trying more things

[forgotten_aria]

I went back to crossfit for upper body day and it was much better. I think I'm signing up and they'll make an allowance for me because I want to avoid leg day and I don't really want to do Tuesdays and Thursdays (they alternate days.)

I had wanted to sign up for a silks class, but the person said the class was full but tonight the aerial silks person phoned me and said I could take a trial class and see if my knee would cause me problems. It didn't, but I couldn't get the basic climbing or foot lock down. The other students were having no problems with any of the skills. I really liked the things I could do, so after I asked her how much of a problem it was that I couldn't do the basics. She said most people have trouble, but they condition as they go. Now, I will admit I brought it up, but I said something to the effect of "I'm worried my weight will make it harder for me." Meaning that I would have to gain more strength because of my weight. But she said in response, "have you tried aerobics? You just need a class that makes you sweat." No, a class that makes me sweat is not the easy answer. That's not how it works! I am so tired of naturally thin people thinking being a normal weight is easy. I started crying, told her my weight was complicated, I'd lost weight in the past, but always gained it back and more. I told her I would come back when I was stronger, but I'm not sure I can go back. I feel embarrassed, dismissed and repugnant.

EDIT: and it took away from the things I did do, like hanging upside down and doing situps.

Comments

[jadia]

*hugs* you are wonderful and strong and amazing. I still remember when you were showing me your kicks when you were just starting out with your dojo and i was just so impressed by how much balance and power you have. The silks teacher has subscribed to a very simplistic and wrong view of the world. I'm sorry you ran into that and that she wasn't more supportive.

Honestly they may not be teaching the climbing in the best way. My experience with silks was that the first time i tried them i also couldn't do the basic climbs and i also attributed it to my strength/weight ratio. But then later (and i guarantee you my strength to weight ratio hadn't improved) i took a taster class where they explained the skill and broke it down enough that it actually made sense and i could do it. It was still more tiring than if i was stronger but it seemed that it was more about keeping my body stiff in the right way so i can use the leverage of my legs to get up. Not purely just strength. I did need grip strength though, to keep me on the silks, but that doesn't have to support my whole weight.

Anyway, i don't know if that helps at all...

[forgotten_aria]

I do feel like it was more that I wasn't keeping the silk on my foot more than anything strength wise. I mentioned that observation too.

[blk]

Ugh. Her answer totally sucked. Weight loss wasn't the question and it also isn't the answer. Yes, you will need more relative strength to climb than someone smaller but aerials are absolutely doable for any size and stature of person who is willing to put the work in. I hope there is another gym or at least another instructor who is less rude if you decide to try again.