Cirque du Soleil's 'Totem'

[Pseudonym]

We're introducing a new section for Gymnation to interview top-level athletes - not just bodybuilders and powerlifters, but anyone who's doing something impressive in the gym/fitness zone. And with Cirque du Soleil in town, it was too good an opportunity to miss.

If you've seen a Cirque du Soleil show before, you'll know the performers are as much athletes as they are artists. The strength and agility these guys display is unbelievable. I went to see Totem on opening night here - just incredible. From hand balancing, to rings, to bars, to trapeze... there's some serious gymnastic skill on stage. Just completing some of these acts requires a high level of strength, but to complete them and make it look easy takes another level again.

I could go on all day about how awesome this show is, but here's the short version:

We're interviewing Cirque du Soleil performers. What do you want to know?

 

[crazyfacials]

How did they apply for the job

 

Most Scary moment

 

What training they do? and how often

[Gym rat]

 I have wondered about what type of training that they do and how long that they spend training 

[Cameron_R]

Great idea about the interviews. Looking forward to seeing them posted.

 

I want to know if they are trained in more than one part in the show? ie what happens when someone gets injured and can't perform, can they all just chop and change parts each night?

[Gym rat]

I would be keen to be interviewed plus I will be carring the flag for gym nation at the nabba/ wff nationals 

[Realtalk]

I would be keen to be interviewed plus I will be carring the flag for gym nation at the nabba/ wff nationals 

No bro, we already know everything about you and more. From your journal... You pretty much interview yourself in there.

[Pseudonym]

OK, so I've just spent the afternoon with these guys. Damn, they're cool!

Their approach to training is highly technical and analytical. Lots of pre-hab exercises, and core strength, stabilising stuff. And very, very keen to talk about how and why they do it.

I think we ended up with over an hour and a half of footage. Now I just need to work out how the hell I'm going to edit it down for you!