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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
I've got a problem, I have a worsening back problem, it's so bad that often when I get out my car I acually have to push myself up with my hands on the bonnet to straighten up, then pause a few seconds before I can walk. Once I'm up I'm OK.
At the moment it's not too bad during the show as the adrenaline seems to take the problem away, but like all good children's entertainers I spend a great deal of the time crouched down to bring myself down level with the helper while I talk to them. During a show I'm up and down like a yo yo, and if the helper is really small I can be crouched down for several minutes. Getting back up again is becoming increasingly painful. What I'm after is an idea for something I could use to bring the helpers up to my level, rather than me having to crouch down. Things to take into account are:- 1, it must be light and portable and not take up too much space. Often I perform in small rooms where there is only just enough room for me. 2, it must be safe, I don't want the kids to fall off it. 3, The kids must be able to step onto it unaided. Phyically lifting a kid up is not on the agenda even if my back wasn't bad. I did think of a small step stool, but unless I use a nail gun to fix the kids feet to the top the little blighters will fall off. Any ideas?
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
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Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
Hi,
You may want to purchase one of the kiddie step stools that are available at some stores. I'm not sure if you have an IKEA store in your area but they carry stools with non skid tops which would prevent a small child from falling off, very lightweight and durable. Good Luck! C |
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czero Loyal user NYC 282 Posts |
Clive,
Alternatively, you might want to address your back problem--trust me, they are not to be ignored. I know back pain; it can be downright excruciating. I do have a tip to pass along. It's from a chiropractor I used to go to. While I'm skeptical of chiropractic in general, this actually works for me. Set up a chinning bar, and swing from it like a kid on the monkey bars at the playground. Just a few minutes a day, plus whenever you feel your back beginning to act up. From my own experience, it really helps get things back into alignment and keep them that way. --Mike |
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
I'll have a look chrystal, Cheers.
I'm thinking of getting one of those plastic mobile step stools you find in office supply shops, and maybe fitting a larger rubber covered top to increase the standing area. I'm also thinking of having a pole sticking up in front for them to hold on too, this could maybe double up as a mike stand, with a mic firmly fixed to it for the kid to use. A dedicated kiddy one would be best. My main fear is that with the excitment of the show, and their eagerness to show me something, or grab something they may accidently step forward and fall off. This links in well with your post on Aces topic about performing when feeling ill. I think my problem may be something called Angeloosing-Spondulitis, a reumatic problem with inflamation of the joints and fusing of the spine. I had some tests last week and get the results on Wednesday. I have a nice girl come round twice a week and give me a 2-hour Tai massage. This loosens me up and enables me to carry on. Somedays I can barly walk, others I can play golf. I just wish I knew which it was going to be so I could plan my life around the bad days. If I can barely walk on a show day, the show goes on, I just pop loads of pain killers and collapse in bed afterwards. The last thing I intend to do is give in to it and stop performing. Shows are the only time I seem to be able to move with almost no pain.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
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flourish dude Inner circle from ? But I know where I am going! 1195 Posts |
How about one of those steps use in exercise. You could turn it over and use it as a prop box to store your things in as well. You know this is not a bad idea, It puts the kid on a stage, up so everyone can see them and it also would work for keeping the kid in one spot.
Nothing of the same will bring any change, take action today!
Just taking a step, is a step in the right direction because when you stop working, your dream dies. www.magicalmemories.us |
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
A good idea, but is it high enough. I'm looking at needing it four the tiny 4-5 yearolds. Something that doubles as a prop box would be ideal.
Funnily enough my wife just said it would be their own personal stage as well. Thinking on it, one of those plastic storage boxes might work, as long as I stick a stronger bottom onto it, and strengthen the sides with some batten. It would give them a larger standing area. and I could make a hole in it for the post/mic stand to fit. Keep them coming guy's Once I've got a few ideas my brain goes into auto and mixes and matches the ideas until I get something that works.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
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Rupert Bair Inner circle ? 2179 Posts |
Pick tall kids! to solve your back problem you should do kids shows 24-7! How about that levitqtion with the two deck chairs and the board, you could sit them on that then levitate thelast kid.
