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PCC Blog

Progressive Calisthenics - The Official Blog for the PCC Community

Annie Vo

Revive, Restore, Recertify!

March 14, 2017 By Annie Vo 9 Comments

Annie Vo Aussie Pullup Variation

This January marked my ninth Progressive Calisthenics Certification since first becoming PCC Certified three years ago. In that time, I have been a student, an assistant, an instructor, and now, a Team Leader for this organization. I’ve had the privilege of attending and teaching in seven countries spanning three continents, and I continue to grow with each experience. In addition to PCC, I have attended and repeated an extraordinary number of workshops in numerous modalities, from RKC to Gym Jones. I can tell you firsthand the skill building advantages, knowledge development and incredible motivation that come from doing so.

But that wasn’t always the case…

When I started as a personal trainer a decade ago, I had very little practical information or experience working with real clients. I wrestled with what every new trainer feels at this point: Am I an imposter?

I had the good fortune of being introduced to kettlebells early on in my career which lead me to attending my first RKC kettlebell certification. I spent my hard earned money and precious time to see what I could learn. That weekend changed my life. I eagerly attended RKC Level II and continued to read extensively on the topic. Over the years, I found other mentors, systems and methodologies ranging from yoga to powerlifting. I attended courses all over the world to learn from the most experienced trainers and coaches of our time. I can tell you without hesitation, the PCC stands at the front of this list!

Annie Vo's 1st PCC

Between events, I built a solid clientele and got to put my lessons to use, weaving the fabric I began threading years ago. I learned about proper technique, exercises for strength and flexibility, client assessment and ultimately, to see the virtue of each discipline and their own unique philosophies on training. Feeling less like an imposter, I began implementing these methods with my clients, filtering out the minutiae and honing my craft. For many years I felt that this alone, learning the information, was the foundation of my experience as a personal trainer. I was wrong. Well, partially wrong.

It is a mistake to not revisit the original information.

The pursuit of any skill (not limited only to training) takes consistent practice, attention to detail and frequent evaluation. Many years ago when I first began playing piano as a child, I hated it. There was so much theory, remedial scales and lots of esoterica. Over time I began playing short tunes, incorporating the pedal and experimenting with different tempos. I had achieved a competency that allowed me to read music and remember songs. Eventually, something crazy happened: Piano became fun. I continued to explore and found classical bass, which would become the tool of my first career. Like with the piano, the practice became a consistent habit. It soon became time to find a new teacher, play with a larger orchestra and make professional advances. As the old phrase says, after skill acquisition, “The student becomes the master.”

That really isn’t the case.

Perhaps what people call “mastery” goes beyond having knowledge. To me, it is the understanding that (despite all this information), there is so much more to know. In other words, you can never have a complete command of everything.

The amount you can absorb and retain the first time around is limited. This is why it is so important to recertify your PCC. As both a musician and fitness professional, I can attest to how skills can degrade without further exposure to good coaching and feedback, along with regular practice.

Another reason to recertify is that it is electric to be surrounded by so many like-minded individuals. Training together, sharing stories and investing in the collective experience of learning are priceless. Each event draws professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world who bring with them their own individual experiences (as well as that of their clients). There are very few times in one’s professional or personal lives that offer so many unique perspectives. Everyone comes in with their sliver of the world and they want to share it with you.

NYC PCC Group 2017

There are two dimensions to growth, two timelines that are intertwined. There is the dimension of you the person and then the dimension of the information you have received. You, the person, are constantly changing. You are getting older, falling in love (or out of love), trying new foods, reading new books and traveling to new places. The way that you understand your clients expands because you have expanded. The PCC has also changed over time. The curriculum has evolved. The level of instruction has been refined. The depth of knowledge has deepened.

Not too long ago, paleontologists made the surprising revelation that the Tyrannosaurus Rex walked tilted forward with its tail pointed up, changing the overall posture and gait of the animal. This made it considerably more dangerous and menacing than the slow moving, tail dragging Godzilla of my childhood. Were the paleontologists wrong before or are they wrong now? Well, facts change. Positions on things change when new information is introduced. It has to. Given the information they had at the time, they could not have come to any greater truth. In a way, paleontologists were correct then, but are closer to the truth now. This is the process of growth.

