The first time I went to the wind tunnel was in Eloy, Arizona. I was amazed as to how many people were there to give it a try. It was like a public wind tunnel tasting. There were healthy people young and old all there to give the wind tunnel a try. It was not really a training session per se as each person stood in line and each got a couple of minutes each. We all went into a room for basic positioning instruction and then it was into the wind tunnel.
There were a few instances that were noticed during this trip. Another couple had gone to do the wind tunnel as well. It was quite obvious that the healthy looking couple were on their first date. It was a complete disaster. The guy was having a great time and absolutely loving the experience as was everyone else in the group outside of his date. She was too scared to let go and give it a chance. It was a terrible site to witness as she wanted to fold-up into a fetal position and was literally petrified with fear. Oddly, the way she moved did not even seem human. Granted the wind tunnel is not necessarily the safest place on earth but her reaction was a bit over dramatic. I felt terrible for them but it definitely did not ruin my day or anyone else’s except for perhaps the woman’s. After we were out of the wind tunnel the gentleman was absolutely pumped-up and completely satisfied with the experience while the woman had to collect herself and faded away a bit. It would have been nice if they could have celebrated the experience in a more mutual way. I suppose the wind tunnel could even be used for a test of relationship compatibility. I am glad that it did not ruin his day.
There was also a seven or eight year old girl that was there with her parents. She did a great job and when we got out of the wind tunnel she kept asking her parents if the wind tunnel could be her new sport. I completely understood where she was coming from and was quite proud of her.
The wind tunnel is not for everyone and there are some weight restrictions to 250 lbs, which I believe can be bent a bit based fitness level. I suspect that a fit 250 lbs plus individual would be just fine in the tunnel, whereas someone that is in poor health and over 250 lbs would have a high risk of injury. I have seen up to five or six skilled people in the wind tunnel at the same time so it has plenty of power to support someone over 250.
I had gone skydiving a few times prior to going to the wind tunnel so I sort of had the positioning down a bit better than most of the people there, however, I was amazed as to the lack of control I had initially. Please do not think that this is a bad thing as I absolutely love challenging body control activities when it comes to sports and fitness exercises. Afterward, I felt great and only wanted more.
My girlfriend loved it as well although she was having body positioning issues. She was not new to sports as she was an accomplished gymnast. Her flexibility was quite apparent as her body position was almost that of a “U” while she was on her belly. For some reason she would be let go in the center of the wind tunnel and then she would make a beeline for the wall.