Recover & Recharge

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

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

 

2021 Year reflection

My year 2021 reflection, click one of links below to read 🙂
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4687171284702180&id=100002280649015

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYJiuFELXPe/

 

Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken

 

Een bericht gedeeld door Wim Wamsteeker (@wimwam.1969)

Iris Kensenhuis gold on deadlift at the IPF Open Worlds Powerlifting 2021 -84kg

2nd place IPF Worlds Powerlifting Masters II 2021 282,5kg squat 177,5kg benchpress 272,5kg deadlift 732,5kg total

Iris Kensenhuis European Championships 2021 -84kg gold in the deadlift

European Champion Masters II 2021 equipped & 2nd on classic (3 days later :-) )

What the SHREK just happened (reading time 7 minutes)

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)

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

 

Minder vinden…….