I just finished a Breaks practice session. I moved the furniture in our hotel room to create space in the center in front of a mirror to practice. I was inspired by Rich who showed me how he's been practicing breaks with a metronome on his iPhone. Yes, there is a metronome application for the iPhone. I don't have an iPhone, but I do have an internet connection, so I located this:
I then opened up the analog clock widget on my computer that has a second hand, so that I could time myself.
The breaks I was practicing are on the chest, with the hands breaking the hoop from the underside, on the outside of the hoop. In breaking, I focused on the hands breaking the hoop in time with each beat of the metronome.
I started the metronome at 80 beats per minute (bpm), which, it turned out, was way slower than what I had been warming up with. I jumped up to 96 bpm. Still too slow. When Rich had showed this to me last week, his upper limit was around 120, I believe, but don't quote me on that. I also don't know if I'm doing the same break that he was that night. So I jumped up to 104, then 108 bpm. I was able to sustain each of those for at least 20 seconds. I went up to 116, then 120, then 126 and was able to sustain 126 bpm for 30 seconds. I just double checked that to be sure. At 132 bpm, I was only able to sustain 5-6 breaks, which really isn't sustaining anything. That's pretty much getting the hoop going, and then having it wobble and flop to a stop.
I love gathering data and information. I plan on continuing this practice method to see how much I can increase the speed of my breaking technique. I have to say that my chest and upper arms are feeling itchy from so much rapid hoop stimulation.
I'm heading out for a walk now to enjoy a gorgeous Portland morning. BTW, the Hotel Monaco totally rocks, especially if you are a dog owner. We brought both Romie and Moon here. So far they have been pampered with special dog pillows, food and water bowls, and even poo bags. The staff is really cool and friendly, and I'm sure the employment application asks, "Do you love dogs?" I love this place.
CORRECTION: I just heard from Rich that he was breaking at 190 bpm. Looks like I have a ways to go, hehe.
