Attempting the Crane Pose

"Grab a pillow and try not to fall on your head."


There we are, once again attempting non human-like positions in our living room while watching Tony and the gang bend like flexi-straws. I'm looking at the television with equal parts fascination and self doubt. This life size Ken doll wants me to bend my elbows and balance the entire weight of my body on my hands???

We're nearing the end of our workout and I can't believe how difficult this is. I'm sweating, my hamstrings are jello and that thing called my "core" is on fire. And here I am, on my squishy purple mat ready to attempt a balancing act seals would bark at (I'm laughing at my own joke here). 


So I squat down and place my elbows up into my arm pits and try to steady the rest of my body. Josh is lying crumpled in a ball near the fan after one too many reverse half moon poses. Listening to the smooth jazz radio in the background, I prepare my chi and begin to raise my toes off the ground.


THUD.


I don't even get one foot to defy gravity before I come crashing down onto the floor. I sheepishly dig my face out from the carpet fibers and roll myself into the fetal position. I rock at the fetal position. It's like napping but with focused energy. 


So this is my new short term goal. I will be able to do a Crane Pose before competing in Tough Mudder. My balance and severe lack of upper body strength will be a challenge, but I'm going to do it. Hell, this pose is so awesome I will bust it out at cocktail parties and family reunions. But first, I need a way fluffier pillow....