Monday, November 16, 2009

Tramampoline!

So it turns out the best way to make me not write a post for a fortnight is to say I'm going to write more than one post a fortnight. Blah blah fishcakes; whatever dudes; I've been busy. Or possibly I've been staring at Facebook and Craftster and who knows what else instead of Blogger and Bloglines. We all know I can handle only a finite number of Internet addictions at a time. But no! Seriously! I have had all sorts of stuff going on! I made a skirt. (Two of them, even!) I saved 50 starving kids. (Or so the dude at the place where I put in a measly two hours of time volunteering told us.) I helped my pal Carrie repaint her already freshly painted abode. I baked three times in a week. I finished watching the second season of Mad Men. I bought a toilet. Clearly lots of important stuff going on around here.

What I have not been doing is taking any more trampoline classes. My month of classes was up a couple weeks ago, and I decided not to pony up for another month just now. But since I am so good at waiting until something is so far gone that we've all nearly forgotten about it before I tell you about it, how's about I do that Q&A right now? Obviously I'm all about timeliness here. It's a special skill, folks. All right; no it's not. But it's how I roll, people. All things in due time. 

So then. You had questions! I have answers. Actually, you didn't even have all that many questions, so I have supplemented some of your fine questions with a few of my own. Feel free to decide amongst yourselves which are which.

Q: Trampoline class?!? I didn't even know that existed! Wherever did you hear about such a thing??
 A: Indirectly, through Facebook, of course. (Seriously, where else; am I right?) A seemingly superhuman acquaintance of mine posted an article about parkour (Note: This kind of parkour, not the kind Michael, Dwight, and Andy thought they mastered on The Office recently). That article linked to a video, which linked to an area gymnastics center that offers parkour and free-running classes, where I saw a link for "Adult Fitness" and decided to see where it led. And lo--trampoline classes! Who knew?? For the record, they also have adult circus skills classes, meaning I could finally learn how to twirl around in the air on long velvet sashes, just like Devotchka's burlesque girls. Maybe I'll try that next year.

Q: Is it one big trampoline, or does everyone have their own tiny trampoline? Is it one of those little round ones like my mom had in the 80s? (Do you even know what I’m talking about? A “mini-tramp,” if you will?) If it is one of those little round jobs from the 80s, please lie to us.
A: I DO remember the mini-tramps! I too am a child of the 80s, and my mom bought one of those as well. The mini-tramp did nothing to quell my trampoline fascination, though. Even as a kid, I knew that little, barely bouncy saucer was NOT A REAL TRAMPOLINE. It almost would have been better to have no trampoline at all than a lame, tiny useless excuse for one. The mini-tramp was a tease. (Which I suppose makes sense. Big, legitimate tramps rarely are, right?)

Q: So it's a big trampoline, then?
A: It is. And there are four of them. We take turns, which is fine, really, seeing as after several minutes, I generally need a break. Which brings me to...

Q: Is it good exercise?
A:
Given that every part of my body was sore for several days after my first class, I'd say that yes, it is. A good portion of that soreness, however, likely came from the set of (spotter-assisted; I'm no She-Ra) pull-ups that a particularly drill sergeant-like woman (who was not even the instructor!) forces everyone to do before they leave the gym each night. I promise that the pull-up woman isn't the reason I decided not to sign on for more classes in November, but I can't say she helped my sticktoitiveness much.

Q: So, what sort of people take trampoline classes? What was the demographic in that joint?
A: It was actually a wider mix than I expected. Some were former gymnasts; some (like me) spent their childhoods wanting to be gymnasts and simply believe that trampolines always equal fun. Some stumbled across the class in a search for low-impact exercise options. And one guy was a strange, round-bellied, late 40-something in a royal blue sweatsuit and sport goggles. I really wanted him to be sort of awesome. Sadly, he was not.

Q: Have you learned new jumping moves? Do you do flips on it or just jog a little bit? Do you make up routines?
A: Yes, sort of, no, and maybe. There are five ways to jump on a trampoline, so we started by learning all of those. If you're curious about that (and I know you are), you can jump on your feet, seat, front, back, and knees. From there, we learned how to link various moves together, and by week two and three, I did a front flip and a back handspring with a spotter. The instructor flattered me by calling me a natural and a fast learner, but I never did master the easy combination they referred to as "The Kindergarten Routine," so the assisted handspring was a weak victory. 

Q: Can I come to your trampoline recital? 
A: Unfortunately, I don't think this gym hosts such a thing. If they did, I'm sure it would exclude quitters, so you still couldn't see me. Hence, no. 

Q: Do you still want a trampoline in your backyard?
A: Of course I do! Trampolines still aren't free, however, and I'm still a 35-year-old childless woman with neighbors, so I don't think I'll be doing anything about that any time soon.

Q: Are you angling for the Olympic Trampoline Team, because if so, I will see you at the Olympic trials, Missy.
A: No, but I may be hatching a not-so-elaborate plan to run away and join the circus. I have a feeling that in the circus, you're still allowed (and perhaps encouraged) to drink wine and stay up late. If Nadia was any indication, the Olympics require far more discipline than I'm willing to hone. That said, is there really an Olympic Trampoline Team? Because I would much rather watch that than that rhythmic gymnastics nonsense. 

