Experience 3: Learning Physicality
SLO: Complex Thinker / Problem Solver
Since aerial is such a unique and strenuous sport, I learned a lot about how bodies work and how I can protect mine while still doing cool things, along with how balance and form affect pretty much everything.
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^ 2019 - rope ^
^ 2021 - rope ^
Progressions: Progressions are very common when learning a new difficult trick. Instead of jumping right into something potentially dangerous, you practice similar yet safer drills that work the same muscles and instills muscle memory for the end goal. On the left is a progression with the hopes of being able to do the same thing, but without catching my foot on the rope. It combines something I already know (catching my foot) with what I am trying to achieve, by progressively going faster and getting more air. If I continue these exaggerations I will eventually end up not having to hook my foot and will learn a new skill.
For example: while learning scorpion (to the left) in 2019, I was (clearly) pretty bad at it, as almost everyone is with new things. As I practiced through trial and error, and watched other people do it, I learned that it is important to keep your top shoulder engaged because the tensed muscles protect the weaker parts and make it harder to pull. You also have more control. The further away your feet are from the rope, the easier it will be to balance because your body will actually be resting on the rope, this makes it possible to sink into that position more and even take your bottom hand off. It may not seem all that different to people who don't know what I'm talking about, but it also grew so much easier and I am now able to connect many other things to and from it that I would never be able to do before.
^ 2020 rope ^