I hope Duncan can't guess my weight, says novice flyer Jo
It's my turn. And I'm feeling the fear. The most terrifying prospect? Of having to step onto poor Duncan... and him collapsing beneath my weight.
Cleo picks up on it in a flash: "Women do find that the most scary thing," she confides. "It's understandable. When does anyone ever have to take your full bodyweight? But once you've done it, it's so liberating."
She assures me I will not hurt him; Duncan has balanced someone four stones heavier than him on his muscular shoulders. I hope his superhuman circus powers do not stretch to being able to guess my weight like one of those machines.
We start off with a familiar exercise. Duncan lies on his back with his legs in the air and lifts me aloft with his feet.
Me and my brother used to do this when we were kids! The grown-up version is much harder – no holding hands – and it swiftly becomes apparent the only way to keep my balance is by holding my body rigid as a board.
Next up, James squats, thrusts out his pelvis and invites me to walk round to the back of him and stand on his hip joints. "Right there," he says, "feel that dip in the bone?" It is quite possibly the most bizarre physical act ever asked of me.
Desperately hoping I don't have him heading for geriatric orthopaedics 40 years too early, I dig one foot in, grab his shoulder, hoist myself up and find my other footing.
"Now press your knees into my back – and hold your arms out," he instructs masterfully.
I can't believe it; I CAN do it. And it feels brilliant! I think I love this. Come to think of it, I think I love Duncan. I clamber down to find my hero is none the worse for wear. The only thing he's broken is into a sweat.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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