It’s science (video evidence below). I’ll admit I played a small part in the programming. I received this video over the weekend and I had to share it here. It’s incredibly badass and it also ties in nicely with yesterday’s post about women lifting heavy things.
Backstory: Kim was a former colleague of my girlfriend Lisa, and when Lisa and I started dating she took more interest in the whole “lifting weights” thing. As a collegiate coach, she had always been active but wanted to take her fitness to the next level, especially her deadlift. She had me at deadlift. I was in!
When I was updating the website, I reached out to Kim because she also does freelance photography on the side. We did a little trade: in exchange for helping me look presentable (I’m not the most photogenic person), I wrote some programming for her.
Teaser: Kim came down to CP for another photo shoot this past December, so stay tuned for a website makeover coming soon. There may or may not be some “sexy tiger” poses involved. Relax – there isn’t. I don’t think the internet is ready for that.
Anyway, Kim’s goal back in 2011 was to hit a 200 lb deadlift. Partly because, well, why not? But mostly because some of her family members told her she wouldn’t do it. OH REALLY!?
I forget exactly when she hit it, but she did. Since then, she and I have worked together on and off for a little over two years. She’s been using a few of my older programs as well as improvising on her own (more of the latter than the former).
As a thank-you for coming down for the more recent photoshoot, I sent her a Cressey Performance t-shirt. And a few days later this happened:
A few candid thoughts:
1. I love the intensity. I enjoy watching Kim psych herself up for the lift. She’s focused and serious.
2. After hitting 260, how impressive was it when she dropped the weight and gave that “don’t mess with me” look in the mirror? Total boss.
The only thing that would have been cooler is if she sprinted over to the woman on the elliptical and yelled, “Protect this house!”
3. Yes, 265 wasn’t pretty. But max-effort lifts aren’t always about looks. She hit two PRs in one session, which doesn’t happen often for most people.
Congrats, Kim, well done!
P.S. And ladies, notice how Kim still looks like a woman despite lifting around twice her bodyweight. Turn off the Tracy Anderson and lift some weights. If you’d like a primer or some direction, these resources can help:
– The New Rules of Lifting for Women
– Lift Like a Girl
– Train to Be Awesome Guide
– Strong Curves
– Shape-Up Shortcuts
