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Showing posts from June, 2017

Agatsu Level 2

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My Introduction to Agatsu Two years ago, I did my first course with Agatsu, the Level 1 Kettlebell Instructor Certification. I had just started as a trainer and was looking to learn as much as possible. From the first course, Shawn & Sara-Clare helped me sharpen my technique and learn how to teach others of various skill levels. It's one thing to know how to do a move. It's a completely different thing to know how to teach a move, with meaningful progressions and regressions. I remember ending the course with the grueling "Chrissy" workout with the 16 kg. I heard about the Level 2 kettlebell cert, but could not imagine hitting the Level 2 benchmarks. I was already having a tough time getting 5-10 snatches at 24 kg, let alone 50/arm (without dropping). Level 2 started off as a goal, and slowly ... morphed into a wistful dream. Post "Chrissy" with Sara-Clare & Shawn Agatsu Kettlebell Level 1 (March 2015) Agatsu Level 2 Tra

Agatsu Level 2 This Weekend!

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This weekend, I will be doing the Agatsu Level 2 Kettlebell Certification. This course teaches advanced training methods and includes a physical test. It's the physical test that I'm a bit worried about. The test includes the following: - Pistols (10 unbroken reps on each leg is 100%) - 5 Minute Snatch Test (100 snatches total is 100%, only one hand change, women 16kg, men 24kg) - Jerk Test (35 unbroken double jerks is 100%) (women 16kgs, men 24kgs, no time limit) - Pull Up Test (strict -no kipping, unbroken chest to bar, 10 reps is 100% for women, 15 reps is 100% for men) - Bridge Test (3 minutes is 100%) - Toe to Bar (10 unbroken strict no kipping is 100%, performed on stall bars) - Ring Push Ups (unbroken in external rotation, approx 1 foot from floor, 10 reps for women, 15 reps for men is 100%) To pass, I need to score 75% overall. I'm part nervous and part excited. The nervous part of me says ... - Your bridge mobility is not bad, but your enduranc

Cutting (back) caffeine - A 7-day experiment

Coffee is delicious. I absolutely love the warmth, the taste, and the energy I get from a freshly brewed cup of coffee. But too much coffee can be dangerous. As can too much of anything. I came across an article on the Art of Manliness about how to quit caffeine, or at least cut back. Not everyone needs or wants to cut back. For me, I know I need to cut back. Here are some reasons I want to cut back: - Drinking coffee is like using a credit card on my energy. I borrow energy from the future, and usually end up paying it back with interest. - Too much coffee makes it more difficult for me to breathe normally. - I heard that caffeine can cause skin issues with some people. Not sure if this is the case for me, but I don't mind awesome looking skin :) - I find it harder to stay hydrated on too much coffee. And when I'm hydrated, my skin feels better :) along with everything else in life. - Caffeine can increase anger and aggression in some people. I'm not tota