Matt |
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PROFED Loyal user Chicago,Illinois 229 Posts |
Have you tried sitting in a chair while you have the little people are "on stage"?
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Clive,
I can really relate well to what your going through and often am trying to figure out ways around it as well. I also have an inflamitory type of pain with the cartlidge around my ribs. It is similar to what your experiencing only in a different location. At times I wake up feeling fine and can do what I want to do, other times it is so sore that the least little move or lifting or twisting or bending over may cause very sharp pains and soreness. Like you said, it becomes very tough to dertermine what I am going to feel like at any given performance date and it tends to make me feel very apprehensive about it. Of course the show must go on and it does at that no matter how I feel. Usually the adrenalin kicks in and I feel fine during performance of the shows. It is afterwards in loading up and when I get home that I REALLY start feeling it again. I usually just collaspe. I try and take painkillers but some make me feel really sick so I try anything else that works like massage, heat wraps and lots of Ibuprofin. Nothing works all that great but I manage and keep on going for tests to figure out why this continues to flare up. I will not give up my magic. I have a passion for performing and I am like you in that I will not let it ruin my life. I will get over it at some point. Any ways, I know what it is like to bend down on the kids level and cuasing pain that way as well since it happens to me when I have flare ups. I tend to remember not to bend with my back. If I need to get to the kids level, I try and bend with my knees and keep my back straight. I then can sit on my one leg under me and I am ok that way. I also have a plastic step stool I use for the chair suspension illusion and I can use this to bring a kid up to my level or for me to even sit on during performance while the child stands. It works out ok. I hope some of these suggestions help you and you can get this figured out. I totally can relate to what your going through. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
Clive,
If you can't get the kids up to you, then you get down to the kids. How about a folding-type camp stool for you to sit on while working with the kids. Or is sitting and getting up a problem? Otherwise, I agree with Mike: Get the back taken care of; it's nothing to fool around with! |
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
Matt, good idea, but takes up too much room, and as you know we often perform in small rooms.
Profed, My show is quite an active one, and I don't like to be restricted. Plus sitting down is a definate no no. I can sit, or I can stand, it's the journey in between that's the killer. Once I'm up I'm ok, but if I sit down for even a couple of minutes on standing I can't straighten up for ages. Hi Mike, thanks for the tip, unfortunatley if I have got what I think it is, a chiroprator wont help as its not a good idea to maniulate the spine. Resting is out as you cease up, so you have to keeep it moving. Physiotheropy is reccomended, that's why the Tai massage works, it's a 2-hour physio seasion involving the massuer bending and streching the ligaments and joints. She does the work, I just lie there and grit my teeth. I've just tried hanging from a door frame as you suggested, 17 stone is a lot of wieght to hold up. I'm on another diet to help relieve some of the problem. Hi Kyle, it's old age setting in, that's the problem. Hopefully when I see the doctor on wednesday to get the results of the tests we'll have something to go on to start proper treatment. If it's what I think it is there is no cure, but there are drugs to stabilise it. Flourish Dude hit on a good one. Like all good entertainers I look after my props, my magic box has a large cardboard cover to protect it, I often struggle to find somewhere to stow it during the show. If I can find a plastic storage box large enough to go over the magic box, fit a thin piece of ply to the bottom to strengthen it, cover it in rubber non slip tiles, and cut a slot in it for the handle of my box, I'd have a ready made stand / box cover and no stowage problem. The actually area they stand on would be big enough to eliminate the falling problem, and I could tell the kids it's their very own special stage. Thanks for all your help, and concerns, believe me I'm trying to get it sorted before it gets any worse. It's not only causing a problem with the shows, it's interfering with my golf.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
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MAGICBYTIM Special user Louisiana 531 Posts |
I am not sure if this would work but thought I would pass it on. This is the Total Trolley. See it here http://www.totaltrolley.com/?src=overture
You can use it to load and bring your stuff inside then use the step ladder to let the kids get on. Good luck. Tim |
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Clive,
I wish you much luck with getting that taken care of. I am trying my best here as well, but for what they say I have, there is not much they can do that I have not done already. It is very annoying dealing and living with pain and not knowing exactly what direction to go in next to get rid of it. It also sucks when it intereferes with what I love doing, and that is performing. But like you, I press onwards cause I love magic and do not want to ever have to cancel and hurt kids feelings. Let me know how your tests come out and such and I will try and do the same. I have vacation coming up so will try and get to another doc this week before I leave. Maybe they will figure it out. Keep us posted. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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Andy Wonder Special user Auckland, New Zealand 747 Posts |
I use a chair in my show & will sit on it when I want to get down to the kids level. I don't have a back problem but find it works well for my style. I've seen other performers using a stool in their show. They somtimes sit on the stool, put props on it, have the Bunny sit on it or a helper sit on it. A real multipurpose thing to have. I prefer using a chair.
