Jumping!

One of the first of many interesting facts that I learned about my friend Mireille early on in our friendship is her love of jumping. Now, I’m sure you’re thinking jumping? Really? but, what she meant was jumping on a trampoline. Not a backyard trampoline, not a small round circa 80’s aerobics trampoline (although she does have one of those!) but a full size, competition size trampolines. She is always on the lookout for people to join her to keep the class running and to save money. After talking about it several times, I decided that it was something I would like to try and we decided to go together.

My first reaction upon entering the gym was “Wow, it’s been WAY too long since I had been in a gymnastics club”. I never realized how much I had missed the smell, sounds and sights of a gym. Not since I was a preteen had I spent any time among balance beams, uneven bars and vaults. It was almost like coming home. Then I turned and saw the trampolines. They are much bigger than one would think, and very tall! I was a little nervous to say the least. I wondered what I had gotten myself into and whether or not I would actually be able to do this.

As I first walked on to the tramp, I was surprised at the give and the support that it offered. It took me what seemed like forever to get up the nerve to actually start jumping. In fact, I think I just bounced for a bit, trying to get a feel for it. My first day was spent learning some of the basics and conquering my fear of falling through the trampoline or being bounced off. Once I realized that I could trust the mesh I was able to try new sequences.

I have been 3 or 4 times now and every week I am improving. I am still working on some of the basic moves but last night I decided that it was time to try front flips. I started small, and with a crash mat and by the end of the class I was able to do it alone, unassisted (although spotted!) and was so proud of myself. I was ecstatic and on such a high at having achieved something!

I realize this video is not very flattering and it’s not a perfect flip but I thought I’d share it with you, my faithful blog readers J Enjoy! And THANK YOU! Mireille for introducing me to this awesome sport, and YES! It is an Olympic sport! I love the time I spend jumping with you and am so glad that I have someone to share this new interest with!