Dooley Noted: 10/3/2015
This week saw me more down than I have been in quite some time.
Instead of locking myself in my bedroom to be de-pressed, I pressed forward and reached out for help.
Today, I had the honor of assisting at the Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) Level I cert for the first time ever at Catalyst SPORT.
I was asked to teach The Press, which was an honor I can’t quite put into words.
The Press is an exercise that has been a slow, arduous drill of patience, perseverance, and diligence for me.
And I had the honor of teaching it alongside my initial pressing coach, Senior RKC Steve “Coach Fury” Holiner.
Coach Fury helped me get past my initial mental and technique blocks with the 20 kilo kettlebell press. I had the honor of demonstrating the effective cues – on HIM – in front of the class of RKC candidates.
From active negatives to wedging, I had a flood of memories of Coach Fury never giving up one me. I was so frustrated back then, but he told me to keep pressing.
He gave cue after cue until something clicked. He never got frustrated, and his influence left major im-pressions, even 2 years later.
Now the 20 kilo press feels like a paperweight. It’s amazing how strength is a factor of skill and perseverance.
For those of you who are struggling with the overhead press: keep working at it.
You will break through your plateaus.
Seek out coaches and watchful eyes.
Video yourself to analyze your skill set.
And if you are de-pressed, try to im-press. Then do some pressing of your own.
The body and mind aren’t separate.
I helped others, and I felt strong. Watching myself bounce from my tough week to teaching the Press was one of the finest moments of my life.
You can stay home and wallow as you de-press. Do it if you need that.
Or, you can choose to im-press and give to others, as you surround yourself with people that will help wedge you up.
As always, it’s your call.
-Dr. Kathy Dooley