Categorie: Athletes

I’m loving the mornings!!

Iris Kensenhuis

January is almost coming to an end and I am still checking my boxes. Beating PROcrastination is rewarding. The last two weeks I have been working on strengthening the adductors and my buns (the latest I’d love to turn into steel ;-)). I am happy to already see some changes in how I approach the programme and even the bar.

Sunday’s  I take the time out for my weekly review on paper and digital. The biggest  ‘ahaah-thing’ I can say is…..I’m loving the mornings. Being on the go from 6.30 o’clock is challenging and once you get the hang of it the nicest flow to be in. Seeing the sun come up and noticing that I’ve already indulged some ME-time and brace myself for the tasks that are there for me to take on or even tackle. It gives me more time and focus to enjoy the things I do in my spare time.

This “check in” is quick so there will be more to tell and show next week.
Let me check what’s on my ‘I will be doing’ list for the coming week!!
How do you prepare yourself for the week and keep your focus? I am curious to know how this time of the year and season is  treating you and what you are putting in to it.

 

Untill we meet again.
–XOXO–
I.R.I.S.

 

Don’t walk away, not now that I’m inspired

Iris Kensenhuis

Best wishes for everyone who is reading my blog!
So every now and then I pop on here to check in and keep myself accountable for the things I set myself up to.

Remember my last blogpost where I stated I would be working on training like an older and wiser human being?? Well……….that story turned out in starting over with my training cycle after 5 weeks.  I’m glad to be able to say that – including the re-start- most things are going as usual and powerlifting is still part of the way I plan my days, months + year. This goes with the common ups and downs because sometimes I seem to let the delusion of the day mess up my priorities. That was the reason that the coach assigned me to start over ;-O.

Last saturday I had my first training of the year 2022 with trainer/coach Wim and experienced `-once again- that I’m still open and willing to learn to reach my goals. Even more important is it to see if I am willing and able to put in what it takes to get there.

For me it’s a challenge to develop the ability to learn without fearing judgement from others or even myself. That’s something I will be working on throughout this year. When I’m making mistakes I’m actually learning something new and growing as a person. 

If the situation in the world allows it, there are several occasions I’ll be putting the things mentioned above in practice. So I still have 51 weeks and a lot more days to reflect on what I’m experiencing training like an old(er) and wiser person.

Let’s make it a thing to put this reflection in paper every sunday in 2022 before 14.00

 

Now I’m off to do my homework; staying inspired, improve my self-discipline and not walking away but staying in place.

Have a great weekend.
Untill we meet again.

— XOXO–
Iris

 

How it started vs How it’s going…

Iris Kensenhuis

Do you ever look back at how and when you started doing something that you love?  Was this a choice – after some long thinking – or did you grow into this naturally? Whether it’s in sports, work, reading, painting, gaming, planning quality time, learning a new language. Developing a new skill or improving the skills you already have? YOU NAME IT!

For me…. doing something that I love did not come naturally! I had to go out and look for it, because something just felt off and I needed to do something that only involved being with me and learning more about myself.

Maybe the fact that it will take only 119 days before 2021 ends and Christmass is around the corner makes me appreciate the past, cherish the now and embrace the future.

 

I’m just getting used to the crazy feeling of this year and reviewing if I met up with the things I took upon myself to do. More about that later.

At the same time those (un)friendly Google reminders show me pictures around this time last year, two,3 and even 5 years back. And my oh my……I’d lie if I tell you that a lot has changed or that everything stayed the same.

Most of the clothing I’m wearing in those pictures; I can’t even tell you where they are. It’s not that I lost them…it’s mostly because they don’t fit anymore or because

I’m hardly leaving the house to dress up. Throughout this year materialism and wanting more has gotten another meaning to it. Don’t get me wrong: I still love and like to purchase things to please my soul, eyes and sometimes deal with a void that I try to fill.

