Being uncomfortable means that I’m trying something new, I’m learning, and expanding.. Discomfort is a sign that I’m GROWing, even when the unknown makes me nervous at times, and that is totally okay.

Thnx for reading, and I hope you are doing well and enjoying live as much as possible.

Kind regards,
Iris xoxo

Hello….is it me you are looking for?

26 mei 202016 augustus 2023 Iris Kensenhuis1 Comment

Hi dear reader,
Hi folks,

Long time no see or hear. Hope you have been well and so are your loved ones. I just pop on here to say hi! A lot has been said and written already on social media on how to ‘keep going’ or take a step back from whatever you used to see as normal ((during this pandemic)).

I can say that I’m still adjusting to the new normal and have been using this time to reflect even more on all the blessings I’m surrounded by (health = wealth) and the fact that being able to stay safe and sound is a privilege. Just putting up this post to remind myself – and anyone who is in need of hearing so – that this to not only a time to look back but also look forward. Forward to whatever may cross my path or I’ll actively look for.

Being active these days gives me a better understanding of how the passion + love for sports all started (dancing, athletics, basketball, bootcamps, kickboxing you name it). Just a way of dealing with situations in any shape or form. A way to relax, destress, find a piece of mind and get to know thyself and others better. With or without social distancing!

If you mind please leave a comment below and share how you are doing these days? Looking forward to hear what y’all have been doing the last couple of months to keep yourself going.

Leaves me with no other thing to say than; stay safe and until we meet again.

Virtually or Live!
Iris

RE- CAPTION 2019

23 december 201923 december 2019 Iris Kensenhuis

Hello there,
Ola,

Its’s been a while that I’ve reflected on the special things I’ve achieved this year with the guidance of the one and only Wim Wamsteeker. Being in my own bubble; of eat, work, gym, eat some more, sleep and repeat does that sometimes. And to be honest – this time– for way too long.

With that said I find it important to keep myself on track and look back on this crazy journey and adventure I’m still on. Today finally I take some time to sit my butt down and create room for NOT (over)thinking and letting things flow and grow.

The (almost last 365 days) in 2019 has been all about making C H O I C E S and being P A T I E N C E. #OHLORD, #MYOHMY, #PREMIERE, #ITOLDYOUSO.

C H O I C E S
At the end of 2018 Wim asked me to write down what I wanted to focus on in 2019. For the people who know me, or are about to, my first answer to his questions was: HUH…..why should I, I still want to focus on everything that’s possible and comes my way. Thinking that if I keep my options open there will always be enough to achieve, do and see. I was about to find out that that I’m not a superhuman nor a robot so that I needed to narrow things down, to be more and highly effective in the things I’m wishing for and am able to achieve.

P A T I E N C E
Wim warned me that 2019 would be a difficult year training wise. Meaning: Working harder for every (kilo)gram. Not by doing more but by sharpening my technique. That included a lot of patience (not my first nature when it comes down to myself) and therefor a lot of downs and ups. More ups and downs because, as you might have seen and noticed…the fruits of all this labor payed of big time by begin able to set a new world record on the deadlift at the World Open Championships in Dubai.

D R E A M S VS R E A L I T Y
Still at this point I can’t believe that all those training hours spend in the gym and all the tears shed, aches and pains have led up to (and as I like to say and see it) US achieving this.

It’s been 4 weeks and exactly 3 days POST meet, and I still am afraid that someone will pinch me and tell me it was all a dream.

I’ve come to the realization that being an athlete is not something that you do part-time besides your job. It’s something that you are and If you pay close attention to it you can feel it in your bones.

THANK YOU IS NOT ENOUGH – NOT ONY THE GOLD –
A NEW WORLD RECORD
Thanks to Wim I’m still learning how to CHECK IN instead of checking out, or not even showing up at the bus stop. Especially when I’m getting too much caught up in details rather than zooming out and looking at the process = progress. Will I ever be able to love the 1sth word :-0).

Wim shows me that ‘Failure is instructive’ : even when things don’t feel right, being an athlete makes you look in the accountability mirror and pick yourself right back up.

Meaning: you get up, show up and get the job done. ALL WE HAVE IS NOW and COURAGE over COMFORT is what makes you GROW.

NO, not only when I’m feeling sorry for myself and doubting if I’m doing things right;
NO, not only in the gym, and on the platform;
YES, pretty much in general!

>>□ These are the live lessons by Wim I take by heart □<<

Philifsophy says it all: It’s BEYOND the program and more about YOU.

Want to read more about what Philoftsophy and all the lifters touched by Wim are up to?
Hit us up on Instagram and check @philiftsophy or check the articles, blogs & testimonals here!

XOXO

Until we meet again
Iris
below some videos: