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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
physical fitness and harmonica
physical fitness and harmonica
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toddlgreene
2802 posts
Mar 25, 2011
5:26 AM
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I'm a hard-working guy in his 40s with a lot on my plate. Currently, I work lots of hours on my job, then I go home and work on my moneypit of a house til I drop, and somewhere in there I find time for my wife, kids and...music. I seldom have time for more than a few minutes practice time, harp or vocals. I go to band rehearsal once a week, and gigs a few times a month, and my saving grace is that it's all fairly easy being mostly a sideman in my current band. I'm dragged down. What would fix this condition? EXERCISE. I'm the first to admit I just don't get enough anymore. Over the years I have gotten heavily into running, cycling, martial arts, and the occasional spat of going to the gym and picking up heavy things. My overall sense of well-being is so much better when I'm exercising-and this positively affects both singing and playing harp, I find.
Currently I'm dragged down-last night's band practice was the final straw. I had no power in my vocals or playing, no energy, no endurance, no pizazz. It's way past time I make time for my physical well-being again and get back into a routine.
Back in the early 90s, I had a student for a while who introduced me to a video by Norton Buffalo, whose energy and intensity immediately grabbed me. Now, at this time, I was in great condition:martial arts 4-5 times a week, cycling and running as well. My life was a lot simpler too-no wife, no kids, etc. But Norton Buffalo's inspiration stuck with me, and memories of the mesage in that video came back to me last night-he talked about how he would run, and practice harmonica breathing patterns at the same time. Never would he get winded, and those patterns would just come natural.
I know we have endurance/cardio exercisers in our midst here-Adam's an avid runner, and there are more I'm sure. I think Ant and EdwardTomaine are martial artists?
How do you feel that exercise affects your playing? Do you notice a difference in your playing when you've not been exercising for a while? Discuss.
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
Last Edited by on Mar 25, 2011 11:36 AM
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nacoran
3916 posts
Mar 25, 2011
6:02 AM
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Sometimes I practice while on my elliptical. One of the reasons I picked up harp was to improve my asthma. My fitness level isn't great and heel spurs limit what I can do, but I do feel better when I'm working out. (Before the heel spurs I loved to run.)
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Nate
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Ant138
850 posts
Mar 25, 2011
6:03 AM
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Hi Todd,
I went for a 7k run the night before last, and i feel great today very positive and in the mood to woodshed.
I think exercise does help with playing harp. When i'm training i can feel my lung capacity improving and getting stronger.
I quit kickboxing at Christmas and havn't done much since then. My wife is really into fitness and exercise so she got me back into a bit of a routine again and i feel much better and sharper for it and that has to work its way into your playing at some point:o)
My wife also dragged me to a yoga class the other day which was a bit weird but the different breathing
techniques and patterns that were used could really help to shape good tone.
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http://www.youtube.com/user/fiendant?feature=mhum
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Buzadero
753 posts
Mar 25, 2011
6:21 AM
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Todd, I knew Norton. He wasn't very athletic or physical.
Breath control. The BBQ Bob mantra.
Throughout my life, I've been directed to physically abuse myself by many to whom I was subordinate. I've gleefully beat the crap out of myself, surfing, motorcycles, big-game spearfishing and other purely masturbatory sports. And, I work myself to a pulp on my own house, ranch and other personal infrastructure.
Yes, physical exercise can be very satisfying and infuse you with a strange sense of energy, even at exhaustion. But, I think my energy with harp comes more from my emotional state. When life has me tired, it certainly effects music. Clearly, if I'm just dog tired physically it does as well. But, I think my head being in the game is really what does it. Distractions of any kind play a big factor.
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
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EddieT
56 posts
Mar 25, 2011
6:51 AM
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Hi guys,
I saw my name, so I couldn't help but respond. I started doing Kung Fu over 15 years ago and it has made a dramatic change in my life. I believe that physical fitness enhances your life overall. Of course you can be in poor shape and still be a great harmonica player; but will you be the best you can be? Humans are meant to move. Period.
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-Edward Tomaine
YouTube
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HarpNinja
1275 posts
Mar 25, 2011
7:09 AM
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In the last two years, I've lost a lot of gigging stamina....and I went from 3-4 days of exercising to zero. Sucks.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 3/23/11
Last Edited by on Mar 25, 2011 7:09 AM
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tmf714
565 posts
Mar 25, 2011
7:17 AM
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For me,there is a definite link between the two.
My Grandfather was a Golden Gloves champion-he shared a lot of his training secrets with me,and hooked me up with his trainer. I got a little sidetracked,and ended up becoming involved with drugs and alcohol,all the time still riding motocross-one of the most physically demaning sports in the world-so I always in good shape physically,just not so much mentally.
I had my high school track and football letters,and after enetering outpatient rehab,I took up running again.
After being sober 5 years,I had completed many 5k and 10k running races-so i decided to try the NYC marathon-I have done two of them,and I must say,they were two very profound and enlightning expieriences. I continue to run today-been doing it 21 years. I also hooked up with Rupert Oysler,master harmonica tech and customizer-he turned me on to Alexander training,where I started relying more on diaphragmatic breathing in all phases of my life-running,playing harp,everyday breathing.
I was a pack a day smoker-I can honestly say if not for exercise,i would play harp only for the recreational enjoyment of it.
Last Edited by on Mar 25, 2011 7:18 AM
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toddlgreene
2804 posts
Mar 25, 2011
7:52 AM
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tmf714-Alexander Technique? I briefly googled it, as I had never heard of it, but don't have time right now to dig in. What exactly is it? From what I saw, I would benefit from whatever it is. A stiff-necked, computer-driving, no-longer-energetic musician...
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
Last Edited by on Mar 25, 2011 7:53 AM
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barbequebob
1607 posts
Mar 25, 2011
7:54 AM
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@Harp Ninja --- Damn, I wonder how you'd feel if you were in my place when I was on the road with Luther Guitar Jr. Johnson doing a tour in Canada, where we gigged 9 out of 10 nights, including 6 straight nights.
I'm gonna be the last person to talk about physical conditioning because I'm an overweight old fart and quit smoking some 38-1/2 years ago cold turkey, just a couple of months before I took up harmonica (and had never planned on doing so). I quit drinking by choice as well as smoking pot by choice in the mid-90's.
The main thing is still breath control and you don't have to be athletic for that at all. Besides, when I tried out for high school baseball, man did I freaking suck at it!!!! (I tried out for football and promptly got my butt kicked and quit that too!)
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Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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waltertore
1225 posts
Mar 25, 2011
7:58 AM
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Todd: I knew Norton when I lived in Sonoma County. He, like many up that way ate and exercised. I have always been a work out junkie - running, bike, martial arts(25 years), weights. Nowadays I am mostly biking, elliptical, total gym, and stretching. I need to do this stuff or I get too stressed and fatiqued. Most of my musical peers are dying, dead, or in terrible health. They smoked, drank, ate terrible, and never saw doctors. My friend Doug Sahm died of a heart attack. His arms were tingling for a long time but he never went to the doctor.... Live the rock and roll life, couch potato life, think big in the brain but not in the body, eat bad, and ones quality of life is miserable. Even when I was touring around the world, I would always run, do calistenics(sp??) and would eat in chinese restraunts. They are open every day and always have some kind of healthy food. My bandmates would usually laugh at me but I loved jogging down unknown roads and often did it on very little sleep because we had to drive alot that day. I would sleep as we drove. I learned to sleep anywhere anytime. That is a must for a busy lifestyle.
I rarely go into no exercise spells, but when I do, I find my overall energy, quality of mental health suffers big time. I don't drink, smoke, or do drugs. That stuff I have messed with and it is just a mask for underlying problems. I say make time for your health. Nobody would put water in their car gas tank, but so many treat their own bodies like crap. It sounds like you are going to have to cut some stuff to make room for you health. I say do it whatever it takes, because without your health you got nothing. Our bodies are machines that require good fuel and maintainance. Quality of life is the key... Walter
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Last Edited by on Mar 25, 2011 8:05 AM
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7LimitJI
436 posts
Mar 25, 2011
7:58 AM
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Exercise and harp playing its a win, win situation.
