“People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves, they have the first secret of success.”
- - Norman Vincent Peale: Author, The Power of Positive Thinking.
As I progress through the World Kettlebell Club fitness protocol, I’m finding the upper levels to be challenging both physically and mentally. I completed level 14 yesterday (with the 16 kg kettlebell), which keeps the reps the same as level 13, but knocks the rest periods down to 1’30″.
The physical aspects of this program are not impossible. Yes, you will work hard to move upwards in the levels. Unless you’re already in top shape, you will have to endure sore muscles and occasionally questioning your own sanity for pushing forward with repeated 40 rep (and higher) sets. Hence the quote from Mr. Peale.
Several times during the past three months, I’ve found myself questioning whether I’d be able to move up to the next level. Using negative self-talk, I’d wonder if I could maintain my max reps while reducing my rest periods by 30 seconds.
Now 30 seconds may not sound like much, but when you’re sucking wind after completing 80 jerks (40 R and 40 L), and you feel like you barely made it through the last set, an extra 30 seconds of rest can go a long way before you have to pick up that bell again.
Knowing that I’ve done the reps before helps me start the next set, and when the timer beeps, I pick up the bell and do the reps.
One of the ways I try to make it easier is to break up my 40 rep sets into 2 sets of 20. Meaning I’ll count down from 20 to 1, then when I hit 1, I’ll count down from 20 to 1 again before switching hands.
Another interesting thing I’ve discovered, is that my grip tends to become fatigued right about at my last 6 reps. And that’s with both hands.
However, I know I can get just 6 more reps, so I try to ignore the discomfort and concentrate on switching hands or my upcoming rest period.
The important thing to remember is not to let the negative self-talk gremlins enter your workout and destroy your momentum.
Believe in yourself, work hard, and the reps will come.
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