SummerStrong is an annual gathering of strength coaches, lifters, and physical culture enthusiasts at the Sorinex facility in Lexington, South Carolina.
It is like Oprah for meatheads, says Dr. Pat Ivey. I think his wife first said that. Hiiilarious! It’s true! It’s education, fellowship, competition, and reunion. It’s unlike any other conference, workshop or CEU opportunity. It’s just really really special, and SummerStrong 16 did not disappoint.
The SummerStrong 16 Reunion
It’s fun to see old friends and catch up on how their lives are going. I hear about weddings, and babies being born, babies growing, businesses growing and clients thriving. Sounds corny, but it fills my heart. It’s super cool and really heartening for me to hear about these things happening all across the country. The world, really. It reminds me why I love coaching and why we do what we do.
Watching my friends grow in their careers is really special too. I like seeing people learn, grow their competencies, and move up in their careers. Everyone is quick to share their knowledge too, and I’m grateful to have the best in the business to learn from.
It’s also really great perspective. There’s a large group of people at SummerStrong who are post military, or currently active duty. I owe a debt of gratitude to the service members whose sacrifices allow my clients and I to work on these incredible goals together.
The Competition
If you talked to me leading up to SummerStrong, I might have mentioned to you that I was lifting in the informal competition. I haven’t lifted on a competitive platform in any capacity in 7 or 8 years. I was so nervous!
I learned a lot: namely, that I get realll nervous in front of a crowd of the most accomplished coaches I know. Haha!
But I did it! I have a lot to work on in terms of focus, presence, and form. But, I did it! Here’s my deadlift, which ended up being 255. It’s not an all time PR, but it’s a current PR. I’ll take it.
Ancore Training Truck Mount
One of the most fun things was playing with this Ancore system that Bert Sorin set up on his truck. How cool is this? Blows my mind! I love it! This is two Ancore systems attached with a wall mount. I will be doing something similar to my truck soon, so my clients I travel to, get ready!
Well, this was a 10/10. Can’t wait til next year!
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About the author
Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.