We took a lot of video today, and we hope to show you most of it in future posts, but today I'm going to focus on something that is the basis for a lot of our playing around: climbing techniques. Specifically, pole climbing.
We were really excited to get started showing off some of our techniques, so much so that I pulled a muscle in my thigh before we realized that we hadn't done our pre-play stretching. Pretty dumb move on my part. Oh well, live and learn.
Pole Climbing
The Snake
Wrap your legs around the pole, applying a scissor force so that friction is applied between your thighs, as well as between the back of one heel and the top of one foot. You won't get much lift from your legs through this technique, all they will be doing is keeping you from slipping down. All your upward motion is going to come from alternating hand over hand and dragging yourself up.
The Monkey
This is the one that caused me to pull a muscle. Limber up, and wear shoes with good grip! Pinch the pole between the soles of your feet, and use your legs and your arms to hop your way up.
The Sloth
Not very slothful actually, it's pretty darn fast! Also, a great workout for your back. Clamp on to the pole with your hands, and place your feet as far out in front of you as you can, using the leverage of your weight to keep you on the pole. Then, walk up!
A note regarding these techniques: I have no idea what the proper names for these techniques are, I only chose the ones I did because it makes them sound more loike kung-fu styles, which is more fun for me.
A final note: You can't even pray for a day more gorgeous than this. Just look at some of the pictures Pete was able to capture:
Exercises:
Pumpkin Lugging: 45 lbs., 1.5 km (Happy Halloween everyone!)
Longboard: 15km
Pole Climbing
Stretches
Fence Hopping
Swing Jumping
Planché
Picnic Table Grinding (we'll explain later)
Overall workout rating: 9/10
Overall fun rating: 8/10
Overall playground rating: 9/10
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