I am Hooked...

Literally and figuratively. I just experienced flying in the air with, erm attempted ease, on the flying trapeze! My twin sister and I recently had our 23rd birthday, and this was how we decided to celebrate it. We arrived at Trapeze Arts in Oakland just after sunset. Once shoes were removed, we were shown quick, basic steps that needed to be applied when we climbed the ladder to the elevated platform. It felt very intimidating and a bit exciting. I kept thinking, "I can't believe I've gotten myself in this! I'm going to be swinging on a bar upside down, with my legs holding me - in less than 2 minutes!" I couldn't get the image out of my mind and how I worked the courage to agree to do this. I'm not afraid of heights, and I definitely appreciate adventures like these, but my mind and body had no idea what to expect, and there was no reference (I've yet to do similar activities like bungee jumping). The worst part was leaning off the platform and trusting you won't roll off even though you jut your hips forward. My calves received an excellent stretch, and I can tell I will be sore. I got hooked into my harness, and heard "Ready" (bend knees) "Hep!" (mini hop off). I felt like a kid on the playground during recess or the little gymnast I had always wanted to be. I had no sense of height while slicing the air. "Legs up, now" I swung my legs above my head to hook over the bar. After a momentum swing backwards, I let go of my arms and arched my back as far as my muscles would allow. Everything was upside down, but that was the perfect position for the next segment we did - a partner to grab onto! I felt like a professional when accomplishing a grab-and-let-go deal before the lesson was up. I am very pleased with my night, and am so ready to go back for more! It's worth it and I highly recommend this if you're bored or in need of a spike in your life. Pics and video will be posted up soon.