Categorie: Testimonials
Colette Haddon SBD 2019 -63kg class
BE THERE TO PREPARE
Finally, the moment I had been looking forward to for a while; an equipped training at Wim’s in his exclusive one of a kind Wim Wam Gym.
This was my second equipped training in preparation for the SBD cup, while it was my first training using my bench shirt.
First things first…
We started with squats, and after an easy raw warmup, I suited up. Today’s plan was one heavy set after warmup. Wim instantly noticed I was going to need to make some technical adjustments to reach depth without losing power. So we decided it would be more beneficial to keep the weight relatively low and do a few more sets to get used to Wim’s technical adjustments. Wim’s adjustments made squatting equipped feel much better and less strenuous.
I’m too $. € . X .Y. for my shirt…
After squats, we wasted no time and proceeded with bench press. Before equipped bench, I prefer not to do too many warm-up sets; as too much pump makes getting into my shirt a real challenge ?. Hence, after two warm-up sets (70 and 100 kg), I proceeded with equipped sets. My sole goal today was to get the bar as close to my chest as possible. At set five, the bar was a mere centimeter away from my chest, so I was quite satisfied.
As I will be deadlifting equipped next week, I decided to only do a few easy sets this training.
Gains and Fun…
All in all, I am very happy with today’s training at Wim’s. We had a great time, and I gained many useful technical and mental tips. I’m thankful to know someone who can offer me such great support when I need it, and I was very impressed with Wim’s resourcefulness and training intensity.
On top of that I’ve gained an amazing experience and new inspiration that I’ll ad to my preparation for competing at the SBD CUP in the weekend of 22th – 23th September 2018. Make sure to follow me via the livestream.
Untill we meet again
Joost de GROOT
Insta: @grootjoostde
Team Magna
Breath in ….. Breath out ……
Blog by: Ricky Bakker
As you maybe know or do not know, I will not compete at the SBD Cup classic… No I will compete Equipped. Or according to the coach; I’m really going to powerlift. Of course Wim speaks from his experience and perhaps also from nostalgia. 
I and many ‘new’ powerlifters with me, only know powerlifting as classic. Because that the way we started. We ‘know’ only from instagram or people we have seen doing equipped powerlifting. And that is why our opinion is based on that. At least that’s for me. Well I came up with the good idea to run the real race, including preparation as equipped lifter.
Let’s face it. We all think that in once 30/40 kilos comes with your squat, when you wear a squat suit. That your bench press is increasing at least easy 15/25 kilos. Okay, hold that thought, because I’ll come back that.
My preparation: The classic part is not going even that bad. It can be better on points. I am satisfied because I learn to lift, learn to think and especially learn to feel. If it goes a day or even a week less, then you can adjust the weights. The main thing is that you train not how heavy, just how you train.
So that’s fun. Nice to experience that when we talk about ‘light weight’ training. That this is also a way to become stronger.
After a number of half suited squats training and with kneewraps. Last week I got finally my first fullequipped training. Man o man. I can tell you that it’s no fun and added 30/40 kilos on your squat you have to work for it (maybe harder … what do I say? You should hear me) .
As my title says breath in and breath out, is difficult already. Wearing a squat suit forces you to squat like you’ve never experienced before, unless you’re used to it. It’s weird annd quite nice experience.
Well to finish this story I will do this with a little honesty.
Is this fun, so far I find this 50/50. Why? For a number of reasons. But one of them is: I can not get used of the pain.
Will I advise you to give this it a try? Yes certainly! Why? You have to experience full equipment powerlifting. And whether you like it after that or not, that is up to you to judge. But then you have it tried and experienced.
I continue with equipment powerlifting now step by step. First I will performe on the SBD cup.
Well I go to bed with my knees nodded, because tomorrow I have my first full-suited training with Wim. And that is usually for one person party.
Happy Weekend All!
