There's strong...then there's RKC strong

“Strength is the foundation for development of the rest of physical qualities.”

-- Prof. Leonid Matveyev, as quoted in the RKC manual’s 24^th edition

Ever since I was first introduced to kettlebells, Hardstyle training, and Pavel’s works by my friend Drew back in April of 2008 (thanks Drew!), I’ve been in love with self improvement.   Self improvement is something I’ve always toyed with in some capacity, but when it came to physical improvement, I was always stuck no matter what I did, and if not right away, then definitely within a few months.  Every time I achieve something new by using the simple, tried-and-true methods taught by the RKC, I am pleased.  And every time I help one of my clients achieve something new, or hear about how happy they are about how their body feels, looks, and performs, I am not only pleased, but blown away.  This stuff really works, and not just for me, but for everyone.  Becoming an RKC was far and away one of the proudest and most monumental moments of my life – the proof to myself that I can achieve anything if I work diligently enough at it.  Hell, my RKC certificate is displayed in my room more prominently than even my bachelor’s degree! 

I’m a YouTube addict and I love posting videos of my latest PR or ramblings just as much as I love watching what others have achieved.  Seeing what others can do always inspires me and gives me something new to shoot for.  The amazing feats done by the people in the RKC community constantly remind me that the only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves.  So in honor of the strong men and women of our community, I want to dedicate this blog to all the crazy strong, tough comrades and comrade ladies that make our community great and help improve the lives of others through strength – the ULTIMATE in physical self improvement.  Enjoy!

Chris Davis, B.S., RKC, CSCS holding a 24 kg kettlebell overhead while levering a 10 lb sledge hammer to his nose and back.

Melody Schoenfeld, RKC II deadlifting 2.35 times her body weight (!!!)

My very own coach, trainer, and friend Scott Stevens, RKC II, CK-FMS performs the Jon Engum's "Deep Six" with two 24 kg kettlebells

The inimitable Iron Tamer Dave Whitley, Master RKC doing what he does best: BAD ASSERY

Brett Jones, Master RKC is great at lifting things, tearing things, and (if you ever meet him) telling corny jokes.

Men: I DARE you to do a pullup with as much weight as Girya Girl and RKC II Adrienne Harvey can do!

I would be remiss if I didn't include this curly-haired goofball in here doing one-arm-one-leg pushups with his feet elevated.

Senior RKC Max Shank weighs 182 lbs.  Each of these bells weighs 106 lbs.  Be impressed.

I saw this with my own eyes.  Tim Shuman, RKC II is not a man - he's a machine.

Tracy Reifkind is one of the most inspiring RKCs around.  After decades of being overweight, she took charge of her life, learned the kettlebell swing, and lost over 100 lbs and has kept it off for over 5 years.  She never ceases to amaze me.

Sprinter, Senior RKC, and BAMF Franz Snideman snatches the Bulldog (88 lb kettlebell) like it's nothing.  He's not much bigger than me (I'm 5'8'' and 160-ish lbs), so this is especially amazing.

Valerie "Val Halla" Hedlund punches the Iron Maiden Challenge right in its face.

Soon-to-be Iron Maiden Neghar Fonooni does a Turkish Get Up so heavy it puts most men to shame.

The list of amazing people goes on and on.  I know there are hundreds more videos out there of RKCs being epic and lifting like whoa, so if there's a video you want people to see, put it in the comment section!  I'd love to see it.

Until next time, lift heavy and eat hearty!