ArtFit: What brought you to these classes?

Cristine: I had just moved to the Lubbock area and was looking to do something active that wasn’t a gym. I originally tried Artfit because of the Swordsmanship class offered and really enjoyed it. The dynamic of the whole facility was so impressive (between the camaraderie and family like feel.) that when my work schedule wouldn’t allow me to attend the swords class, I tried the silks class and fell in love. It was incredibly difficult, which only made me more determined and it is fun for me to keep challenging the limitations I had at the time and what I have yet to come as I advance. Each class I attend is always unique and different, so I learn something new every time.

ArtFit: What benefits have you gained from taking these classes

Cristine: One of the biggest benefits I’ve had is how much stronger I have become both physically and mentally as a person. I struggle a lot with self-doubt and silks and the people that are a part of it has helped boost my confidence and become more outgoing.

I have always had a hard time with being a “fluid” person. In the military, everything from how far you step to how long your arms can reach is regulated. Silks has made me challenge that. To move with music and essentially float around. This was a concept so alien, it was hilarious trying to move and not stop at a set place. But I find myself even at home hearing music and thinking “oh I can do this move and move my hand like so” and on and on. I want to move and dance and just be silly and I can do that where a year and a half ago, it just didn’t happen.

ArtFit: What is your biggest achievement at ArtFit?

Cristine: Right now, I believe my biggest achievement was being able to perform in front of an audience. It’s one thing to be in a class of peers and cheering each other on when we are working on a particular skill but to be dressed up (full makeup and glam (not me in the least)); and accomplish something I have been practicing so hard on in front of complete strangers is in my mind awe inspiring.

ArtFit: What do you hope to gain or achieve in the future through the classes that you take.

Cristine: I want to stand tall and say I can do anything. And through that, maybe inspire the people around me to try something new even it if seems crazy. I tried Silks on whim and in the end, I found inspiration when I couldn’t find my way. I can’t think of doing anything else.

ArtFit: Please tell us about any positive experiences that you have had with ArtFit or anything else that you would like to share.

Cristine: With the help of Artfit, I have more confidence. I’ve become very fit and getting more flexible. By staying positive and working hard, before I knew it, I had lost over 50 pounds.

ArtFit: Tell us about any awards or achievements that you would like to share.

Cristine: One of my favorite working achievements is getting closer and closer to a complete split (inverted or otherwise). As a kid, to see someone do the splits is just so cool. To know I’m getting there is really inspiring to me.

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Longevity

Students and teachers alike need to be dedicated to prolonging the athlete’s ability to participate in the activity for decades by preventing injury and promoting the proper training methods.   Longevity based training  is not just focused on how many moves you can learn quickly, but training focused on being able to do a sport or activity for a life time. To do a sport or an extremely physical activity long term, one must focus on strength, muscle balance, flexibility, injury prevention, and in the case of activities such as pole or aerial silks, it should include the ability to put combinations together in an artistic way to create a true art form as well as learning “cool tricks”.

The difference in these two teaching concepts is night and day. The “quick trick” curriculum caters to the student who does not understand the danger of injury or the need for the technique, strength, and flexibility necessary to perform each move. This curriculum style is the facility’s way of keeping the students happy and paying. In the end, however, the student is at greater risk of injury.

Health and Wellbeing

A longevity based program understands that students are excited to learn new skills, but channels that excitement towards a focus on their health and wellbeing. There are many components to long term athletic performance, especially in more extreme activities such as aerial arts and pole sport. There are many levels of technique, strength, and flexibility needed to complete certain skills. Conditioning and stretching (safely) as part of the regular curriculum is essential in creating competent athletes.  Allowing students to work on skills before they have the strength or flexibility to do so, however, is setting the student up for an injury. It may not happen every time but it will happen eventually. It could be a minor muscle pull, but in these activities, it could mean a major life changing injury to the head, neck or spinal cord. Injuries happen even in the best of training environments, but the idea is to keep them to a minimum so that the student can continue to grow as an artist for years to come.

Aesthetic

The second reason for longevity based training is aesthetic. Weak artists create weak lines and skills. It is always more pleasing to perform something less difficult but to do it properly with beautiful lines. It is also valuable to be able to create and execute combinations and choreography with grace. If students are just learning trick after trick, they will not understand how to put these skills together in a way that is pleasing to the audience, learn the inherent art of musicality, or stage presence. All of this, waters down the art. Makes it less appealing and entertaining.  With that, its popularity begins to wane.

I understand the new student’s excitement and desire to learn everything there is to learn, RIGHT NOW!  I, also, recognize that they are inundated with gratuitous amounts of tricks and skills every day on social media sites.  This creates a desire for learning. That is not a bad thing.  It is the instructor’s job, however, to insure the health and safety of the student first and foremost. We must say, “I understand your excitement, but I am resolute in protecting your wellness.” As students, you must realise that many skills may require physical elements that you have not achieved yet. You must be resolute in protecting your own safety as well.

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