Annie Vo PCC Single-leg squat

When you recertify, you are coming back with new observations, experiences and skills that you didn’t have the first time. You may be in a better place to receive information. In the beginning, everything is new and it is difficult to retain all that is being presented. As you grow, you may find some of the lost information is now relevant. Your needs change over time.

So, why should you recertify? Because you are a different person and it’s a different PCC.

 

 

***

Annie Vo is one of New York City’s most successful and sought-after personal trainers. As a PCC Team Leader, RKC Team Leader and Level III Gym Jones Instructor, she has taught certifications and seminars all over the world. She has been featured in The New York Post, NPR and Mademan.com. A diverse and complex talent, Annie Vo holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Columbia University and is a renowned classically trained musician. Learn more at annievo.com.

Filed Under: Motivation and Goals, Progressive Calisthenics, Workshop Experiences Tagged With: Annie Vo, PCC, professional development, progressive calisthenics, recert, recertification, workshop experience

Progressive Calisthenics In The Forbidden City

November 29, 2016 By Danny Kavadlo 13 Comments

China PCC 2016

Never in my life did I imagine that my calisthenics journey would take me all the way to Beijing. I knew that working out would get me in shape: lean, fit, solid and strong. It was also very obvious to me how much fun I was having in my training. And, yes, I was certainly aware of what a remarkable community I had stumbled upon (although I must confess: I didn’t realize quite how many amazing people I’d meet along the way).

Without a doubt, there were many virtues that I predicted, even expected.

But this? Flying halfway around the world to a foreign land and meeting a roomful of strangers who felt like my brothers? Well, damn. This was some other worldly stuff indeed!

We’re big in China! Other-worldly indeed!
We’re big in China! Other-worldly indeed!

But upon reflection, it makes sense that the Progressive Calisthenics Certification has traveled all the way to China (twice!) in 2016. After all, the Chinese have an ancient tradition of bodyweight practice.

From Kung Fu to moving meditation, it’s plain to see that minimalism, honesty and purity are rooted deep within Chinese physical culture. When I think about it, the massive success of the Chinese translations of so many Dragon Door titles (like Convict Conditioning, Diamond-Cut Abs and Pushing The Limits) really isn’t surprising at all. No matter what side of the world we’re on, us freaks and geeks of fitness have much more in common than apart.

Pushing the limits in China!
Pushing the limits in China!

Interestingly enough, John Du Cane (arguably the greatest pioneer in modern fitness) founded Dragon Door in 1991 as medium to introduce the Eastern practices of Tai Chi and Qigong to the Western world. Twenty-five years later, we are now introducing the Western practice of Street Workout to the East. It comes full circle.

When PCC Instructor Annie Vo and I stepped off the plane in Peking International Airport, we got even more than expected. Any possible cultural or language barriers were non-existent that weekend, as we all spoke the same language of movement and harmony.

chinapcccossacksquats4

It was a tremendous honor that this certification was held at the Fitness University of Beijing. Further, our hosts Beijing Technology Publishing did a stellar job at assembling an all-star group of practitioners, trainers, coaches and bodyweight warriors. They even brought in television and film crews to document this monumental occasion. We are grateful for having been a part of it.

As is always the case at PCC, there were numerous PR’s, feats of strength and groundbreaking physical achievements. We muscled-up over bars, defied the laws of gravity and let our freak flags fly. The calisthenics fanatics of Beijing proved to be an unstoppable force to be reckoned with during this amazing experience.

Let your freak flag fly at PCC!
Let your freak flag fly at PCC!

 

When all is said and done, the weekend flew by. The hours and days we shared teaching, training and learning together proved to be the experience of a lifetime. I’d personally like to congratulate this fantastic group of newly certified PCCs. We came a long way for this event. Thanks to each and every one of you for making it so incredible.

Keep the dream alive,

-DK

China PCC 2016

****

Danny Kavadlo is one of the world’s foremost authorities on calisthenics, nutrition and personal training. He is the author of the Dragon Door titles Strength Rules, Diamond-Cut Abs and Everybody Needs Training. Most recently, he co-authored Street Workout with his brother, Al Kavadlo. Danny is known for his minimalist philosophy, simple approach and motivational talents.

