I Tried It: Trapeze

Walking into San Diego Circus Center is like stepping into a real-life training ground for Big Top performers.

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When I arrived with my two coworkers to take an introductory trapeze course, we all had the same question: How high would it be? As it turns out, beginners start on the baby trapeze, which is only about 5 feet off the ground. There’s also a thick mat underneath, in case you fall.

Instructors make everything look easy, and trapeze is no exception. Our teacher, Kelsey, hoisted herself on to the trapeze like she owned it, weaving her feet in between the ropes and letting herself fall upside down. I couldn’t believe we were about to attempt this. Each of us nudged the other to go first.

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Kelsey broke down the move step by step and suddenly it didn’t seem so difficult. Lock your left heel, then your right, then let go. Wait… let go! At first I was hesitant, but when I realized just how secure I was, I let go with ease. With each move we learned, it became easier and easier to trust the trapeze. We took turns practicing our moves. Each time, I became a little more confident.

As a workout for my body, it was pretty low-impact, but for my mind, it was a unique kind of conditioning. By the end, I was ready to sign up for more, and maybe even try the higher trapeze.

I Tried It: Trapeze

Photo by Corey Jenkins