Before a single note is played on our instruments, it would be ideal to begin our practicing with a few stretches. Stretching takes out the kinks and lets the body breathe. Even two minutes of stretching works wonders by circulating blood and oxygen to thirsty tissues throughout our body. No matter what your instrument is, the energy of your whole body flows into the instrument to create the sound. When fresh blood and oxygen aren’t pumping freely through the body tissues, the muscles get tired and don’t function well. Energy is low instead of ready-to-go. Stretching then releases tense muscles, preparing them to work.
The forearms and shoulders of many musicians get a workout everyday; stretching helps with conditioning and refreshing them after the steady stream of contractions. Stretching the back is particularly important. The muscles in the posterior of the body tend to be cramped from daily activities. These muscles hold us upright against the force of gravity, and stretching them prepares them for this major task. Loosening the spine helps free up the spinal cord and it’s attaching sensory and motor nerves, which will increase sensibility to sound and sensations and increase mobility of the muscles.
The following are some sites that can guide you through some stretching exercises. Stretching is best to be done when the body is warmed up from a hot bath or shower, or from light exercises, such as a three minute walk. If you stretch with cold, stiff muscles, you can strain them instead of loosening them up. To be most effective, stretches should be slow, gentle, and prolonged.
The forearms and shoulders of many musicians get a workout everyday; stretching helps with conditioning and refreshing them after the steady stream of contractions. Stretching the back is particularly important. The muscles in the posterior of the body tend to be cramped from daily activities. These muscles hold us upright against the force of gravity, and stretching them prepares them for this major task. Loosening the spine helps free up the spinal cord and it’s attaching sensory and motor nerves, which will increase sensibility to sound and sensations and increase mobility of the muscles.
The following are some sites that can guide you through some stretching exercises. Stretching is best to be done when the body is warmed up from a hot bath or shower, or from light exercises, such as a three minute walk. If you stretch with cold, stiff muscles, you can strain them instead of loosening them up. To be most effective, stretches should be slow, gentle, and prolonged.
