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Thoughts on the Strength Matters Swing Test

I've had many inquiries about different kettlebell certifications and testing protocols. Through out the years the certification standards have changed. Sometimes the changes are minor such as adding a high bridge to the Turkish Get Up and then deciding to do away with it.  Other changes have been a bit more drastic such as testing a specific rep range of snatches the first day, without a time limit, a one hand switch rule versus testing the last day of the grueling 3 day weekend, with a requirement of getting 100 snatches in under 5 minutes. Preparing people for both RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge) and SFG (StrongFirst) certifications for the last 10 years has been rewarding and I will continue to help people do this. Training program development continues to adjust accordingly to the ever evolving changes with each certification. RKC and SFG certifications are generally known for the snatch test. The new Kettlebell certification being created by Strength Matters has dec...

Six Years ago today

Six years ago I was blessed with my second baby girl.  She didn't make her way in to this world easily, despite how great my pregnancy was. (Birth story here ) My life has not been the same since, as most parents can imagine. I truly didn't realized after being head over heels in love with my first child, that feeling the same about my second was possible. She has definitely proved me wrong. The connection I have with both of my girls are so different, yet very strong on many levels. The individuality of character they both portray astounds me.         Happy 6th Birthday to my precious Chloe. Chloe has learned to read this year in her Kindergarten class and is very motivated to read every book she has to me.  She has learned to use her scooter this year, earned her yellow belt in karate, and enjoys performing with singing and dancing routines with her sisters. Chloe 6 weeks old with her 2  yr old sister Chloe is a witty, swe...

Rushing Results Leads to Failure

Several years ago someone told me about the show the Biggest Loser.  Reluctantly I turned on the TV, since I don't really watch TV, and began watching the show in the middle of the season. The name of the show bothered me right away, but like most of America, I became intrigued.  The title of the show bothered me tremendously.  I interpreted "The Biggest Loser" as them referring to the contestants as big losers.  Tuning in to the middle of the season, the show would consist of displaying videos/ photos of how they looked at their heaviest, side by side with how they currently looked from all their "hard" work.  There would be long winded workouts with yelling, screaming, passing out, and emotional breakdowns. The inspiring weight loss images along with the confidence level was displayed very well.  I was pleased to see how happy these contestants looked. They showed them crying for joy on how they're getting their life back with all the hard work and ...

Strength and Fat Loss Kettlebell Workshop - Beginner Focused: All Levels Welcomed!

Beginning STRENGTH and Fat Loss WORKSHOP with KETTLEBELLS and more... Beginner focused: All levels are welcomed. AUSTIN, TEXAS at the Onnit Academy Move better and Feel Better learning how to use your body weight and kettlebells to achieve the strong and lean body you've always strived for. Quick and efficient workouts will get you there without the long drawn out boring cardio sessions that run your muscle off and cause overuse injuries. Be ready to change your life! Instructed by Lauren Brooks   Feb 7th Saturday Time: 12-4 p.m. Details below! ONLY $149 Who will benefit from these Fat loss and Strength workshops: - Busy people who struggle to find the time to work out; such as moms, dads, and all working professionals who still want to feel and look amazing! - People who despise exercise and need something that is fun and motivating. - Beginning exercisers that want to learn a  fun  and  ...

DON'T LET FEAR OF FAILURE GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR DREAMS

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” -  Paulo Coelho It’s a bloody shame that in today’s world so many dreams stay just that - a dream.  Ideas and hopes are born in a person’s mind, yet don’t have the chance to actually live. How will you know if you can ever accomplish something if you don’t take a risk and put yourself out there?  What Gets in the Way of Our Dreams? So what is it that stops people from taking the risk and pursuing their dreams?  Is it the fear of failure? The fear of being judged? The negative self-talk telling you to just settle and keep your aspirations as a distant unrealistic thought? Keep reading on the Breaking Muscle site here

My Discovery While Recovering From a Car Accident

Several months ago I was in a car accident. I've kept it quiet because the line of work I'm in requires a healthy and strong able body. It's time to come out and share that I was rear ended by an SUV while accelerating in my little sports car.  With over $11,000 worth of damage to my vehicle, my body was left full of injuries. Luckily, it's the first car accident I've experienced. I came home shaking explaining to everyone what happened.  Like the tough girl I think I am at times, I thought I was just fine. Other than being a bit shaky I felt fine at the time. Those who saw my car warned me that I may not feel the after effects right away.  I didn't want to believe it. I knew I was hit with enough force to cause my body harm. I reminded myself how strong I am, so chances are I won't feel it.  The next morning after the car accident my entire body was very sore. I was more angry than focused on being in pain. I knew that I had no business lifting or perf...

Why It's Time to Make Workouts Fun! (If you're not already doing so)

Let's just be honest with ourselves right here and now!  How will this year be any different from all the previous years? We all know that this is the time of year we start to think, plan and begin striving toward being more fit, healthy and simply happier in our lives. So then ask yourself the question, how will this year be any different? Whatever you decide that looks like, if you aren't having any fun, then you are missing the whole point. It could very well be the main reason why you have a tough time sticking to your goals. The same goes if you are stuck in a routine that leaves you feeling drained and unsatisfied. My guess is, you've probably made endless promises to yourself for years now, we all have, especially around this time of year. But this time will be different. You're going to hit the pavement hard running a million miles per minute and now you have more willpower than you've ever had in the past. You won't fail yourself this time because this ...