Auteur: Iris Kensenhuis

I’m loving the mornings!!

Iris Kensenhuis

January is almost coming to an end and I am still checking my boxes. Beating PROcrastination is rewarding. The last two weeks I have been working on strengthening the adductors and my buns (the latest I’d love to turn into steel ;-)). I am happy to already see some changes in how I approach the programme and even the bar.

Sunday’s  I take the time out for my weekly review on paper and digital. The biggest  ‘ahaah-thing’ I can say is…..I’m loving the mornings. Being on the go from 6.30 o’clock is challenging and once you get the hang of it the nicest flow to be in. Seeing the sun come up and noticing that I’ve already indulged some ME-time and brace myself for the tasks that are there for me to take on or even tackle. It gives me more time and focus to enjoy the things I do in my spare time.

This “check in” is quick so there will be more to tell and show next week.
Let me check what’s on my ‘I will be doing’ list for the coming week!!
How do you prepare yourself for the week and keep your focus? I am curious to know how this time of the year and season is  treating you and what you are putting in to it.

 

Untill we meet again.
–XOXO–
I.R.I.S.

 

Recover & Recharge

Iris Kensenhuis

Yes, we made it to another week this new year. This week the focus was on recovery. While typing this a saying I once heard goes through my head: Recovery is not for people  who need it, it’s for people who want  it. And it’s never too late to join the party.


For me this also raises the question: but what does recovery actually means? Is that;

      • taking rest; doing nothing; 
      • still being active but with another intensity and intention on the outcome? ;
      • fill in the blanks yourself ****

Whatever recovery means for you; I find it important to make the time for it and be consistent in applying this in my active lifestyle. The way you deal with muscle aches, preventing  injuries (big and small), lowering your stress levels..…it’s all important and will benefit you in the long run if you have a plan by hand.

This week celebrating the existence of recovery meant treating myself to an acupuncture session to release the soreness and stiffness in my legs. And going back to the gym (since they reopened last friday here in the Netherland).  I found myself doing way overdue assistive work. And I can honestly say….I enjoyed it. Not because of the fact I wasn’t moving loads and loads of KG’s. Mostly because my focus was solemnly on strengthening overlooked and underdeveloped parts in my body in addition to my overall FIT_ness!

I’m curious to hear what your recovery(plan) looks like.
Feel free to share

Untill we meet again.

–XOXO–

  I.r.i.s

Don’t walk away, not now that I’m inspired

Iris Kensenhuis

Best wishes for everyone who is reading my blog!
So every now and then I pop on here to check in and keep myself accountable for the things I set myself up to.

Remember my last blogpost where I stated I would be working on training like an older and wiser human being?? Well……….that story turned out in starting over with my training cycle after 5 weeks.  I’m glad to be able to say that – including the re-start- most things are going as usual and powerlifting is still part of the way I plan my days, months + year. This goes with the common ups and downs because sometimes I seem to let the delusion of the day mess up my priorities. That was the reason that the coach assigned me to start over ;-O.

Last saturday I had my first training of the year 2022 with trainer/coach Wim and experienced `-once again- that I’m still open and willing to learn to reach my goals. Even more important is it to see if I am willing and able to put in what it takes to get there.

For me it’s a challenge to develop the ability to learn without fearing judgement from others or even myself. That’s something I will be working on throughout this year. When I’m making mistakes I’m actually learning something new and growing as a person. 

If the situation in the world allows it, there are several occasions I’ll be putting the things mentioned above in practice. So I still have 51 weeks and a lot more days to reflect on what I’m experiencing training like an old(er) and wiser person.

Let’s make it a thing to put this reflection in paper every sunday in 2022 before 14.00

 

Now I’m off to do my homework; staying inspired, improve my self-discipline and not walking away but staying in place.

Have a great weekend.
Untill we meet again.

— XOXO–
Iris

 

Training like an older + wiser (hu)man…..

Iris Kensenhuis

Nine days have passed since I was in Stavanger Norway and participated in the World Equipped Powerlifting Championship of 2021. Looking back at this experience I can say that I am still in awe of the fact that it was possible to be there. My last memories of an equipped Championship goed back to 2019. A whole different time frame, state of mind, state of the world we are living in and a lot has happened in those last two years. Nonetheless the people were so supportive and wanted everyone to succeed. The pleasure of experiencing this was all mine.