Q: So that sounds awesome. Why on earth aren't you in class RIGHT NOW? 
A: Well, first of all, because it it not Wednesday. And also because trampoline classes are not free, unfortunately, and because this was one of those pay periods where I paid a few bills, had the crazy and reckless idea to buy groceries, and suddenly had no money left in my checking account at all. Also, since I am collecting reasons and excuses, going to trampoline class involves a bothersome commute down 35W, which is an always annoying stretch of interstate made even more problematic by the array of construction barrels and barricades and constantly shifting exit lanes featured right now. FYI, Minnesota Department of Transportation, I do NOT make a habit of texting, reading, or applying makeup while driving. You really don't need to keep testing me to make sure I'm paying attention, so how about you decide once and for all whether 62 East will be a right or a left exit and just leave it at that, OK? Ahem. I realize this is not L.A. or Atlanta (or for heaven's sake, Baghdad). I could be subjected to far greater trials than a weekly jaunt down 35W. I could also spend my Wednesday nights watching Glee from the comfort of my purple couch and my flannel pajama pants. This month, I choose that.

12 comments:

steve said...

Bought a toilet? There has to be a story to go with that.

Shelly said...

I still say trampoline class sounds fun and will be looking for one in my area. Am all about fun and not so much about excersize. Thanks for the Q&A.

MplsMel said...

I have Mad Men Season 3 on my DVR. We should plan that Mad Men party.

I am so with you on MNDOT and 62 East. When I first moved back I inadvertently took it not once but twice. The last time I took 35 I was extra careful to not do it again and it moved! WTF people, make a decision and stick with it.

-R- said...

I think the exit is on the left for good now. The day they switched it from the right side to the left was an adventure, let me tell you.

Anyway, the trampoline class sounds really fun.

When you bought the toilet, did you also fix the shower?

lizgwiz said...

My next-door neighbors have a trampoline, which they hardly ever use. Unfortunately, I have decided that I despise them, based on the way they treat the poor young dog they acquired and stuck out in the yard by herself, so I don't think I'll be cultivating enough of a friendship to be invited over for tramping. ;)

Alice said...

my pole class just moved to a new studio where there's a really high ceiling, and they'll be installing "silks," which sounds like it might be the devotchka thing? those long pieces of fabric that people in cirque de soleil and stuff twist up in and do crazy stuff with? i'm SUPER tempted to try it out. and, um, i'd totally do a trampoline class if they offered THAT.

Shana said...

1) I request skirt pics!

2) You MUST have a season 3 MM watch party. Totally, totally worth it. I'm so bummed that the ratings remain low, despite the critical acclaim, because people are really missing some incredible teevee.

3) I love that you, a grown woman, took trampoline classes. The best people are adventurous and young at heart.

4) You don't post often, true, as you've mentioned in a couple of recent posts, but I'm always glad to see you pop up, and am always decidedly entertained when you do. Of course, you must write as you please, but I draw the line at ever giving up blogging -- you're too much fun, and so relatable.

5) I feel the need to throw in a smartassed comment, just to regain my edge, my snark, my joie de vivre. Eh. Next time? Snork.

Unknown said...

Funny post, I'd like to bounce on the trampoline with my kids, it is not only about fun but exercise as well. My family shares great moment on the trampoline.

bittenbyknittin said...

You must write about the toilet, because I need to buy one too. Um, since you *bought* it, did you also have it installed? What I'm really looking for here is a review, complete with flush rating. (Gosh, I sound demanding!)

courtney said...

That sounds like SO MUCH FUN. And yes, there is an Olympic Trampoline Team, and I really do want to join it. I should probably get myself into a trampoline class too.

Oh man, I hated those 80s mini-trampolines. They were such a letdown!

Stefanie said...

Steve--There isn't yet, but I'm sure there will be. My long-postponed bathroom remodel will be commencing soon. Lord help me and my one-bathroom self.

Shelly--It IS fun! I would still rather have my own trampoline, and perhaps a spotter who makes house calls to help me do the flips and such, but I'm glad I did it, regardless.

Melissa--I am definitely up for a Mad Men party. Perhaps Mad Men and Galactic Pizza. Let's get on that.

R--Good memory! Alas, the duct tape is still in my shower. But hopefully that will be remedied soon. And hopefully it will be a quick(ish) fix once it's begun. Otherwise I'll be knocking on friends' doors to take a shower. You're lucky you live so far away from me, or I might be crashing at your place! :-)

Liz--Maybe you shouldn't wait for an invitation. Maybe you should just sneak over and use their trampoline in the dark of night! That'll show 'em. ;-)

Alice--I bet it is indeed the same thing. And you should definitely try it out! Also, if there are really high ceilings, they should totally get a trampoline, too. And then clearly I should join your pole gym.

Shana--I could post skirt pics, but me IN the skirt pics will require a friend coming to my house to assist. I'll work on it. Also, #3 and #4 just made you my favorite commenter this month. :-) Thank you.

Emily--Australian trampoline sales spam! Hooray! (Can I get a free trampoline for placement of that link?) :-)

Abby--A friend of mine sent me some tests and reviews from Consumer Reports, and then he went with me to Menards to find the only model on their list that was on sale last week. It was a hasty decision, made in the last ten minutes before closing time, but I'm hoping for the best. A toilet is a toilet, right? Maybe? Said friend will also be installing it for me, after he tiles my bathroom walls and floor. Said friend is terribly useful, obviously. So I guess what you need is a handy, helpful friend with home repair skills? I'd lend you mine, but I need him. :-)

Courtney--Seriously?? How have I NEVER seen that event in the Olympics?? Will have to watch for it next time. And you should definitely take a class if you can find one. Seriously, so much fun!

Allie said...

You are so cool! I still can't believe that's an actual class. Awesome.