Flying Free With The Trapeze

So guess what I did yesterday?

I flew on the trapeze!

It’s been a build-up of over a year now. M’s practice is right below the trapeze, and being the soccer mom that I’ve turned into — I’m on that field weekly.  I know, I probably should have been watching M score a hat trick (he does that!) but my gaze always goes to the trapeze. I figured out the routine of the beginner class, and knew it was something I MUST DO.  It spoke to my DNA as free, exciting, and kind of crazy!  But it’s also scary.  And a little expensive.  So it’s been an easy put-off.

Until yesterday!

What to know about the flying trapeze:

As a beginner you’ll start with the very basics of a knee-hang, back flip and catch. (I know, can you believe these are considered the very basic?) Once you successfully accomplish these tricks, you’ll move on. The last level is the stuff you see at the circus. (One of which is called the uprise reverse suicide.) Our class had the maximum of 10 people. We took turns trying the tricks, and cheering each other on. Though it may seem like there’s a lot of downtime while waiting — there’s also a lot of adrenaline flowing. I think it took me 10 mins to stop shaking after my catch. The in-between moments were quite restorative.

What the scene looks like:

Obviously from 23 feet up in the air, the views are spectacular!  The trapezees are a mixed bunch. Tween regulars at gymnastics, fifty-somethings staying strong and in shape, men who you’d never imagine to hang upside down, hipsters from Williamsburg with mustaches and tattoos, tourists from Europe struggling to keep up with all the instructive fast-talk. And of course, soccer moms — like me!  Everyone is super supportive, friendly and most likely somewhat of a thrill seeker, right? The staff is trained to handle safety, individual progressions, and of course the big one — fear.

The soundtrack:

Applause. Cheers. And some shrieks (from excitement.)

The rhythm:

It’s progressive. You master one trick then you move on to the next. There’s no comfort level here — the entire class I felt on the edge, literally. I was pushed to do something I’d never done before. I learned new tricks. And I experienced the exhilaration that comes from accomplishment (and from flying through the air!)

Sweat fest or keeping it clean?

Yesterday felt like 100 degrees so needless to say I was beyond sweaty. And while the sweltering heat contributed to most of my sweat… my nerves did their part too. I thought my fear of heights would be the biggest challenge, but that was the least of my worries.  Turns out, flying into the unknown is way scarier!

Mind, body or soul workout?

All of it!  Standing at the edge of the platform, ready to jump– my mind ran wild with fear. But once told to get into position (knees bent) I’d allow the adrenaline to take over. My mind shut up. My body did exactly as it was instructed.  And my soul flew free.