 

 

 

 

I want to share a little bit on how, for the last 1,5 year, I managed to hang in there when “The going got tough and the tough got going”. During the preparation of this competition things didn’t go as easy or structured as normal. Don’t get me wrong I am privileged; having a roof above my head, clothing on my back, access to food and water, feeling healthy, a job to pay the bills and loving people around me. And on top of that I have access to workout stuff and just train. At the same time a lot didn’t feel as “just”.

For a long period things felt as a must…..things felt slow…and at the same time, the time was flying by. There were many times that I asked myself the question ‘what is the point in lifting’ if there is no competition or higher goal foreseen anytime soon. I had to go back to basics in my mind, in my approach of ‘being active’ and in how I trained.
The conversations with the coach, who noticed I was not in my happiest element gave me a new outlook on things. He invited me to only focus my energy on the things I could influence and can take responsibility for. That was the beginning of letting go and trusting the process.

It took 10 weeks to find some structure and I managed to keep it like that. After those 8 weeks work became busier, and consumed more of my spare time leaving a little bit of energy left to unwind. Lifting heavy weights was not something that came to mind. And still….within the circumstances I dusted myself off and did what I could to maintain a minimum of form and work on my technique. And the beginning of another training approach was born. Also introduced to me as: Training like an old man. Sounds strange does it not?¿This preparation and competition showed me that what you do in the dark comes to the light. You never know for how long someone is running if you see them passing by on the street. You never know how many miles someone has traveled if you see them sleeping at the bus stop or in the train. And you don’t know what someone has endured in training/off the platform when you see them competing. That’s something I keep in mind when looking at other people and being amazed by their performances (in life), and discipline to keep going or change their course if necessary. 

So for the coming weeks and entering the new year I’m training in a way I am not yet used to and am curious where this will lead to.Hopefully a road of more adventures and great memories off and on the platform  lay ahead.

Until we meet again.
– xoxo- Iris –

How it started vs How it’s going…

Iris Kensenhuis

Do you ever look back at how and when you started doing something that you love?  Was this a choice – after some long thinking – or did you grow into this naturally? Whether it’s in sports, work, reading, painting, gaming, planning quality time, learning a new language. Developing a new skill or improving the skills you already have? YOU NAME IT!

For me…. doing something that I love did not come naturally! I had to go out and look for it, because something just felt off and I needed to do something that only involved being with me and learning more about myself.

Maybe the fact that it will take only 119 days before 2021 ends and Christmass is around the corner makes me appreciate the past, cherish the now and embrace the future.

 

I’m just getting used to the crazy feeling of this year and reviewing if I met up with the things I took upon myself to do. More about that later.

At the same time those (un)friendly Google reminders show me pictures around this time last year, two,3 and even 5 years back. And my oh my……I’d lie if I tell you that a lot has changed or that everything stayed the same.

Most of the clothing I’m wearing in those pictures; I can’t even tell you where they are. It’s not that I lost them…it’s mostly because they don’t fit anymore or because

I’m hardly leaving the house to dress up. Throughout this year materialism and wanting more has gotten another meaning to it. Don’t get me wrong: I still love and like to purchase things to please my soul, eyes and sometimes deal with a void that I try to fill.

Because if I’m honest: I don’t need anything that is out there for sale. It’s a privilege to be able to do so and it’s even more satisfying not to buy something, because it doesn’t add value to me or how I feel in the long run. 

 

In no way, shape or form, I am anything near to becoming a minimalist….although the view of an (almost) empty space or just starting over with a clean slate is tempting. On the other hand, the energy it takes of getting rid of all the things I accumulated in those 25+ years…….is overwhelming. And that’s why things stay the same, and I’m operating in my comfort zone. 

When it comes down to powerlifting,,,,I’m learning that less is more and that sparks my interest in being more intentional with what is already there.

A true lesson that I’m slowly but surely am incorporating in my non-lifting activities.

 

 

Please feel free to comment or share if you can relate to anything I mentioned. I’m curious to know how you view 2021 and have been taking yourself through this year and into the next one.

