Update 11 July 2009

[Tori]

So I'm feeling pretty good so far about this whole contortion thing. I'm notorious for starting projects that I never finish, and so it's amazing to me that I've gotten as far with this as I have. I did my first comfortable chest stand the other day. Granted, I just barely got my feet to touch my forehead and I only got into the position by laying my chest on the floor and then pushing off of my sofa. Nonetheless, it was a fantastic feeling knowing that I was in a cheststand and was having no spine problems. :-)

I've finally discovered a stretching routine that is comfortable for me to fully warm up, allows me to vary my training so that my body doesn't adapt too much to the stretches, and (I hope) will allow me to continue with my practice once I head back to college in a month. In the past weeks, I have felt myself becoming stronger (y'all should see my biceps, triceps, quads, and calves!) and leaner. I've lost a significant amount of weight and I really do attribute that mostly to contortion and handbalancing (despite what anyone might tell me otherwise).

And most importantly, I feel better about myself. Cliche as it sounds, it's true. I stand taller, feel more comfortable in my skin, that kind of stuff. I'll spare you all the warm-fuzzies, but just kind of felt like saying that.

Tori

[Lilly Johnson]

contortion is one of the best things ive ever done, and im glad that you tried it. its an amazing feeling when you succeed. I wish you many more successes on your journey.

[Dave]

I am glad you feel great!

[Jenji Dea]

That is so cute.