Flying Trapeze: Yes, You Can!

When I ask friends if they want to do flying trapeze, they think they can't do it. They think it's hard.

I think there's actually a fairly simple list of skills you need. I love lists, so here's a list.

Things you need to be able to do flying trapeze

1) You need to be able to climb a ladder.
It's how to get up to the platform for the trapeze.
(And this is the scariest part, really.)

2. You need to be able to hold onto a bar. It's not heavy, but the bar is sturdy enough to hold your weight. So you need minimal upper body strength.

3. You need to be able to listen to and follow directions.
This is the most important part of flying trapeze. You need to listen for what the teachers tell you do. And then do it.

4. It helps if you're able to get your feet up to the bar (so be able to swing your legs under you up to your waist.)
Don't worry, there's a practice trapeze that's pretty low to ground that you can try new skills out on. If you've got good body consciousness and a decent core, you're golden. (You should be able to do a few crunches. I've seen a few out of shape people not be able to get their knees over.) You don't have to be super flexible. But flexibility helps. They can make modifications too.

Before I did flying trapeze, a few things helped with the skills for this.
1) Acro yoga. This was helpful for learning the grip for when you catch. (If you've got the grip, you're good. They'll teach this to you. Not hard!)
2) Stationary trapeze. I did a short course on stationary trapeze and I think this will be more helpful later on.
Pretty much I was a kid who liked to climb on things, and I'll play on rings and trapezes whenever I see them at climbing walls and gyms. I just like climbing on things.

What to wear: Flying trapeze

When I try a new sport or venture, I wonder what I should wear.

Twinning with Martha. Clearly you should wear a purple tank and black crops :) 

For flying trapeze, here's what you should wear:

1) Sunscreen.
Flying trapeze is outside. If your class is during the day, put SPF on before you leave the house.
(You don't want sunscreen to make the bar slick, so if you put it on at the facility, wash your hands immediately after.)
Also, you can't fly with sunglasses on. You can wear them while hanging out though.

2. Leggings or capris. 
The website asks you to wear pants that cover the back of your knees, so leggings or capris. The guys catch in the same tight pants as the girls ;)

If you're a dude, you could wear running leggings under shorts or just wear shorts.

3. A fitted top that won't fly up.
You're going to be upside-down. You don't want a super baggy T-shirt that's going to fly up over your head. A popular choice is a tank with a built-in bra.

You'll also be wearing a safety belt over your tank for the entire time. You want something that will tuck under this.

4. Keep your hair up.
And you'll want your hair up in a ponytail or braid, so it's not in your face.
My ponytail would actually was too long and kept swinging into my face (during catches.) Next time I need to remember to braid it or loop it so it's not as long.

What not to wear:
1) You don't fly in shoes.
You can fly in socks. Leave your shoes at the bottom of the ladder. You don't want a shoe flying off and hitting someone (especially your catcher.)
2) Jewelry. 
They're going to ask you to take off bracelets, watches, big rings etc. Leave those at home. Safety first.

I had my hair in a bun so it wouldn't whip me in the face. 

What I wore:
Athleta running tank and Lululemon Top speed crops. (Lulu's crossback tank has since been my go-to for trapeze.)

Also, you're going to get chalk all over you. I like to wear light colors—for night classes and for the chalk.

Fabletics: cancel my membership

It's been a year and I'm canceling my Fabletics membership.

Top reasons
1. I don't like their new rewards program.
I was THIS close to getting a new free outfit—anything I wanted. And then they changed the rewards program so now I'm THIS close to getting free crappy sale stuff that isn't selling. Seriously, there is nothing in the rewards section that tempts me. It's cheap tanks and sports bras with no support. I contacted customer service about how this new program screwed me over and the canned email suggested I buy a new outfit to look fabulous this weekend. ?? Really?

2. I don't actually wear most of the Fabletics clothes I've purchased.
• The sports bras offer no support.
• The capri's cut into my calves and don't hold up well after washing.
• And the tanks are just cheap and make me look like I have lumps when I don't. (I've tried up a size, it doesn't help.)
• I wear my stuff from other brands more. I don't need more stuff I won't wear.

3. I don't like their outfits concepts. I have a lot of athletic clothes. I might want a pair of capris or a top. But never is everything I want in the same outfit. It's cheaper to buy an outfit when crops are $40 and you have to pay $8 shipping, but shipping is free when you spend $50. So I end up buying outfits and then returning them. And it takes forever for the returns to process. I'd rather buy a top or a pair of shorts, not get a top I'll never wear because it's as cheap as shopping.

4. I'd rather save my money and buy Lululemon.

My overall impression of Fabletics: It was fun for a little while. I had fun ordering outfits, but I just don't wear the clothes I bought from them.

Should you try it? You might like it.

There are some other subscription boxes I'd like to try.

Trapeze adventures: Part 2

I headed back to Trapeze today to learn a new trick. It was the first chance I had to go back.

Things I learned from my second time flying

1. How to roll off the net.
My first visit we used a ladder to get down. The pros grab these hand holds—reverse grip and roll off the net. You have to control the fall with your arms. You hold yourself and then land on a red mat. So fun.

2. Not all tricks are as easy as the first
I didn't get the whip today. I was a little disappointed in myself, but I tried and I think three more passes and I've got it. Next time!

3. Don't miss your hep.
I missed my call for the first time today. It was my third shot at whip and I just wasn't ready for it. I thought he'd been calling it slower. I missed it. Rats. I've seen a lot of other people miss their hep. It happens.

4. Kids can do trapeze too.
A group of 8-year-olds was in my class doing knee hangs and gazelle. One girl rocked a beautiful one knee hang.

5. You can begin to climb the ladder as soon as the person in front of you takes off.
My second class went much faster than my first. I got five passes in with a group of 8 in 2 hours.

6. I can get sunburned on a cloudy day.
Well I knew this one. I think I waited too late to put sunblock on. I turned pink a few hours later.

7. Wash your hands after applying sunblock
Sun block and flying trapeze don't mix. It can make the bar slippery. So just wash your hands afterward.

8. Don't walk under the net.
Okay, I learned this the first week. But still, don't walk under the net. I tried to during a break. No one was flying, but oops.

9. There are pros.
I met some super spunky women (late 30s, 40s) who did some amazing tricks: somersaults and spins. They were fun to watch.

10. The pros wear hand guards—like gymnasts—to protect their hands.

And yes, it's okay to go to trapeze class by yourself. Maybe I would have gotten my whip if some of my friends there. Maybe not? But I was fine. The women were nice. The staff were nice. I didn't feel too awkward.  But I'm still going to try to get my friends to come with me next time. Selfishly, I need someone to take pictures of me.