The Musician’s Survival Guide to Fitness

Exercises for musicians. There are sites on-line full of info, The Musician’s Survival Manual is one. 

A quick look on YouTube will reveal lots of other viewing choices. Longevity in musical performance is going to require stamina and good physical fitness. To last we are going to have to be in shape, or we risk injury and premature retirement. Having been down this road myself a few years ago I offer the following thoughts.

1. Before starting an exercise program have a physical. Tell your doctor about your intentions. You don't want to drop dead in the gym.
2. Join a class, or if you can swing it hire a personal trainer. Interview these people. You need someone experienced working with our age group. A young buck, in a bout of youthful enthusiasm might just injure you.
3. It took years to get into the bad shape you find yourself in. It will take time to rebuild. Avoid boot camps. These are for wimps and the uncommitted. And, a great way to give yourself sore, no very sore muscles. Or worse.
4. Working with a trainer 6 years ago I lost about 25 lbs. I've kept it off. Trainers coach, inspire, and cajole us forward. Ernie Schramayr's gym in Hamilton had great trainers at the time.  I went twice a month to get new exercises, check the nutrition patterns, and measure the shrinking blubber. I remember the first day. "Mr Story, on the mat let's find out what I'm going to be working with. Now give us a few push ups" Me, "yes sir!" I could do one and then bang face plant. "Ok Mr Story, we'll start here"
5. Inform the gym about your injures, past and present. You don't want to make things worse.

To be successful we need big enough reasons to persist. Changing course in life is harder than turning an ocean liner around. So...

Possible big reason list:

1. I don't want to die.
2. I want to play as long as possible.
3. I'm tired of huffing and puffing on stairs, when playing, or loading the car.
4. I'm tired of being tired.
5. I'll be more attractive in the job market. Let's face it. Positive energetic folks attract attention. Even if we are 60. No, especially if we are 60. Or older.

Final thoughts.

1. If you can, surround yourself with people who support your quest. Who we associate with influences us, so find some fit musicians, and join them.
2. Working alone with YouTube might work, but I doubt it. There is no feedback. There is no personal program. There are too many quacks selling crap and hope to the desperate. 
3. Some really important findings on Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults. The site? Psychological science, a journal of the Association for Psychological science. This article has been cited numerous times. Always a good sign.
   

​​Good luck

David Story
www.davidstory.ca

---