Scott Sonnon: Born to Fail - Made to Succeed

Congrats to the CST Omicron Cadre Graduating Class of 09!

Although NASA’s CO2 Hunter may have failed to take-off, and Google may have suffered a blackout, RMAX International launched a new amazing group of Circular Strength Training instructors and coaches for 2009!

Never have I have I been so proud of so many. What an incredible three days filled with an enormity of effort, dedication and drive. Thank you to each student at CST Omicron… I look forward to hearing all of your ongoing exploration and progress.

And thank you to my faculty and head coaches. You did an amazing job… absolutely amazing. In all my years, you’re the best team I’ve had the privilege of working with.

Travel safely home… and share your stories. The world surely needs your passion, excellence and professionalism right now.

I jumped in the Trial By Fire on Sunday with the 35lbs “Bruiser Jr” Clubbells finishing in 38 min 49 sec. Best record to date but I’m quite the tin-man this morning so I’m going to be going to soak at the whirlpool after a good dry sauna. 61 year young Coach Gostnell finished the TBF in 12 minutes 43 seconds beating everyone!

Here are some of the stories rolling in from these amazing students:

“Omicron was the most amazing seminar to observe and - partially anyway - participate in. The presentations as always were excellent - I’ve been to many work-related and other training events and am NEVER as riveted as when at an RMAX workshop - and the training materials have taken a quantum leap forward.

Yes, Virginia, there IS Intelligent Design, at least in the Universe of Health and Fitness (no matter what else you believe or don’t),and most of it was gathered in Fox Hall this past weekend.

To anyone still considering whether or not to sign up for the seminar in August, I have two strong suggestions:
1. Do it!
2. The guidelines of what’s expected are clear: Do the work!

RMAX seminars are enriching on so many levels, it’s hard to think of a better way to spend a “working” weekend.

These certs are the most amazing events I’ve ever attended in terms of positive energy, people supporting each other, and individuals outstripping their own expectations of themselves.

I realize too, that the weekend is not an isolated event but a culmination of the work everyone’s done for however long, and the energy and support we give each other all the rest of the time, so as I say my own “Thank you”s , what’s embedded in that is knowing that I truly couldn’t have done it without all of you, whether you were there in person or in spirit.

(Special thanks are due to Joel, Amy, Slade & Dale - we laughed so much at dinner Saturday night, my immune system got a big enough boost to kick whatever illness had me laid out earlier in the day.)

P.S. Coach, you were astounding with those 35s! Congratulations on meeting your goal! Plus that whirlpool idea sounds good - feeling a bit tinny myself today (but not sick, at least).” - Jeanne Gostnell, Oregon

 ——————————————————————————————-

“There was plenty of inspiration to be had this weekend, that’s for sure. Between Jeanne’s (Coach Gostnell’s) smoking time and Coach Sonnon’s TBF with the 35’s, it was definitely motivating. I was standing kind of between Coaches Billew and Ilano during the TBF and they were setting a quick pace. They both finished before me, but the energy and inspiration I got between them knocked a couple of minutes off my personal best for the event, (and thank you Summer and Coach Cameron for keeping a sharp eye on my elbows toward the end there).

Thank you also Coach Sonnon and all the Faculty and Head Coaches for once again putting together an unforgettable event. Every time is better than the last, and I think it is safe to say that if you have never been to one of these, you really can’t believe how much you will learn and improve. Even if you never plan on becoming a certified CST Instructor, seriously, save up and come to one of these events. These seminars provide an amazing environment for improving your understanding and application of CST toward your own goals. When you are surrounded by that much skill, knowledge, and experience, you can’t help but improve.

I am still assimilating all that I learned over the weekend…and though I didn’t do the TBF with 35’s, I too am going to spend a little time in “active” recovery mode (then I will start working on a couple of the issues I learned about over the weekend…).

I had to make myself cut this down a lot, because I found that I would have several pages of thank you’s to write if I acknowledged everyone that helped me, taught me something, or made this weekend a success for me. It was nice to see old friends again, and to make some new ones (as well as putting faces to forum names of people I have talked to here).

I was very impressed with the presentation of the material. Every time I peel away another layer of the onion and gain another level of understanding of this system of training (CST), I have a greater appreciation for the brilliance of this approach and a greater desire to see just how far down this rabbit hole I can go. Like Coach Sonnon says, “We are together in this…alone”. There is no substitute for doing the work, but if you do it, there are a lot of other great people who are exploring this path with you. Who could ask for more than that?