Andy Wonder, Auckland, New Zealand
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
A stool is a nice idea as well but may take up too much space in a car etc. It certainly is an option to try out.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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PROFED Loyal user Chicago,Illinois 229 Posts |
Walmart sells a pretty stable, folding metal stool, that takes up very little space.
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magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
We ain't got walmart over here but I did notice some folding directors chair in a shop called "spoils" are they in England or is that just a local thing ?
I have a feeling I will be in the same position Clive is in some point of my life, since bad backs run in my family and I'm already getting back problems quite young. At the moment I'm doing the best I can to keep a good posture. I never bend over to speak to a kid, I always try and keep my back straight and crouch my legs. Basically, I always lower and raise myself as if I was lifting a heavy object. Although this doesn't feel like a natural action I feel it is actually a plus in a performance situation because it means you torso/head are always facing the audience whereas if you duck down you are speaking into the ground. George |
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wizardofsorts Special user Chicago, IL 935 Posts |
Stop your bad back before it starts. For those of you that already have problems this could help too. You need to stretch and exercise both your back and your stomach everyday. Most people with back problems have a belly cause by out of shape abs which contribute to back problems. My father has disc problems that sound much like Clives. He started this stretching and exercise program and it has turned his life around. I don't know the program but it's basicly a prescribed bunch of easy stretches (most modified regular stretches, IE- instead of standing and stretching to touch the toes, you stand infront of a chair and stretch to to touch the seat, supporting yourself with your arms, you lower yourself until you feel a sufficant stretch). Doing modified crunches, back lifts, and leg lifts are the exercises. I'm sorry I can't be more specific. I still have a healthy back but I feel it when I haven't exercised it. It starts to hurt and you don't want to exercise but it's exactly the thing you have to do.
Edd This is not medical advice, just incase you were wondering.
Edd Fairman, Wizard of Sorts is a corporate magician available for your next trade show, hospitality suite, client luncheon, or company event. http://www.wizardofsorts.com
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
Wizard is right, bad posture also causes back problems, I've been doing the exercises for ages, Pelvic tilts, crunches, stretches etc but unfortunately it doesn't help my particular problem. The Tai massage is an extention of that and as it's a 2-hour work out I feel like a new man afterwards.
George, that's how I crouch down to talk to the kids, it's much better than a straight bend as your not leaning down on them, you actually bring your whole body down to their level. This is great for the kids as they can talk to you at eye level with out having to look up at this towering adult. It's the standing up, afterwards that's getting to be the problem and I now have to push my knees as leverage and muffle the added groan. I have to avoid sneezing unless I'm holding onto something as a sneeze takes my legs away.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
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macmagic Veteran user MA 400 Posts |
Hey all, not sure how much during the actually routine(after the funny play with the kids when they first get up)you actually have to bend to them, but you could always have them get on the stepstool just for the introductions, funny name bits and age jokes, and then have then step down and stand in front of it!
I personally would be very nervous about the child falling off, even though its not very high! or you could creat some sort of railing around the back and 2 sides leaving the front open, pvc piping might work for this.........also add a pole to the back of it with a sign helper1 and helper2, then when they come up you flip the signs over and write their names on it(maybe a dry erase board)or a piece of white card board that they can take home with them.....figure out something magical to do with of course! I have a similar problem but with my knees, 8 years of playing hockey will do that to ya, the only time it really hurts me is when I am crouched down setting up the show during the show it does not bother me cause I don't stay crouched for any real lenght of time.......but its only a matter of time before that starts buging me!
"Its a magic thing...........you wouldn't understand"
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