Tuesday, March 31, 2015

10 Things I learned from Flying Trapeze



1. I have no fear of heights.
For me, it's awesome to have a such a great view.



2. My sister IS afraid of heights.
I learned this from looking at the pictures. She later said it was scarier than childbirth, which I think is WAAAAAY scarier and has a longer recovery period. (But now she's super mom and is working to conquer a fear).

3. Look at the horizon. Keep your eyes in front of you.
I was looking for the other trapeze or in front of me. I actually never thought to look down at the pavement until my sister told me her fears the day after. She kept looking at the pavement and imagining splatting. Guess which one of us was more anxious? (Other than climbing the ladder up and off the rig, I wasn't worried about my safety).

4. You have 3 safety backups.
They'll belt you in and clip a wire to your right and left sides. There's also a net to keep you from falling to the ground. That's plenty. I think the trampoline might be more dangerous.

5. The first time is the scariest, but after that it's soooo much fun.
To begin with, I climbed a very rickety ladder. So rickety, I had to clip in. I climbed to the top of the ladder at the instructor told me to take a breath. I was actually nervous. And then I wondered what would happen next. Since they made me go first. I was the guinea pig. I like others to go first. But I did it and it was a rush.

6. Just listen.
The instructors will tell you exactly what to do and when to do it. Their timing is perfect and I kept getting tricks the first time because I just did what I was told. It was fantastic.
I love this aspect of working out. I like not over thinking and just doing. It's my favorite way to go. Also, don't cheer. then you can't hear commands. Wait until after the flyer is on the ladder coming down off the net.

7. I can be good at something the first time I try it.
I am uncoordinated. I am not graceful. I am flexible. I am a slow learner, but determined. And it takes me months to get a flip someone could learn in 20 minutes. I felt like I was good at trapeze. The instructors made me good, but I like this feeling. (Which is in opposition to my usually negative, overly self critical nature.)

8. I can assign my husband to be photographer for the day and he will have fun. But bring you camera (or iPhone). You will want pictures.




9. I like being upside-down.
Well, maybe I didn't learn this one, but I was reminded that I like to be upside-down and hang off of things.

10. Don't miss a spot with your sunblock. I need to make sure to get both of my ears and behind them.


Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Things not to wear to the gym

Ever wonder what you shouldn't war to the gym? This week's edition features a few fashion fails I've seen recently. Just no.



1. One strap tanks.
This isn't Dancing With The Stars. It's a workout. And I'm worried your boob is going to fall out. You don't look hot. You look like you're trying too hard, or desperate, or just inappropriate.



2. Neon peach pants.
I saw a cute little girl wear these blinding pants (so much more neon in person) to work out the other day. And while the girl was slim, the pants amplified her cottage cheese butt. It was horrifying.



2. Head to toe hot pink.
I love pink. But don't overdo it. And the reason everyone wears dark capris to the gym is because they're slimming. Neon pants tend to make your thighs and butt look so much worse. This heavy lady wore head to toe to pink to workout one day. I loved that she was working out. And she probably loved her outfit. But the pants screamed to be looked at and and they amplified her problem areas. Wear black. You'll blend in. It's slimming and won't shine a spotlight on your thigh dimples.

What should you wear to the gym:

Long tank that covers your butt and dark bottoms. 
1. Tanks or T-shirts. I prefer dry-wicking fabric to cotton T-shirts. But you won't look out of place in a cotton T-shirt. Also, if you look lumpy in a shirt, go a size up. You shouldn't see lumps in something that fits right. (Cut out backs are really trendy and cool at the moment).

2. Dark capris or leggings. (Pure Barre won't let you wear shorts and I don't like wearing shorts). You want a nice thick fabric that's not see-through. (Patterns are fun but can make your thighs look wider or butt look weird).

3. The right sports bra. Victoria's Secret always makes great ones. Their VS Sport line is pretty great actually.