Because if I’m honest: I don’t need anything that is out there for sale. It’s a privilege to be able to do so and it’s even more satisfying not to buy something, because it doesn’t add value to me or how I feel in the long run. 

 

In no way, shape or form, I am anything near to becoming a minimalist….although the view of an (almost) empty space or just starting over with a clean slate is tempting. On the other hand, the energy it takes of getting rid of all the things I accumulated in those 25+ years…….is overwhelming. And that’s why things stay the same, and I’m operating in my comfort zone. 

When it comes down to powerlifting,,,,I’m learning that less is more and that sparks my interest in being more intentional with what is already there.

A true lesson that I’m slowly but surely am incorporating in my non-lifting activities.

 

 

Please feel free to comment or share if you can relate to anything I mentioned. I’m curious to know how you view 2021 and have been taking yourself through this year and into the next one.

Until the next one..
XoXo – Iris –

0060KG🔫 >NO TIME TO DIE<

Iris Kensenhuis

Since 2019 I am waiting for the latest Bond movie to actually come out in the cinema’s. Well yesterday that wait was finally over as I played a part in my own movie of trying to stay alive during my first central training of the new training cycle. I didn’t even have to audition. I just seem to get casted for the role. Let’s call this the golden ticket that everyone who participates in a talent show wishes for. 

Being known for my talent as ‘The one with no clue what to do’ we got the show going. Produced by trainer/coach WimWam. Starring; ‘The somewhat confused powerlifter’ (moi). I saw some 🌟🤩 alright!

Yesterday’s training humbled the hell out of me and gave me a new 💡 perspective on how to approach the current training cycle. No matter how motivated 💪 or pumped I am to start this programme, being efficient and effective is the main goal.

Looking back at my latest competition, the EK EQUIPPED Powerlifting Championships in Pilsen, I am proud to know where I stand, after almost 2 years. The things I need to work on became more clear. I am still looking forward to growing into a more skilled powerlifter. This comes with exploring my potential and applying the ‘PhiLiftsophy’ to this journey. I’ve got my work cut out for me as shown here 🙃😉.

Leaving me with nothing more to say and get back to work.

If you made it to the end of this I blog thank you for 📚.  

Until we meet again.
XOXO – Iris –

What the SHREK just happened (reading time 7 minutes)

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)

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?

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

 

 

The first 6 months ….

Wim Wamsteeker

Blog by: Colette Haddon

After competing in powerlifting at the European Masters in Hungary where I was successful in winning three medals and Gold overall, I knew that I had to make some changes in order to progress as an athlete and achieve my future ambitions in powerlifting.

Checklist
Working IT I had a little checklist in my head on what I was looking for in a coach – this included adding kilo’s to my total weight, improving my technique, gaining experience and maybe the most important: trust. 

Powerlifting world
Like with everything, the ”powerlifting world” is what you make of it. I did have the pleasure of meeting a lot of people whom I not only could look up to but also with whom I could communicate, laugh, uplift and talk all things powerlifting and beyond. In a conversation with one of those athletes I mentioned the above and as we talked further she mentioned ‘Wim Wamsteker’. I knew of Wim through his reputation and brief contact – a couple of “hello’s” and a “congratulations” in passing at a meet. Of all the names mentioned Wim stayed in my head so he was the one I contacted in regards to becoming my coach. He agreed.

Fast forward six months
The following six months involved getting used to a completely different approach to training. This was a game changer. Here I went from killin’ myself each and every session to relatively lighter (but never easy) weights session followed by one heavy day… and yeah, that heavy day is HEAVY! It took me a while and several successful meets to get my head around this programming setup, and I had to build my willpower to overcome my impatience about peaking and not be worried about my kilos. But I hung in there (and so did Wim!) and the payoff was worth it! ☺

Training/Coaching
That little checklist I had in my head… how did that turn out? Wim met my expectations and so much more. Wim not only helps with a program, technique and a ”GET IT” on GAME DAY, he provides a mirror and many lessons that expand to daily life. He showed me to trust the process, to live in the now and work from the ‘this is what I can do now while working to what’s ahead. He watches your lifts, technique and mental setup. A mental coach as well, if you will. 

