Air is the element associated with freedom. The element of air is based on movement and change and that is why Project Best Life decided to explore two “AIR-borne” exercises, afterall – why walk when you can fly?
THE TRICKING COMMUNITY
with Coach Addison Schoonmaker
You’ve probably heard of parkour and freerunning, but have you ever heard of “tricking?” Tricking is a form of martial art that combines gymnastic, capoeira, kung fu, karate and dance – just to name a few. It is a beautiful amalgamation of strength and grace that culminates in a super dynamic and entertaining exercise.
“Tricking is a relatively new sport. It’s only been around for a couple decades,” said East West Tricking member, Addison Schoonmaker. “It’s about pushing the limits of what the human body is capable of.”
Addison, a former gymnast, tried tricking on a whim a few years back. He is now an integral part of the tricking and movement community in Buffalo, which may be small but it is fierce.
“The good thing about the tricking and movement community is it’s one of the most open minded and accepting communities out there, especially in the world of athletics,” said Addison. “Any and all people, of any and all skill levels, are welcome to participate – the more the merrier!”
Now you might be looking at trickers flipping and flying like Bruce Lee and think, “yeah right,” but this discipline actually starts with very simple basic movements that you build upon over time. Even if you find yourself training with someone at a higher level than you, the community values acceptance above all things. “Every [trickster] knows first hand what it felt like when they achieved that first trick,” smiles Addison, “no learns or progress is invalid.”
Tricking is about setting attainable goals, achieving them, and then setting new ones. “You build yourself up over many hours, days, weeks, months to achieve a long-term goal and the payoff is unlike anything you can experience in movement or sports … in my opinion,” said Addison.
Tricking techniques include the 540 kick, the corkscrew (cork), the flashkick, the butterfly twist and the double leg, but beginners may start with something as simple as a cartwheel or a roll.
One of the advantages of tricking is that all you need is an open space and your body to do it. It is extremely beneficial for developing strength and agility. But the greatest benefit might be to your mental health. Not only do you become part of a community that preaches acceptance, but you are also strengthening your mind by setting attainable achievable fitness goals.
Trickers primarily train out of Build a Machine Fitness (Tonawanda). “Build machine fitness is a huge sponsor of the community and many many people and gyms across western New York that are not necessarily originally intended for tricking open their arms to our community and we try and support them as much as we can as well.” You can also find trickers at Gymnastics Unlimited in Orchard Park and Flips Gymnastics in Lockport.
For anyone looking to experience a new way to get high – tricking may be for you. And although it may seem out of reach, do not let the fear of falling keep you from flying.
Addison Schoonmaker privately coaches tricking at Build A Machine Fitness (BAMF) Or you can email Addison at addisonschoonmaker@gmail.com. You can check out Addison tricks on his instagram here.
FITNESSABILITY INC
If you want to get off the ground in a more contained environment you might try FitnessAbility Inc., in Kenmore, for their lively Bungee Fitness Classes.
“Bungee fitness is a high-energy workout that originated from the world of aerial arts and acrobatics,” said Joscelyn Baio, founder and CEO of FitnessAbility Inc.
Now when we say “bungee” we aren’t talking about jumping off a bridge in New Zealand. Your feet are firmly planted on the ground in this one. In class participants wear a specially designed bungee harness that’s connected to a bungee cord hanging from the roof. The harness provides support and allows for a wide range of movements. Listening to upbeat music you will find yourself jumping, spinning, flipping, and dancing.
“The result is a thrilling, gravity-defying experience that’s both fun and physically demanding,” said Joscelyn. “Not to mention everyone: man, woman or children are welcome to join us.” FitnessAbility has a “Get Kids Moving” program, so you can even stop those kids from bouncing off the walls and get them up in the air. They also facilitate classes for those with special needs.
Bungee fitness classes aren’t just cardio, it incorporates resistance training like planks, push ups, and core work. And the best part is that the tension of the chords makes for less impact on the body and joints.
Never stop moving is their mantra and judging by the infectious energy of the founder Joscelyn, they will deliver what they promise. “We are more than just a fitness class, we are a community,” she said.
There are six fitness instructors and two coaches who teach out of FitnessAbility, also offering cardio kickboxing, zumba, zumba toning, strong HIIT, 30 minute lunchtime classes, Boot camp and so much more.
FitnessAbility’s goal is to help the people of buffalo find their wings and experience a fun and vibrant way to stay in shape.
1940 Kenmore Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
716-249-2010
FitnessAbilityInc@gmail.com
Instagram @fitness_abilityinc | Facebook | Linked In
This series is sponsored by Project Best Life. Buffalo Rising and Project Best Life have teamed up to produce a series on wellness inspiration and advice to direct readers to the people, places, and experiences in Buffalo and beyond that will help them fulfill their health, nutrition, and wellness goals. For more information on how you can live your best life, subscribe to the Project Best Life newsletter.
Project Best Life
In tough times, our efforts to maintain fitness, healthy nutrition, and personal wellness can fall by the wayside as we direct all our energy into navigating our individual storm. Yet, in the face of what’s happening in the world around us, it is essential to make space for self-care and experiences that fortify our physical and mental wellbeing.
Check out Project Best Life’s personal assessment tool. Get personalized health insights and a cancer screening checklist by completing this health assessment. This questionnaire will only take you around 10-15 minutes to complete.
For more on Project Best Life, Like or Follow Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
The post Project Best Life: How A Buffalonian Gets Its Wings | Flying for your health appeared first on Buffalo Rising.