Once again, thank you all for making this a very valuable experience for me. I am looking forward to training with you all again in the future (some of you soon!). Safe travels to those of you that are still away from home.” - Dennis Haggard, California

 ——————————————————————————————-

 ”I don’t know about the rest of you, but I came out of that weekend feeling like a piece of dried meat after having been slung over a fire to smoke for 3 days. The thought of a team of horses and a rope for each limb comes to mind (the RACK, I believe it’s called) as an attractive method of recovery. Well, okay….maybe some Intu-Flow® will continue to do the trick.

Coming into this weekend, for myself personally, I was feeling like it was going to be (outside of whatever material was to be presented), a significant transitional point, a stepping thru a door (if you could call it “stepping”), into a whole new stage of my journey. Little did I know that it would prove itself to be, literally, a significant transitional point in the way the material was taught and the tools that we would be coming away with. This was my first seminar, and although I have nothing to compare it to in the past, the energy that was buzzing, especially from the Head Coaching Staff, from the process of executing this new format for the first time and the immense potential it holds, was evidence enough at how different it is and the evolutionary jump it’s taken.

And it IS exiting! Because, immediately, one can recognize what is being done. A vast system such as CST, with all its height, width and depth, is being broken down into incrementally progressive steps, so that we can gain a greater understanding, and move into deeper levels far more quickly than we have perhaps been able to in the past, as we fumbled about trying to get a grasp on what can be an overwhelming amount of material. And as we saw (and experienced) this didn’t mean dumbed down. Each progressive step leads us onto a greater level of sophistication, whether in our personal explorations or professional development. Here we have a format that is espousing principles that the very system itself is based upon.

I left feeling a little awe-struck at the fact that we all had the opportunity to get in on this at the ground level, to be a part of this “first wave” of incorporating a format that will now allow a system as incredible as CST, to be much more accessible to the masses. For those who were unable to attend this last seminar, I’m not saying you missed the boat on being a part of that first wave. The next year or two IS the first wave. I believe (just my personal thoughts), the learning that goes on, as we take the tools and apply them to our own personal practice and those who train with us, will be a part of refining the format and its subsequent delivery. So don’t wait. Dare to be a part of something momentous.

Omicron Gang, this last weekend was awesome and it was made even more awesome because of each and every one of you. The lack of ego, self-consciousness and apprehension freed us up to make the most of the short amount of time we had. The enthusiasm, focus, respect and encouragement helped us get thru the short amount of time we had….alive.

To the Head Coaching Staff, all that need be said is we see you. We see you lead from the front, blazing a trail that, although not easy to navigate, even the blind could not miss.

Now the work begins.

I look forward to, ooohhh, in about 6 months from now, having the opportunity to dig into a big ol’delicious piece of PIe with all a ya’ll who are able to partake…..

…..yes, even if it means when it’s all said and done, I come out of it feeling like dried meat after having been… well, you get the idea.” - Shane Heinz, British Columbia, Canada

 ——————————————————————————————-

“Back home in much warmer weather (how anyone can live anywhere under 75 degrees is beyond me…)

Every CST seminar I’ve been to has been better than the last, but this last one was as close to concisely imparting the full genius of Coach Sonnon’s system as you could get. Whereas in previous seminars the breadth of the information was tremendous, here he created a format which allows the totality of CST immediately to the CST Instructor/Athlete.

Coach Sonnon, your tenacity and commitment to consistent unwavering progress and fine tuning your system makes you one of the few people I look up to with awe.

Coach Joe Wilson, you always remark about my physical condition, but it is your dedication to your personal development that inspires me to improve daily. So that each time we see each other, you know that I have respected you enough to keep on training. You are the one that helps me get on my moped at 5:30 a.m. and head to yoga class.

Coach Brandon Jones, every piece of advice you give me is gold, and you know I don’t take advice from just anybody. I’m proud to be your student.

Coach Ryan Murdock, you are a true model of the high virtue of pragmatic assessment and recognition of the low value of having sympathy for those who don’t find a way to do the work. Your continued high level of progress with your unbelievable hectic travel schedule should inspire everyone to just do the work.

Coach Ryan Hurst, more than just one of my best friends, your skill level and teaching ability is everything I aspire to be.