A true in-person experience, Danny is a Master Instructor for Dragon Door’s Progressive Calisthenics Certification. He has been featured in the NY Times, TRAIN, Men’s Fitness and is a regular contributor to Bodybuilding.com. Learn more about Danny at www.DannyTheTrainer.com

Filed Under: Progressive Calisthenics, Workshop Experiences Tagged With: 2016 China PCC, Annie Vo, China PCC, Danny Kavadlo, PCC, Progressive Calisthenics Certification Workshop, workshop experience

PCC CHINA—East Meets West

January 19, 2016 By Annie Vo 17 Comments

PCC China 2016

Becoming a Progressive Calisthenics Certified instructor in New York City last June was an amazing experience, but it was just the beginning. The PCC was one of the most incredible and educational certifications I had ever attended and I couldn’t wait to take it to the next level. It had been a long time since I was so excited about training and it was obvious to me that I needed to play a larger role.

As a long-standing RKC Team Leader, I had already taught and assisted at numerous RKC and RKC-II Workshops, helping scores of future RKC Instructors prove their mettle. But my first time assisting at a PCC Workshop was a brand new life experience unto itself, one that I’ll never forget.

PCC China Support Press

From the moment we touched down in the Forbidden City, it became clear that this was going to be a unique adventure. There were motorized rickshaws on the roads, steam billowed over street food carts and the energy of a billion people lined the sparsely marked streets. I saw high-rise buildings, booming shops and markets—and people everywhere. Elements of the old world blended with cutting edge modern cityscapes. There is something very special about being in a place where nothing is familiar. Not knowing what you are looking at, or understanding what is being said is liberating in a way. It forces you to make observations, be patient with yourself and be in the present. Preconceived notions are irrelevant, and so are your predictions!

Upon our arrival, our hosts, Beijing Technology Publishing Company and Ruben Payan and Cami Pipkin from Powerful Human, treated us to a world-class experience. We tasted authentic Beijing Duck from the ancient tradition and rare yellow Chinese wine brewed by monks. We learned the proper way to prepare and enjoy this specialty delicacy and delighted in all the other small dishes of dumplings, squid and sea cucumber. We were humbled by their generosity as we left with an unforgettable meal and newly acquired life-long friends.

PCC China Food

Prior to this event, I had heard that Convict Conditioning had record-breaking sales in China, but nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming turnout of PCC Beijing. There were over 40 calisthenics enthusiasts, fitness professionals, competitors and general seekers of knowledge in attendance. We had participants from all parts of Asia, including China, the Philippines, Indonesia and India. They ranged in age from 15 to 50 years old.

The Kavadlo brothers, in classic form, taught the PCC curriculum with tremendous energy, passion and dedication. They brilliantly adapted the core principles of progression and calisthenic strength training, along with the aid of master translator and fitness aficionado, Tommy Wang. Working back and forth, nobody missed a beat. The passion for calisthenics and community removed any and all possible cultural barriers. The crowd went wild.

PCC China Flag

It was very clear that these participants had read the book many times. They had practiced the moves. These men and women were here to learn. And they were prepared to throw down!

PCC China Back Lever

PCC China Uneven Pull-Up

I appreciate everybody who participated and gave from within. Prior to the event, I wondered how many participants would understand us since we are English speakers, and I’m certain many of them felt the same way. They put themselves on the line just as much as we did. With the help of our hosts, we created a space for learning and sharing, despite any and all cultural barriers, through our shared passion for calisthenics.

PCC China Annie Coaching Bridge

This new crop of PCC Instructors showed up knowing that we didn’t speak their language, but trusted that we’d communicate with them anyway—and we did. Progressive Calisthenics is its own language. Time and time again, bodyweight training has a way of smashing boundaries and uniting our sisters and brothers from around the world.

PCC China Al Danny Kavadlo Uneven Pull Up

I want to express my deep gratitude to everybody in attendance for opening their hearts, minds and physical bodies to the experience we shared this weekend. It is our mission to continue growing with all our friends around the globe, through this universal interest in personal development.

It was a whirlwind. My mind is blown.

PCC China Group Photo

***

Annie Vo is one of New York City’s most successful and sought-after personal trainers, having worked with clients from all backgrounds and disciplines, including athletes, celebrities and everyday professionals. Annie has been featured in The New York Post, NPR and Mademan.com. She is known for her no-nonsense training style and minimalist philosophy, as well as her talent for bringing out the best in everyone who crosses her path.

Filed Under: Progressive Calisthenics, Workshop Experiences Tagged With: Annie Vo, China, China 2016, PCC China, PCC Workshop, progressive calisthenics, Progressive Calisthenics Certification Workshop, workshop experience

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