Perceptions

September 6, 2008
Off-156#

Kettlebells have been a part of my life for years now--at least 4 years, maybe longer. (Time does fly). I was hooked the minute I picked one up, quickly casting aside the dumbbells and barbells that had been a part of my life since age 15 in favor of the "cannonball with a handle". Don't get me wrong. I know barbells have a place, and I still will pick one up on occasion. I just love kettlebells and the other odd contributors to fitness such as ropes and tires, rings and sandbags. They make more sense to me in light of the way we move in the real world, and I actually enjoy playing with them. Since I found them, I have been telling anyone who would sit still long enough about kettlebells.

The funny thing is, until recently, few people actually listened. They would politely nod and ask appropriate questions only to walk away as soon as possible without hurting my feelings. Now, however, people truly listen and some have even been asking me to teach them more, asking if they could work out with me. The simple difference is about 38 pounds. Though I worked out just as hard then, put in just as much time, got up just as early, loved it just as much, people just didn't pay attention because their perception of me as a chubbling led them to believe that kettlebells couldn't possibly be an effective tool if I used them like I said I did yet continued to look like I did. Sure, fitness professionals understand that no manner of increased activity is going to break down the walls to weight loss without significant dietary changes, but the lay perspective is just the opposite. The average joe believes that the key is the activity. So to uneducated eyes, my activity, i.e. kettlebells, was not adequate. This misperception was actually one of the reasons I so desperately wanted to be leaner. I wanted the credibility it would provide me.

Whether we like it or not, our words are gauged not only by our actions, but also by our appearances. As a medical professional, I am a bit more believable now when I tell patients that they should lose weight or quit smoking. I'm not perfect by any means, but I come a little closer to living by example.
38 pounds ago.


Today a couple of friends were brave enough to try out some of the things I've been raving about for so long. I can't wait to hear what they have to say about it tomorrow. :)
TODAY'S WORKOUT:
5 rounds of 30 sec each of...
20kg row R
20kg row L
Pushup
8kg split squat R
8kg Split squat L
Rest

Then 6 rounds of 25 20kg swings with 20 sec rest b/w rounds.

I also did some swings, cleans, and ropes with the buddies.

YESTERDAY'S WORKOUT:
6 rounds of 30 sec each:
Double 12kg squat
Double 12kg C&P
REst

Then...12kg snatch ladder 10/10, 15/15, 20/20 for 3 rounds. I did the first 2 without rest, but took a minute b/w the second and third rounds. I also had to set the bell down briefly b/w the 15/15 round and the 20/20 round.

WEDNESDAY'S WORKOUT:
8 rounds of 2 16kg TGU/side

Then... 16kg snatch 1minR/1 minL/1 min rest for 8 rounds.

TUESDAY'S WORKOUT:
See today's workout.

**This week has not felt particularly strong--actually a little weak. I've been off work, so my schedule has been all over the board. I'm still not sure if that is the culprit or if my recent switch to some intermittent fasting is to blame. I'm going to stick to the intermittent fasting for at least 2 weeks more to see what, if anything, it breaks loose for me. I'll reevaluate at that point. I'd like to be down to at least 148# for the RKC to decrease my snatch requirements. That goal seems quite lofty at this point, but I'm gonna give it a run. The kicker is that I have to keep my training up, too. Everything is balance.