Thank you to everyone who attended for your energy and willingness to listen. I was very happy to share with you what I’ve learned from my teachers and hope that it inspires you to continue in your practice.” - Jarlo Ilano, Hawaii

 ——————————————————————————————-

Thanks again to everyone!! I’ll add more stories as they roll in.

flow thyself,

Subscribe to my Feed on my Blog: http://www.flowcoach.tv
Follow my updates on Twitter: http://twitter.com/flowcoach
Friend me on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/cw4no5
Dig me at Digg: http://digg.com/users/flowcoach
Add me on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/docsonnon

“I have attended a total of three CST IC seminars and am continually amazed by the evolution that has taken place. RMAX is truly at the forefront of the wellness industry, offering its customers the most advanced strategies for creating a better you!” – John Wolf, CST Instructor (USA)

“I am so excited about CST! I love what I saw this weekend and can hardly wait to get back to the club and start practicing. I’m feeling very overwhelmed too! I want to master all of the exercises so that they become second nature. I admire all of the coaches and appreciate Coach Sonnon’s and Coach Locke’s support, encouragement and confidence in me!” – Lisa Strong, Bellingham Athletic Club

“Wonderful, comprehensive training. Materials well organized. The sense of “team” was so encouraging and drove me to be better and achieve more. I learned not only from the coaches by watching everyone else. The Staff is frickin’ amazing! Loved everyone.” – Lisa Wheeler, Equinox NYC

“This is awesome. I cannot wait to submerge myself in this. I’ve already been changed from all the books and videos, inside and out. I can’t thank you enough and can’t fathom how many people can be helped by this.” – Jim Romig

“I can safely say that this seminar is the best I have ever attended. Even better than previous CST seminars.” – Matthew Barnes, CST Instructor (Canada)

“I liked the plug and play programs, they seem to be really easy to teach and get folks motivated. Great job!” – Dale Moss, CST Instructor (USA)

“The seminar was fantastic. I learned clear info that I can actually apply to my clients. This is my 3rd attendance and I feel that I now get it.” – Aaron Moon, CST Instructor (Australia)

“This new format clarified the application of CST principles to program design and made the presentation of the 3 ring integration much easier to understand. I like the new format.” – Dennis Haggard, CST Coach (USA)

“I have been coming to CST IC seminars for many years now, and I found the new format and presentation to be the best yet. I find my understanding is improved exponentially every time I return.” - Slade Billew, CST Coach (USA)

“CST training has taught me and continues to teach me how to be better—personally, physically and as a trainer.” - Lynnette Reilly, CST Instructor (USA), Bellingham Athletic Club

“Most fitness systems maintain the status quo. RMAX continues to look introspectively and refine its systems, practices and training. Attending a seminar is three days of movement informed by demonstration. If you expect to sit around and be talked at, this is not for you. If you want to learn, hands-on by doing and being guided by some of the most talented athletes and gifted instructors, then this seminar is for you. You will be gradually pushed to your limit and have restrictions and reservations to your athleticism removed. The quality and experience of this training is amazing.” – Joel Seymour, CST Instructor (USA)

“I have so many things to say about CST and the many things that I have learned this weekend, but to choose a couple, I am so impressed with the caliber of the coaches—it speaks volumes about CST and RMAX to be able to attract such intelligent, articulate, mature and proficient individuals as leaders and ambassadors to guide us. Second, I am so grateful to have found this work and appreciate the depth of its history and the breadth of its possibility—to create more health and vitality in my body and to inspire the world to expect more from their own physical abilities.” – Lashaun Dale, Equinox NY

“Finally got some real world CST. It’s very good. Scott Sonnon is a movement gift. Hope to be back. Best wishes to all!” – Paul Fanta

“FANTABULOUS! Loved the working in pairs for FlowFit® and Trial by Fire. Going through the 5 programs gave clear instructions on how the programs integrate and clarity on Clubbells in action. Going through the 5 programs took me through exercises I may not have tried otherwise! Thank you.” – Donna Eddy, CST Coach (Australia)

CST-KS Instructor Cert

“Scott has an uncanny ability to coach any skill at a high level. I have had experience with most of the well known kettlebell coaches / systems and Scott offers the most sensible and user friendly approach. Thanks Coach!” – John Wolf, CST Instructor

“Helped with cueing and ideas about breaking down kettlebell movement exercises to improve clients.” – Kaylee Gardner

“I really enjoy kettlebells and the way they help teach proper form and technique—it was wonderful to learn more.” – Tiffany Morton

“Probably would have come up for just this, even though it was just the delicious icing on this weekend’s delicious cake.” – Jim Romig

“Very good. Lots to learn. Good to learn new methods.” – Doug Salmon