You don’t need wings to fly—all you have to do is hold a bar and swing.
Flying Trapeze Philippines, the first and only trapeze school in the country, recently opened in Taguig, giving everyone a chance to learn and experience the flying trapeze.
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“It is the first and only flying trapeze school in the country and one in only a few flying trapezes in Southeast Asia. It’s a full-size flying trapeze, measuring 32-feet high and it’s the same one that they use in the professional circuses,” says Will Hsu, founder of Flying Trapeze Philippines.
Hsu started doing this fitness activity when he was still a kid back in the United States. When he moved to the Philippines eight years ago, there were no flying trapezes available for him to play with. He added that there are some in nearby countries such as Singapore, Macau and Bali but they are not easily accessible, whilie others are now closed.
He noticed that Filipinos are into fitness activities such as yoga, anti-gravity and pole dancing so he thought of introducing his favorite activity in Metro Manila.
The materials used in the 32-feet flying trapeze are shipped from abroad and the instructors are well-trained. They also have experienced teachers such as Hsu and circus artist Dan Rosenzweig.
Safety is top priority. Participants must be in sports attire and must wear the tight harness. There are also safety nets for the landing.
Kids under six years old and people who weigh above 250 pounds are not allowed. However, if the participants who exceed the weight limit show that they are capable of lifting their bodies in the practice area, they will be permitted to fly.
According to Hsu, they assume that everyone in the Philippines is a beginner since there hasn’t been any established trapeze in the country. They only teach basic lessons to first-timers. The teachers will assess if the student shall advance to the next level of tricks.
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Those who would like to try Flying Trapeze Philippines are given two options: the two-hour class and the open-swing block.
In the two-hour class students get a one-on-one teaching demo with the instructors. The weekday morning and afternoon sessions cost PHP1,000 while weekend and night sessions are PHP1,200.
The open-swing block is for people who just want to try the flying trapeze. The price is PHP200 per swing or PHP500 for three rounds. Instructors will also be there to guide the participants during the attempts. Flying Trapeze Philippines also accepts corporate events.
Coconuts Manila had the chance to be one of the first participants of Flying Trapeze Philippines and we say that this is a must-try experience because it is not everyday that you get to swing and tumble on air.
Before jumping from the 25-foot mark, the instructors attach the safety harness to the participant and give him a run through of the twirl in the practice area. The teachers always remind students that the harness must not feel comfortable. After all the preparations, it’s time to climb the trapeze.
Having a harness gives assurance and builds the feeling of safety. But standing on the platform, 25 feet away from the ground, breaks the confidence.
The instructor then makes sure that the participant is ready for the jump with the proper position and safe equipment. Once everything is set, the instructor will command, “Hop!”
And it’s the time to jump.
Your heart feels like dropping from a high building but controlling your weight, enjoying the open air and doing tricks above the ground are just priceless feelings. And finishing the challenge is definitely rewarding.
Apart from being a thrilling activity, flying trapeze is also an alternative fitness training because it strengthens arm, leg and abdominal muscles.
Hsu considers the flying trapeze as his exercise. He said that this activity made him fit and healthy without going to the gym.
Flying Trapeze Philippines, 34th Street cor 9th Avenue, BGC, Taguig; www.trapeze.ph. Tue-Sun 9am-8pm. Reservations required.
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