I have been busy recently. In July I spent 3 days reviewing and improving my kettlebell training technique at my RKC recertification. After getting my original RKC 2 years ago I was fairly confident that I’d show up to the recertification weekend with all the information I needed and that I’d only get a few things.
I was very wrong.
I learned a ton in those 3 days. I learned better training techniques and methods to make the basic kettlebell exercises better. The equation of:
Safer + Stronger = Better
was repeated throughout the course. This equation helped me pass the testing portion of the course (performing 100 snatches in 5 minutes) and also press a 36kg kettlebell overhead for a new 1 rep max.
One of the best parts of the course was the application of how to make training with kettlebells easier. If training becomes easier because technique improves or methods are applied smarter than clients will be able to train longer – each training session and throughout a lifetime.
That is sustainability – or the ability to endure.
I have also recently started a year long nutrition coaching program with Precision Nutrition. It is the first time they have opened their Level 2 coaching certification. Each day there is a new lesson. Sustainability was one of the first topics discussed. No matter how great the information we receive if it is not sustainable it loses value. This applies to both training and nutrition plans. You may get the perfect plan but if it doesn’t fit your lifestyle or schedule then it quickly loses value.
Training 2 times each day with perfect exercises, reps and sets may be great…but what if you are a busy executive and only have 20 minutes 3 days a week to train?
Maybe you come across a top-secret Olympic level nutrition eating plan that helps athletes win multiple gold medals? You’re excited and can’t wait to begin this plan…until you see that you’ll need a professional chef, personal shopper, your own small army of assistants to prep and prepare the meals and that you’ll need to take out a 2nd mortgage to afford this.
These are both examples of what is not sustainable.
What is sustainable is a situation that allows you to:
- have the resources to grow and develop
- have the time and space to do it
- build the skills to bounce back and recover from setbacks
- find the right pace of work
- balance all your competing demands (e.g. work, school, family, etc.) and
- give yourself the ability to stick with it.
You can start improving your sustainability in both training and nutrition (and life in general) in 3 ways:
Simply be aware of the issue of sustainability.
Ask yourself:
- Could I do this for a long time? Could I keep running at this pace?
- If not, how can I slow down or pace myself?
Focus on one thing at a time.
That’s the underlying principle behind my entire coaching method. And it works. You can only go forward one step at a time. And you can only do one job at a time.
Training for a marathon and a powerlifting competition at the same time would not be a good idea.
One is not better than another – you just need to pick one thing.
Which steps are you choosing to do?
Use outcome-based decision making.
Ask this one simple question:
“How’s that workin’ for ya?”
In other words, what results are you getting? Are they the results you wanted? If not, what do you need to change or adjust?
*****
My RKC recertification was such a positive experience for me because it was a 3 day practice of learning how to simplify and evaluate movement. It allowed me to ensure that drills made improvement. Every movement, drill, and exercise was designed to make me better in how I performed and coached with kettlebells. We followed the above principles, had fun, and got stronger.
That’s sustainable.