Until the next one..
XoXo – Iris –

0060KG🔫 >NO TIME TO DIE<

Iris Kensenhuis

Since 2019 I am waiting for the latest Bond movie to actually come out in the cinema’s. Well yesterday that wait was finally over as I played a part in my own movie of trying to stay alive during my first central training of the new training cycle. I didn’t even have to audition. I just seem to get casted for the role. Let’s call this the golden ticket that everyone who participates in a talent show wishes for. 

Being known for my talent as ‘The one with no clue what to do’ we got the show going. Produced by trainer/coach WimWam. Starring; ‘The somewhat confused powerlifter’ (moi). I saw some 🌟🤩 alright!

Yesterday’s training humbled the hell out of me and gave me a new 💡 perspective on how to approach the current training cycle. No matter how motivated 💪 or pumped I am to start this programme, being efficient and effective is the main goal.

Looking back at my latest competition, the EK EQUIPPED Powerlifting Championships in Pilsen, I am proud to know where I stand, after almost 2 years. The things I need to work on became more clear. I am still looking forward to growing into a more skilled powerlifter. This comes with exploring my potential and applying the ‘PhiLiftsophy’ to this journey. I’ve got my work cut out for me as shown here 🙃😉.

Leaving me with nothing more to say and get back to work.

If you made it to the end of this I blog thank you for 📚.  

Until we meet again.
XOXO – Iris –

What the SHREK just happened (reading time 7 minutes)

Iris Kensenhuis

Hi Folks,
To whom it may concern 😉 ,

Isn’t it funny how you can long for the weekend and once it’s there time flies when you are having fun?

I’m still thinking about last weekend and the highlights of another equipped training. Believe me when I say that Monday follows way too soon after that.  Makes me wonder how other people enjoy their weekend and how long the feeling of being free lasts? And if having some leisure time on your hands shifts your mood?

 

I’ve noticed that I’m switching between moods, energy levels and roles every day. One example that comes to mind is that I’m so used to being in calls and online-meetings during the day. And on top of that even more aware of my posture and facial features in this digital workspace. Whilst during training I can just let that all go and be my unbothered self. The contrast between those two is so so big.

When coach Wim edits the video of our central training I’m always stunned and positively surprised by the expressions that are made by me. I can guarantee those are not intended to be funny. It’s just how I look and how I’ am. And it makes me unique, something to be proud of. We can agree to disagree ♥. Just see it for yourself (without a smile).

 

With that said I hope most is well and this week brings you enough energy and time to complete all the things you’ve planned to or are about to schedule in.

Until the next one.

Xoxo Iris xoxo

Rhythm is a dancer….. (5 minutes reading time)

Iris Kensenhuis

Hi Folks,
To whom it may concern 😉 ,

After at least 1,5 years of no competitions because of the state the world was in, it’s a pleasure and privilege to be able to be in competition preparation again. If there is one thing I’ve learned about myself and this situation it’s “SLOWING DOWN”. Things that I already never took for granted; health, a roof above my head, being able to see different parts of the world and sharing quality time with loved ones (nearby and overseas) became even more special. Even getting to know my body and understand how it moves was one of it.

 

Before all the lock downs (I even lost count), I participiated in every competition that I was able to attain. I’m blessed to say that I’ve learned a lot about myself and the sport at every one of them. Mostly that there is no winning without losing. Looking back at these times my focus slowly but surely has shifted more and more to equipped powerlifting. Even though this discipline seems to be the less  favored by the most people who are participating in this sport it resonates with me on another level; it takes another kind of mental courage and preparation. Besides that it shows me that Rhythm is a dancer and I need a companion.

 

The gym is still a place I can call home, and home is where the heart is. Other sport activities also spiked my interest in these uncertain times showing me how to balance out strength, flexibility, letting go versus tensing up. Being uncomfortable means that I’m trying something new, I’m learning, and expanding.. Discomfort is a sign that I’m GROWing, even when the unknown makes me nervous at times, and that is totally okay.

 

 

Thnx for reading, and I hope you are doing well and enjoying live as much as possible.

Kind regards,
Iris xoxo

 

Hello….is it me you are looking for?

