Equipped training starts at

Sets and reps (at least 2) are for in the Gym…

Singles are made for the Platform

The Devil is in the Details

Blog by: Kevin

Because of shoulderproblems (and shouldersurgery) I could never perform a proper or painfree low bar squat. But since both shoulders have somewhat improved the last months I decided to give low bar a go for the first time. I got a hang of the basics fairly quick. But somehow it still didn’t feel like I could properly transfer all my force into the bar. At least not in the same way I can with an high bar squat.

Although I coached quite a few people the last few years, I got nowhere near the experience as some of the powerlifters in the Netherlands. Hence the decision to send Wim some of my squat vids together with the question if he could take a look at my technique (talking about someone who has loads of experience). As always, the devil is in the details, two relatively small adjustments: not looking down as much and toes pointing out more already made a big difference. I’m not a big fan of a ‘one size fits all’ approach to technique, but these cues seem to work for me. Next session: my head position was fine, but my toes where back pointing straight ahead. Fortunately the head posistion already made a big difference, most of the tipping forward was gone. But the force transfer into the ground was still to improve upon. Adjusting your technique will always cost you some time and may even set you back in the short run. I will get it right.

A big shout out to Wim who watched and critiqued my technique without wanting anything back. Although a small blogpost was appreciated 😉 After my deload he offered me to send him some new vids as well.  This is what I love about powerlifting, almost everyone is prepared to help you out to become a better lifter. 6 weeks out from my first meet in ages, hopefully everything comes together on the platform.

Lifting from your technique ………

HEADSTRONG

So here it is, my throwback to competing at the European Equipped Championships Powerlifting. Let’s get ready to rumble!

Tuesday
Trainer and coach Wim together with assistant coach Joost de Groot picked me up. For every day I was staying there I decided to pack a bag. What’s a girl to do without all her stuff? I’m used to take half of the house with me if I leave it for a couple of days. Including my weighing scale and all the food I can carry for a whole village. Coach Wim took my scale out of the bag with the message: there is no room for it in the car.  Like really…….!!! Oh Lord…how will I survive this journey starting like this.

After a nice roadtrip from +/- 7 hours we arrived in Pilsen, Czech Republic. I met all the other lifters from the Dutch team and was ready to unpack my bags. Get settled in my hotel room and roar for the first athlete that would be on the platform on Wednesday.


Wednesday

Early in the morning I went to weigh myself. Good results: Still in my weight class! Coach comforted me by saying that everything would turn out right and I should JUST EAT. I managed to be less strict with cutting down on my big appetite. Cause the scale showed me that there was enough room left to eat & drink for the day.
After lunch I installed myself in the competition area. Seeing all the lifters from different countries was an epic experience. I realized that the language we all speak “together” is Powerlifting and that brought such a variety of people at the same time and place. I was nervous to see @sandrawildeman compete because I wanted her to succeed. And so she did!! She showed me what a fight looks like when things get heavy and what determination is supposed to be.

Input: set the bar high
Outcome: get the job done

Needless to say that I got more excited to have my own meet. But do I still know how to squat? Am I really prepared for this? What If I am not able to hit depth in my suit? And will I manage to get on the platform on time with the knee wraps? All these thoughts crossed my mind.


Seeing the equipped lifters shuffle their way up the ramp, trying to walk the stairs and lifters get carried on and off the platform amazed me. It looked like I need to walk a mile before I get up there. CAUSE WHO’S GOING TO CARRY ME? I went to bed on time hoping that meet day didn’t came too early.

Thursday
Woke up feeling good! Eager to save up energy for the big day 2morrow. All this waiting feels like forever. Why am I feeling so restless and tired at the same time? And then it hit me…. All the impressions cost energy too and I want to hold on to it for the meet.

First and for most I decided to enjoy this day to the fullest and even indulge on some good food.
My taste buds needed some P-food: Pizza, Pasta or Potatoes. Also known as CARBS. It was a blast to do so. Coach asked me what time I needed him in the lobby on meet day. We agreed on 6.30 in the morning, before that I had a date with the scale again. I packed my bags before bedtime and made sure I took some much needed quality time with myself.

Friday: MEETday
This is the day I was waiting for. And my oh my….I’m ready! I went to date the scale and….81.92KG is what it said.

Time to EAT. After that Wim and I did the clothing check and I could get the official weigh in: BOOM 82.25KG I got to eat some more, not too much cause that would only get in the way during lifting.


All I could think of was: How do I make sure that all the pieces come together? The answer was simple: trust the force and myself.  Read more “HEADSTRONG”

Technique is a perfection of Your Strength

Iris Kensenhuis European Equipped Powerlifting Championships 2018 -84kg class winner of gold on the deadlift 232,5kg

All the attempts of Iris Kensenhuis aka www.powerlifter.nl at the EPF European Equipped Powerlifting Championships 2018 -84kg class. Winner of the gold medal in deadlift. She deadlifted 232,5kg which is also a new Dutch National record. Also all attempts of the EPF livestream (are below the 1st video).

All attempts of the EPF Livestream

Sandra Wildeman at the EPF European Powerlifting Championships Equipped 2018

Here 3rd attempt 175kg was the easiest oneof Sandra Wildeman 🙂

Final training of Iris ….

Final training of @inspirised aka www.powerlifter… For here meet this Friday at the European Equipped Powerlifting Championship…. First will @sandrawildeman hit the platform this afternoon. Starting at 15u livestream at www.goodlift.info/live.php