Joslyn's Blog Spot - I'm amazed at what the body can do

Ta da, I'm back after a 2 week absence. (The first week being the bank holiday Monday, and last Monday I was in Dublin on a course improving my prodding techniques). In between that time I have been exposed to the amazing talents of both street dancers in Paris and then 'free runners' (the guys that jump buildings and climb up walls and stuff) at the Thames festival in London.

On both occasions I was totally mesmerised by the strength, flexibility and agility these guys exhibited with the intricacies of each movement. To hold your body sideways whilst in a semi-handstand takes some mighty core strength that obliterates any plank on a sturdy mat! As I walked into work this morning I wondered just how many passers by had forward rolled or cartwheeled in the last one, five, ten years? Less than 5% at a guess. It's sad that we lose our ability to let go and play a little as we get older. How many of you have picked up a skipping rope here at the studio and commented on not having skipped since you were at school? We have succumbed to sitting at desks and taking back-pain as a sign of age, not poor posture and lack of movement.

Anyway in a bid to increase my play I am on the hunt for a gymnastics class to do a few forward rolls and cartwheels! I will consider myself a body movement ninja when I can support my lower body in some elevated contortion whilst "resting" in a handstand!

Have a good week!

Joslyn

(in the spirit of my September absence I am away again next Monday, but will be back the following)