Results 
On meet day my mind can now shift to a relaxed state. This means having some laughs and even doing some singing and little dance movements on competition day, followed by a huge FOCUS when it’s time to have that minute on the platform. This resulted in winning the Gold and taking home the Best Lifter award on all of my last three meets. 

Three meets in 10 weeks, improving each meet ’til I had my current best at the third meet (a total above the current world total M1).

Bottom line
Wim has helped me tremendously, allowing me to achieve improvements in kilo’s, technique and focus. I look forward to many more improvements in my lifts and life on the way to upcoming (International) competitions. 

Qualifying for the open raw Nationals 2020 by gaining 80kg total competition PR

Wim Wamsteeker

Blog by Alwin Tan (instagram)

I contacted Wim for guidance in Powerlifting, since he is a well-known (international) Powerlifting coach . He asked me about my goals and ambitions. Well… my biggest ambition this year is to qualify for the open raw Nationals in 2020, I realized however that I had to gain 80kg competition PR since my last meet in February. My best lifts were: 177,5kg squat- 127,5kg bench-175kg deadlift. “Ok, we will work on it as long as you can commit yourself to my program”, he told me. Well let’s give it a try then. But how on earth am I going to gain 80kg in just 4 months (since my next meet was in December)? I have been struggling with my deadlifts for more than 1 year, plus I was suffering from a lower back injury and my squats weren’t improving that well.

I sent him my current PR’s, goals and next meet. After a couple of days he replied my e-mail with an Excel attachment. One full SBD training and 3 training sessions with a variety of exercises… After having survived the first full SBD training, my quads and wrists were cramping.. What is the point of this heavy training session? I was spending over 4 hours in the gym!! How on earth am I going to survive this for the next 7 weeks?! Wim told me that the point of this, is to get used to the load of a full competition. In order to achieve that, it is not wise to “maximize” a squat, bench or deadlift session on separate days. It seemed to work for me, since my deadlift (my weakest lift) slowly increased from 175kg to 185kg conventional after 2 weeks. More importantly, I wasn’t cramping anymore.

Of course it wasn’t all about gaining weights, I had one training session where I failed two sets of deadlift (192,5 kg and 200kg) and I suffered a shoulder injury during the bench press. At that point, I thought that my qualification for the Nationals in 2020 is over.. If I even can’t pull 200, how can I gain 80kg total PR required for qualifying? Wim, however, showed his ‘coaching’ skills by letting me realize that failure is the best method for improving both physically and mentally. 

Two weeks out from the DRC Cup I was pulling 215kg deadlift, squatted 192,5kg and did a 135kg bench press (with a shoulder injury), meaning a 542,5 kg total. Instead of gaining 80kg, I “only” had to gain 17,5kg. That gave me a lot of confidence.

At the DRC Cup I was a bit worried, because I woke up with a bit of a cold, plus my shoulder wasn’t feeling that great. However, I surprised everyone (except Wim perhaps) by squatting 195 kg (+17,5 competition PR), benching 140kg (+ 12,5kg Powerlift match PR) and a 225 deadlift ( +50kg PR!!), meaning a 80kg total PR and thus qualified myself for the open Nationals!

I still don’t know why I gained so much in such a short period of time. But I think that the combination of one intense training session a week, lots of variety work with lighter weights and mental coaching works well for me.

Wim can convince his athletes to overcome their fears and turn them into positive, lifting energy. Together with Wim, I am looking forward to set some new standards 🙂     

Squat

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5yehtOgLFm/

Bench press

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5zPaxVg_hf/

Deadlift

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5yhXwVA9i6/

Colette Haddon pulling 180kg at the DRC Cup

Wim Wamsteeker
https://www.instagram.com/p/B50NdbfA0FP/