I don’t know about you but I feel that we all need coaching in one arena or another. For myself, and as a former college football player, coaching has always been something I’ve desired. Why?

First of all, most of us just aren’t as honest in self assessment as a coach may be. It’s too easy to give yourself a break. Coaches don’t lie.

I’ve got a lifting coach and I have my fellow RKCs look at my kettlebell work whenever I can. Is it good for the ego? Hardly. But my results are a direct reflection of those I surround myself with. My 5 year old son can stroke my ego all I need so I don’t need help there. I’m looking for a critic not an ass kisser.

Safety is of utmost importance when you are moving iron around. I don’t care if it’s kettlebells, dumbbells or barbells. If you’re technique stinks ,or leaves something to be desired ,you are one wrong move away from injury and an unplanned break in your training.Even good coaching isn’t a guarantee obviously but I’d mitigate the risk so I can keep moving towards my goals.

Speaking of goals. Don’t let your coach set your goals. Big mistake. You need to OWN your goals and if you didn’t construct them you won’t meet them. At the TSC in September I made the mistake of letting someone else set a goal for me. If I’d stuck to my guns I would have hit a PR, instead I was disappointed in myself.

Finally, I tried to teach myself kettlebells and thought I knew what I was doing. Once I had the goal of becoming an RKC in place, I got smart and set up appointments with 2 local RKC instructors  so they could tell me how easy the certification would be for me. Wrong. They should’ve been laughing in my face but instead they were polite enough to help me reach my goals. With hard work, desire and more instruction I was able to do that.

Oh but I thought I knew what I was doing:) I had ETK, I was an AOS disciple…I was strong (whatever) and cocky. I mean the videos weren’t laughing so I thought I was OK.

Word to the wise. I’ve worked with hundreds of kettlebell students. The easiest to teach are those who’ve never picked up a bell. The hardest to instruct are those who are like me and have been using them for sometime without proper instruction.

I’ve met exactly one person who came to me and didn’t really need me. Count them. ONE. Not a good percentage and I’d guess you may be needing some assistance. I’m here to help:)

Thoughts? Arguments? Wanna tell me I’m crazy? Leave your comments and train with purpose!

Sandy Sommer RKC