flex

So you want to be about that Flexy Life, huh? Flexibility seems to be at the top of every pole dancer and aerialist’s to-do list these days. Everyone just wants “to be more flexible” or “able to do the splits”.  While these are both great goals, there is so much more to flexibility than splits and being flexy. Especially in the realm of aerial athletics. What we do is so much more than just stretching and bending. More importantly, we need to be addressing the body as a whole, making sure that we’re working every part and not just the elements that we “think” need to be stretchier. It’s almost like weight loss, it’s impossible to simply spot reduce. You have to lose overall weight, and then you can fine tune key parts of the body such as glutes, quads, abs, back, shoulders, biceps, triceps in order to create a balanced, aesthetically pleasing physique.  This also applies to your flexibility. Simply focusing on one part of the body or one type of stretching will only get you so far. It is important to participate in a well-rounded flexibility program that caters to the body as a whole unit. Mobilizing, stabilizing and conditioning are crucial elements in your flexibility journey, and your Flex-Ability plays a major role in your aerial journey. Stretching sessions are something that should be done regularly, but let’s face it, time isn’t always on our side. And I know it can be hard to get everything you need, to make significant progress, when you only have 1-2 classes a week, AND you have to balance that around you other Aerial classes, general workouts…oh yeah, and that “other” thing called Adulting…you know: work, kids, bills, etc.

So with the request and encouragement of one of my students, I have decided to start assigning Flexy From HomeWork in order to aid you on your flexibility journey. I will be posting weekly Flexy homework assignments for you to do at home. I will provide you with a focus area, a few suggested stretches/exercises (but feel free to add in more) and also an estimated duration. I invite you to follow along and get a few steps closer to your flexy goals.

Your first assignment is all about preparation. I want you to do the following:

1. Select a designated stretch area. This will be your new practice zone. It should be somewhere that is distraction free and provide enough space for you to spread out and stretch your limbs without knocking into things. If you have a mirror there, even better.
2. Toys! While you don’t need every gadget and gizmo on the market, there are a few key toys that I suggest you invest in. Remember, an investment in these toys are really an investment in YOURSELF! What to include on your shopping list:  yoga strap, two yoga blocks (no baby blocks!), a foam roller and a Rat pad (or another type of knee pad/protector). And no need to break the bank. You can get these cheap on Amazon, Walmart, TJ Maxx/Ross/Marshalls or my new favorite store – Five Below! As the name suggest, everything there is five dollars or less. Usually about $5.42 with tax…you’re welcome!
3. Goals! You can’t figure out where you’re going or how close you are to arriving if you don’t know where you started. This part of the assignment is two-fold. First I want you to write down your flexibility goals, either in a journal or on an index card that you can hang in your designated stretch area. Then take before pictures. You don’t ever have to show these to anyone, but they are important to have so that you can analyze your progress.
4. SHOW ME! Yep, that’s right, I want to see that you’ve knocked out these three steps. Take a photo area and your new toys and send it my way. You can post on social media and tag me, you can email it to me, DM it to me or text me. I also want a copy of your flexibility goals.
5. Prepare your mind and body for some flex-tastic action because the first day of school is over and it’s homeWork time!

 

xoxoxo

Your High Flex Commander “aka” Flex Master Ash