Iris Kensenhuis1 Comment

Hi dear reader,
Hi folks,

Long time no see or hear. Hope you have been well and so are your loved ones. I just pop on here to say hi! A lot has been said and written already on social media on how to ‘keep going’ or take a step back from whatever you used to see as normal ((during this pandemic)).

I can say that I’m still adjusting to the new normal and have been using this time to reflect even more on all the blessings I’m surrounded by (health = wealth) and the fact that being able to stay safe and sound is a privilege. Just putting up this post to remind myself – and anyone who is in need of hearing so – that this to not only a time to look back but also look forward. Forward to whatever may cross my path or I’ll  actively look for.

Being active these days gives me a better understanding of how the passion + love for sports all started (dancing, athletics, basketball, bootcamps, kickboxing you name it). Just a way of dealing with situations in any shape or form. A way to relax, destress, find a piece of mind and get to know thyself and others better. With or without social distancing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you mind please leave a comment below and share how you are doing these days? Looking forward to hear what y’all have been doing the last couple of months to keep yourself going.

Leaves me with no other thing to say than; stay safe and until we meet again.

Virtually or Live!
Iris

 

 

RE- CAPTION 2019

Iris Kensenhuis

Hello there,
Ola,

Its’s been a while that I’ve reflected on the special things I’ve achieved this year with the guidance of the one and only Wim Wamsteeker. Being in my own bubble; of eat, work, gym, eat some more, sleep and repeat does that sometimes. And to be honest – this time– for way too long.

With that said I find it important to keep myself on track and look back on this crazy journey and adventure I’m still on. Today finally I take some time to sit my butt down and create room for NOT (over)thinking and letting things flow and grow.

The (almost last 365 days) in 2019 has been all about making C H O I C E S and being P A T I E N C E. #OHLORD, #MYOHMY, #PREMIERE, #ITOLDYOUSO.

C H O I C E S
At the end of 2018 Wim asked me to write down what I wanted to focus on in 2019. For the people who know me, or are about to, my first answer to his questions was: HUH…..why should I, I still want to focus on everything that’s possible and comes my way. Thinking that if I keep my options open there will always be enough to achieve, do and see. I was about to find out that that I’m not a superhuman nor a robot so that I needed to narrow things down, to be more and highly effective in the things I’m wishing for and am able to achieve.

P A T I E N C E
Wim warned me that 2019 would be a difficult year training wise. Meaning: Working harder for every (kilo)gram. Not by doing more but by sharpening my technique. That included a lot of patience (not my first nature when it comes down to myself) and therefor a lot of downs and ups. More ups and downs because, as you might have seen and noticed…the fruits of all this labor payed of big time by begin able to set a new world record on the deadlift at the World Open Championships in Dubai.

D R E A M S   VS   R E A L I T Y
Still at this point I can’t believe that all those training hours spend in the gym and all the tears shed, aches and pains have led up to (and as I like to say and see it) US achieving this.

It’s been 4 weeks and exactly 3 days POST meet, and I still am afraid that someone will pinch me and tell me it was all a dream.

I’ve come to the realization that being an athlete is not something that you do part-time besides your job. It’s something that you are and If you pay close attention to it you can feel it in your bones.

THANK YOU IS NOT ENOUGH – NOT ONY THE GOLD –
A NEW WORLD RECORD
Thanks to Wim I’m still learning how to CHECK IN instead of checking out, or not even showing up at the bus stop. Especially when I’m getting too much caught up in details rather than zooming out and looking at the process = progress. Will I ever be able to love the 1sth word :-0).

Wim shows me that ‘Failure is instructive’ : even when things don’t feel right, being an athlete makes you look in the accountability mirror and pick yourself right back up.

Meaning: you get up, show up and get the job done. ALL WE HAVE IS NOW and COURAGE over COMFORT is what makes you GROW.

NO,   not only when I’m feeling sorry for myself and doubting if I’m doing things right;
NO,   not only in the gym, and on the platform;
YES,  pretty much in general!

>>□ These are the live lessons by Wim I take by heart □<<

Philifsophy says it all: It’s BEYOND the program and more about YOU.

XOXO

Until we meet again
Iris
below some videos: