Rob and I have been working on development and set-up of suspension equipment for a safe environment and at a secure private location. Many of us in the area have expressed opinions about forming the "Grand Strand Suspension Club" - G.S.S.C. - for Myrtle Beach and The Grand Strand area. Well, the time has arrived and I am the 1st to undergo the "hooks"! What at my age - 72?? Well, just for science! YA, sure!! (I've taught physics for nearly 30 years and hold a degree in Pre-Medicine).
At A Glance Author roso Contact roso@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Rob & Bobby Studio Elite Piercing Location Myrtle Beach, SC
Friday (22 Apr) we sat as the appointed date and time of 8 PM for the 1st pull - a Back Pull. Well, this hasn't been my week. Wednesday, I was involved in a major auto accident and "totaled" my auto. Everyone walked away from it w/o any broken bones or injuries - just a little sore. By the way, we all wore seat belts! For me, my left elbow and shoulder received a slight bang. But, not enough to postpone the pull.
Friday, I brought fresh fried fish luncheon the gang at Elite Piercing. This was courtesy of our local V.F.W. group. We discussed the appointed time and it was officially "locked in" for tonight. For the balance of the afternoon, I lounged around the house; making sure I hydrated with plenty of liquids. During the week, I was a 'good fellow' and stayed off my usual glass of wine at the evening meal and my 4 PM "scotch and water" ritual. Instead I had my favorite - peanut butter and jelly sandwich before leaving for the suspension area.
Driving to the site, I tried to remain calm and keep my cool. And also, pay attention to my driving. We had severe thunderstorm alerts all day. The skies were gathering very dark and gloomy thunderheads around the Myrtle Beach area. Strong winds were already blowing from the West. Arriving at the site, I met several of the group who were assisting in the pull session. They were mostly the film and "photo-op" crew.
Rob, the "Chief Piercer" arrived shortly after 8 PM. He and his assistant (Bobby) began to prep the room and set up the equipment. I was called back to the prep area and explained the procedure, as well as, what to expect. "HOOKS IN MY BACK - OH, THE POOR TRIBAL PARTY LION TATTOO" between my shoulder blades!! My back was cleaned and santitized and marked for hook insertion. (The insertion points missed the party lion tattoo). The 1st hook was placed on the lo'er right-hand side of the lion. The 2nd - placed just opposite of the lion and parallel to the 1st hook. The insertion of the 1st hook felt like a "hard pinch" and the 2nd one on the left, I felt quite a bit more. This could be attributed to the auto accident; as much of the accident impact came on my left driver side. I sat up and could feel the hooks lying just underneath my skin. It was now show time! Lines were attached to the 8 gauge hooks and to the Olympic weights. These were to be lifted from the floor. We were not sure of the amount that I could lift from a "dead start". As I am the 1st of the Grand Strand Suspension Club to undergo hooks, I determined to take it easy and increase the resistance throughout the pull. Starting off with 7 1/2 lb, I walked the entire length of the room (some 12+ ft) to test the equipament and set the hooks. Hey, this is FUN!! INCREASE THE WEIGHTS!! Up to 10 lb and I truck forward. Now I can feel the pull of the dead weight. We increase to 20 lb. Once again forward. By now the "poor party lion tattoo" is retreating into the folds of skin between my shoulder blades. Much like a lion retreating into the tall grasses of the jungle; only ready to spring forward when least expecting it. We opt for a dead weight of 35 lb. Boy, do I feel this amount tugging at my back. I'm able to move forward (w/o assistance) nearly 8 ft. Now stop and lean forward and hold the position for several minutes. By now an hour has passed and I beginning to feel very tired. It's time to end the 1st pull session for the club. But everyone got their p "\Ãw€ë hoto's. And me - hooks still in my back!
Back to the table and hook removal. The removal was uneventful and nearly bloodless. Some blood did appear at the 35 lb dead pull. Not enough to warrant any mention and write about. The hook removal was flawless as I never felt them come out. It was now time for "burping the skin". Quite a bit of air had built up under the skin and one could hear the air escaping in little burps as the skin was massaged. Now, that was a wonderful massage. The hook insertions were cleaned and bandaged.
Throughout the entire session, there was little bleeding. I contribute this to proper hook insertion and size. As well as, to excellent removal. After resting, we critiqued the event. It was almost mid-night and I was tired. Boy, that night cap of "scotch and water" will taste good. Then off to bed.
Saturday, 23 Apr '05:
I slept sound and on my back most of the night. Upon awaking, I noted several drops of blood on my T-shirt. But, this is to be expected. I am in no pain nor soreness. The back muscles are very supple and muscle movement quite noticeable. Around noon I stop at Elite Piercing to have the back checked out. All O.K.. The insertion areas are beginning to scab over and very little bruising shows. Now off to help friends move furniture this afternoon.
In conclusion, it will be possible for me to continue doing pulls (at my age of 72). The next one will be a 2 point chest pull. Not bad for an old Senior Citizen!
Post Script: 6 May '05.
It is time to do another "pull". Having taught physics for nearly 30 years., I came up with a pull combination. This time a vertical/double inclined" chest pull. Bear with me! This in now my 2nd pull. - a 2 point chest pull! The ropes will travel vertically from dead weights on the floor to wall pulleys 4 ft high. They will then incline to the center of room ceiling - 8 ft. in height(to a set of pulleys) and then back down to hooks in my chest. Thus, forming an inverted "v". Boy, what's next for this physics professor?? Was it a successful pull?? That's another story to tell. How about a 2 point chest/4 point back vertical suspension! We're making the equipment. Aren't hooks fun to play with?? For my birthday in July (at 73), how about a "Superman Suspension"!! We'll keep everyoone in suspense (pun intended) and close this story for now.