That’s so fly
Move over aerial silk and aerial yoga, flying trapeze is surely a fun, badass exercise and entertainment.
Cirque du Soleil performers and acrobats seem to do it with poise and ease: Swinging from point A to B, somersaulting, and twisting on air in a trapeze. In South Africa, trapeze parties are the kind of fun of the upper crust partygoers. They would set up a trapeze in a garden while having barbecue. Trapeze is an immense form of recreation, but it can also be one helluva exercise. Hollywood celebrities and singers like Hugh Jackman, Britney Spears, and Pink have joined in the fun, citing flying trapeze as an alternate to weight lifting. It could be remembered that Pink showcased her trapeze training in her performances: 2009 MTV Video Music Awards and 2010 Grammy Awards.
So, are you ready? Here comes a fun filled workout not for the faint of heart and scared of heights: The Flying Trapeze Philippines (FTP) is the first and only (so far) trapeze school in the Philippines located at Bonifacio Global City. FTP summons daredevils and fitness junkies into an experience that is one for the books. While Zumba, Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing tone your lower body, the flying trapeze targets your upper body and core, explains founder and flying trapeze enthusiast Will Hsu, who started swinging in the US as early as eight years old. The glutes, thighs, and back benefit from flying at 25 feet high (this can be achieved once you’ve reached past the basics.)
“Flying trapeze teaches students how to control their bodies and improve their reflexes, especially when making a catch in mid-air. These two aspects of the trapeze combine to provide students with a challenging workout in a fun and exciting environment,” Will adds.
Besides the physical benefits of it, timing, trust, and conquering your fear of heights are also addressed.
Flying trapeze is great for daredevils aged six and above, weighing less than 200lbs. Just like any other exercises or sports, it has levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
According to the Trapeze School New York website (newyork.trapezeschool.com), Leotard, the man behind the figure-hugging clothing, invented trapeze in the 18th century. Since then, circus schools have opened worldwide mostly starting in London. There are aerial yoga and pole dance classes in Manila; it’s about high time the metro embraces a more death defying kind of exercise and entertainment Will says.
Trapeze is basically a horizontal bar suspended on air. Performers (or exercisers) start by swinging from their arms, like that of a monkey bar. Once you get the hang of it, you can start the simple knee-hang (which is thrilling and frustrating at the same time especially if you’ve lost your momentum) to more difficult forms, like catching a friend from the other trapeze or back swinging. It works like a simple pendulum. It may look easy but then again, looks can be deceiving—it’s as hard as hell, especially if you’re on the heavy side.
First, safety harness—so tight you can barely breathe!—is fastened under your ribs. This is to ensure that you won’t slip away once you’re up in the air. For starters, Will and his team are always ready to give you directions: hop when Will says jump, hang your legs, and let go. Scream at the top of your lungs if you want. Can you spell #cool?
CHECK LIST:
If you can’t stand a funny leotard, wear shorts so your bare leg skin can grip the bar, aside from the cornstarch powder the crew will put in your arms and legs.
Tie your hair
Remove your accessories
Wear sunblock
Don’t forget your baon: nerves, guts, and courage.
Pray and enjoy!
LIFE LESSONS:
Who says flying trapeze is for health buffs and daredevils only? It’s for the heartbroken and hopeless romantics. Kidding. Seriously, with pun intended though, at the end of the session you will learn:
The art of timing—timing is everything, especially when jumping to great heights and maintaining your momentum.
How to trust—trust your flying partner, the equipment, and yourself that is.
When to let go—we mean, letting go of your inhibitions and fears.
P.S. Flying trapeze is definitely not for those who are scared to fall. (Thank heavens for nets that will catch you every time you fall.)
www.trapeze.ph,
hello@trapeze.ph
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