Flex in the City

large doorway money shot

When I first started blogging, I didn’t go to any events as a blogger. I just went as a punter, and a nervous one at that. I was pretty anxious about meeting new people, and quiet when I was alone. Blogging has changed me so much in this respect. I have to put myself out there, both online and in person, when going to events or meeting up with people I’ve met through my blog. I put myself out of my comfort zone to experience new things, meet new people and ultimately, make my life more exciting.

This weekend I tried something completely out of my comfort zone. I went along to a Flex in the City class run by Nicola (who turns out taught at my old gym, and I had taken her class before!). My Mum volunteered to come and take some snaps of the class, which was a double bonus for me.

I met up with Nicola outside the All Star Bowling lanes on Brick Lane (that made me want to go bowling soon!) and from there we headed to a nearby park to start stretching and warming up. I did warn her in advance just how unflexi I am but I think we were all a little surprised by the lack of mobility in my hip flexors! Probably not helped by the fact that I was working out in my jeans and coat- apparently the jeans help increase your grip on the poles especially over leggings! Another guy, Nick, joined us for the class- they’re open for up to 6 people per session.

side plank

side plank 2

After a great warm up, we left the park to try out our first ‘flex’ on a lamppost. Nicola uses lamp posts a lot in her moves, using them to hang off, pretzel round and plank from. She made it look so easy balancing on the post, while I felt like a big heffalump clambering up. My upper body needs some working on!

I tried, and failed to hold myself off the ground on a different pole, however I did have a good go at ‘the pretzel’!

squatting on pole

pretzel on pole

We moved to a doorway (of someone’s house- luckily no-one opened the door!), where we bridged in the doorframe. I found this a little awkward with my head poking outside of the frame. Clearly I am NOT a bendy person, although I did find this a lot easier than holding myself up on the pole.

doorway 1

Moving to a wider frame for the shot of the day;

 

shot of the day

If you want to try a Flex in the City class with Nicola, she runs sessions every Sunday for £12. If you’re looking to try something a little different, and have a good laugh-probably at yourself- then I would give a Flex in the City class a go! Email her at nicola@nicolachergeismar.com

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15 Comments

  1. January 27, 2015 / 8:37 am

    Was this with a big group or only a few of you? Looks super cool!

  2. January 27, 2015 / 9:12 am

    Charlie you were great. Everyone feels little like you do in guest session so give yourselve a big pat on the back!

  3. January 27, 2015 / 9:14 am

    @healthyhappierbear this was a small group and the sessions will never be more than six. Come give it a go!

    • charlotte
      January 27, 2015 / 9:41 am

      I was actually surprised how physical it was!! I think the more you put in, the more you get out of it, but I’d do it on a double workout day!!

  4. January 27, 2015 / 9:48 am

    The shot of the day looks amazing! Well done x

    • charlotte
      January 27, 2015 / 9:50 am

      Thanks Laureen!!

    • charlotte
      January 28, 2015 / 9:11 am

      Thanks Laureen, love all the photos against graffiti that are popular at the moment!

  5. January 27, 2015 / 12:14 pm

    This looks like so much fun- the photos are amazing! You actually look pretty flexible and strong in the photos- not sure if I could do any of those poses!

    I think I’m the same as you were- if I’m alone I’m quite shy, and things like this are definitely out of my comfort zone, but I guess that’s even more of a reason to do them!

    • charlotte
      January 28, 2015 / 9:12 am

      Awww thanks Jess, I am definitely not flexible! Yes- do something every day that scares you, even if it’s just putting yourself out there!

  6. January 27, 2015 / 12:37 pm

    This looks like so much fun! Your Mum managed to get some great pics too.

    • Chiswickmum
      January 27, 2015 / 1:20 pm

      Great models but thank you Clare!

    • charlotte
      January 28, 2015 / 9:12 am

      I know, she is brilliant and only a little embarrassing!

  7. January 27, 2015 / 1:40 pm

    I love the idea of this! I’m really, really inflexible but I remember being so impressed by a guy at uni who could climb up a lamppost and hang from the top in all these cool bendy poses!
    Cool pictures, especially that last one. 🙂

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