That girl can bounce

I was born to bounce. The trampoline is an extension of me. A rather heavy and awkward to walk with extension of me. Which is why I leave it in the industrial estate warehouse where my trampoline club is based.

One of the things I love most about trampolining is that people are surprised I’m good at it. Yeah, that’s right, I’m blowing my own horn, but I am good. Those of you who have spent more than 5 minutes in my company know that I’m a chubby blonde who struggles to go a day without accidental self harm or wardrobe malfunctions. So the fact that I can bounce over 10 ft in the air and not die comes as a surprise. Not that I haven’t come close to death, just the other week I was trying a half twist to back drop half twist out and I landed on someone elses trampoline. Then In tonights sessions I tried to see if I could cartwheel on a trampoline… I can’t.

But what’s a hobby without a little risk. Last week it was papercuts and frustration. While injuring myself by falling ungraciously is a risk I take every time I touch gin, so I'm used to it. Besides, I love trampolining and due to even more unforeseeable circumstances the Lego man has had to cancel on me again. Which is why I thought I would write about my passion instead of someone else’s. Now some of you may be sceptical about me calling trampolining a passion as opposed to a fad. I have proven my love of fads and ability to get bored quickly, so what makes trampolining different? Well trampolining is a return hobby, like going back to your first love after you’ve had time to grow and mature. This makes it different and more than a fad, so there.

I first started trampolining when I was 8 years old and a member of the Hitler Youth. Or Westcroft Gymanstics Club to give it its proper name. I was doing what we did at the end of every session, sitting with my legs as far apart as they can go with my forehead resting on the floor for 1 minute. (There was a time when that stretch was more than a drunken pipe dream and I could do it no problem). But it wasn’t enough that I could do it, everyone in the club had to be able to do it. So if one girl lifted her head before the minute was up we had to stay there for another minute. This one session I had been resting my head on the floor for nearly 5 minutes and it was starting to hurt. And it was at this point that I turned my head slightly looked through the double doors and saw a girl bouncing on the trampoline. I saw freedom. Even now I associate trampolining with feeling free. Cheesy, I know. But sometimes I honestly feel like I’m flying (or at least falling with style) and I love that sensation.

I need to thank Aire Trampoline Club for bringing trampolining back into my life and for supporting me so much with it. Not only am I learning to somersault safely, I’m learning how to teach others. Every Tuesday from 6.30 – 7.30 I help to coach 9 – 11 years old trampolining. This is not just a hobby to put down on the C.V or whip out to impress the fellas. It’s something that I genuinely enjoy doing it, it’s like teaching, but with kids who actually want to be there and with no marking. I even have a G.C.S.E P.E book so I can brush up on my anatomy (insert own joke here) for the Level 1 coaching qualification course. Aire Trampoline Club is also looking into putting me on a judging course so I can judge at the local competitions. How cool is that? I also need to thank Lorna Harris for being the photographer on my trampolining photo shoot. An odd and difficult experience for both of us. Trying to smile with my eyes while pulling my legs in two different directions is as hard as it sounds. While trying to capture a photo of someone landing in a front drop without a blurred cleavage shot is as difficult as it sounds. I’ll get to find out more about the trickiness of photography next week though, as Lorna will be sharing her hobby with me.

So I’m in the trampolining circle (like the magic circle apart from the magic and the fact that it doesn't actually exist). I’m a card carrying member of the British Gymanstic Federation (yeah that’s right – just check my purse.) After next weeks session I should have completed my level 1 – 5 and got trampolining badges for my efforts. (Yeah that’s right – 5 actual badges that I will sew onto my actual clothes) All that’s next is the leotard and short shorts. Hmmm….not sure if I can pull of a look designed for prepubescent girls and Olympians. Maybe this will have to be a fad after all.

Many Thanks

Mumf xxxxx