A Reminder from the Circus

Written by Kari Keenan Wednesday, 09 November 2011 16:01

A Reminder from the Circus

This weekend, while visiting some good friends, we went to the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The only circus I’d ever been to was a small three-ring circus set up in a baseball field. I remember being less than impressed by the one tiger and one elephant that performed. I quickly realized that this circus was an entirely different affair.

Not only was I impressed by the sheer number of performers and acts, I was impressed by the extreme physical feats I witnessed! Think it’s cool to see someone walk across a tightrope? Try watching a man walk across a tightrope with a woman standing on one foot, balancing on his head! Although she was attached to a safety rope, he was not - and there were no nets below them!

Every single performer was in excellent physical condition and performed with energy and zeal. As I sat in the audience, munching on my [non-healthy] popcorn, it hit me that the performers most likely follow a disciplined eating and training schedule. In order to have enough energy to do their acts, they need to follow a balanced meal plan. And in order to perform on such an extreme level, they need to train hard and put a lot of time into practicing their art.

The circus performers are professional and trained athletes who take their art seriously. The trampoline performers go so far as to travel with their own cook and coach. One of the trapeze artists who has been “flying” for over 25 years “has molded his body for life in the air.” He said that “it takes dedication, preparation, and paying attention to the small things that keep your body healthy.”

As fitness enthusiasts, we’re not doing triple back tucks on a trampoline or dangling a hundred feet in the air, but we do have a connection to the circus performers. In order to maintain high performance on the field and in the gym, we need to be diligent about our meal plans and training programs.

As I watched the performers exhibit strength, balance, and courage, I found myself putting the popcorn tub on the floor, and reminding myself that my fitness goals don’t include popcorn, Halloween candy, or other junk food. I’m sending a huge thank you to the circus artists for not only putting on an amazing show, but also for reminding me that I’m not the only person who sticks to a strict diet and training program, and the hard work is worth it!

Kari Keenan
National-Level NPC Figure Competitor
FigureGirlWorld.com