Oh and if you have any questions, if this has aroused your interest. You can always send me a message via IG (click here!) chat. Because maybe I can tell you the slightly less pleasant side as a starting euipped lifter. Just say it.
Progression……
Blog by: Ricky Bakker
I do believe that powerlifting (sport in general perhaps) is indeed a metaphor for life. I think what Wim means by this is that when you put structure into your sport. Formulates & strives for a goal and makes adjustments where necessary.
To build a schedule with nice figures, everyone can do that tells my coach. I think so. Only a good coach makes sure that the adjustments fit with the athlete. Not the athlete at the schedule.
This process, however funny, is actually applicable to my life so far. Only I am the coach. Wim helps me with this, like he does with powerlifting to apply structure and rhythm. This may sound very heavy, but actually it is very nice and something that maybe many of you already can.In this process I find difficult to describe and that is also one of the reasons I do these blogs now and then. Not as frequent as in sports, but it will come in the future. Because the consciousness grows.
Back to our hobby, our passion, our love .
The training is nice. Wim’s ‘lightweight’ method is starting to have a nice effect. No, no new PRs (in training then) but the same numbers run with much more ease. To describe it in the trendy way, RPE 8 on old PR numbers. Technically much better higher numbers of lifts! I really like that, I really like that and it gives me energy to continue.
Progression is in every corner!
Thanks for reading and fast!
The Devil is in the Details
Blog by: Kevin
Because of shoulderproblems (and shouldersurgery) I could never perform a proper or painfree low bar squat. But since both shoulders have somewhat improved the last months I decided to give low bar a go for the first time. I got a hang of the basics fairly quick. But somehow it still didn’t feel like I could properly transfer all my force into the bar. At least not in the same way I can with an high bar squat.
Although I coached quite a few people the last few years, I got nowhere near the experience as some of the powerlifters in the Netherlands. Hence the decision to send Wim some of my squat vids together with the question if he could take a look at my technique (talking about someone who has loads of experience). As always, the devil is in the details, two relatively small adjustments: not looking down as much and toes pointing out more already made a big difference. I’m not a big fan of a ‘one size fits all’ approach to technique, but these cues seem to work for me. Next session: my head position was fine, but my toes where back pointing straight ahead. Fortunately the head posistion already made a big difference, most of the tipping forward was gone. But the force transfer into the ground was still to improve upon. Adjusting your technique will always cost you some time and may even set you back in the short run. I will get it right.
A big shout out to Wim who watched and critiqued my technique without wanting anything back. Although a small blogpost was appreciated 😉 After my deload he offered me to send him some new vids as well. This is what I love about powerlifting, almost everyone is prepared to help you out to become a better lifter. 6 weeks out from my first meet in ages, hopefully everything comes together on the platform.
Mindset is everything
Mindset is everything (by: Claudia Oudijk)
After three hours of travelling to Limmen (where would I be without Google maps?) I finally arrived at Wim’s house. When I was only five minutes at Wim’s house I was already crying (due stress at work, a sore back and some direct questions of Wim).
After the first time crying it was time for some squats. I know I am a lazy powerlifter and the more Wim said I was lazy, the better I squatted.
Mindset.
Mindset.
Mindset.
The more I say or think about it, the more focus I get during my training. Or during work. The body achieves what the mind believes…|
Even how bad everything goes, you can still do squats at 75%. Or 85%. Or 90%. Or more.
One step back, two steps forward. Or was it three Wim? 😉
Do you know how long twenty-one takes? No? Well, try while benching. When you hate benching. And when you don’t want to listen, then you have to feel it. I learnt a lot during this day, it was a very productive training.
The atmosphere was awesome and the company of the Kensenhuis sisters was also great. Between the heavy lifts we talked and laughed (sometimes, when not crying).
Thanks for everything Wim, for the tips, tricks and saying the things I don’t want to hear but need to hear to focus myself in training.
I’m really looking forward the next training.