Exercise improves well-being. All those endorphins released are a natural high.
You feel better, are more motivated, do more of everything, as you have the energy.
You'll also play better as your lung capacity is improved.
Five months ago I was cycling and rowing 10 hours a week minimum.
Now, nothing,zilch,nada,nowt!!!
I've got an ever expanding beer belly and the less I do,the less I want to do.
British Summer time starts on Sun, so time to get out the bike again and re-gain my fitness :O)
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Youtube
"Why don't you leave some holes when you play, and maybe some music will fall out".
"It's music,not just complicated noise".
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EddieT
57 posts
Mar 25, 2011
8:25 AM
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@tmf714 Sounds like Tai Chi Chuan. Started out as a martial art, but now is widely practiced because of the above mentioned.
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-Edward Tomaine
YouTube
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MP
1538 posts
Mar 25, 2011
10:57 AM
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my exercise program is to play the creeper creeps again by james cotton. another great lung expander is i wants to be loved by muddy w/ cotton on harp. if you sing AND play i wants to be loved that sucker will wind a big wave surfer.
actually, i can hold my breath under water longer than my surf buds.
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MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
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mr_so&so
422 posts
Mar 25, 2011
11:29 AM
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As I begin my long shuffle into codgerhood, I've cut back on my recreational adventuring, but I agree with EddieT that "humans are meant to move". I am lucky enough, or was smart enough, to live within walking distance of my job --- a pleasant half-hour walk each way --- that I've been doing for about 15 years now. That walk is also my harp woodshed. I've mentioned this before but walking and harping is great for learning air management strategies. Sure makes playing standing still a lot easier. Also the walking itself is just a pleasant way to decompress, and is something that I can continue to do for a long time yet.
@Todd, I feel your pain around the money pit issue. I suggest that you do your lungs a favour and wear a good quality canister respirator (~$50) when working around anything remotely dusty. Wood fibers are not good for the lungs, and worse yet are MDF fibers, drywall dust, and whatever that crud is that has accumulated in and on top of your ductwork for that last few decades. Also most older (>50 yrs) homes have lead paint and other nasty substances that once passed for insulation or fire retardant. Oh and wear hearing protection when using power tools too, if your music is important to you. Good luck filling the pit.
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toddlgreene
2808 posts
Mar 25, 2011
11:51 AM
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Thanks, Mr. S&S-good advice, and I do heed most of it, but never think about the wood dust much...and I'm messing with treated lumber sometimes, which is impregnated with nasties(older stuff contains arsenic-oh joy!).
After this rant of mine, I made sure to pick up my lunchtime walks again that I've been neglecting-sunny, high 60s, light breeze, French Quarter tourists=nice!
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
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Fingers
10 posts
Mar 25, 2011
12:59 PM
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I was heavily into body building for 20 years!! not sure if it helped with harp playing but it cant of hurt! and anyway the ladies loved the arms! clamped to my sides during an intense solo LOL!! but i always declined the offers to b..w my organ lol aah those were the days.
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Aussiesucker
812 posts
Mar 25, 2011
2:20 PM
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It's all about breathing. This was discussed heavily in some previous topics eg the key to good tone.
Being physically fit has a big impact on breathing correctly.
I'm in my 70's and I'm not a fitness junkie but I exercise every day. Mostly I swim and during a session yesterday I was thinking of how to get more soul, feeling, tone, into my harp playing. I like to mull over a problem whilst doing laps as it makes the kilometers fly by. I only started swimming regularly ca 16 years ago but was always on a bike, running, playing tennis, hiking, bush walking and being active. When I started out swimming I was always out of breath after 50 meters, & my coach said relax (I was too tense) and breathe correctly. Breathing was the key, Breathing right gets me in a rhythm of being able to go distances and get out of the water never out of breath but feeling relaxed and with sometimes tired sore arms and legs.
For me harp playing is a hobby I love & more like my 'brain food'. To play the harp the essential ingredient at the very core is proper breathing. Exercise helps. I am also mildly asthmatic and only have asthma after a cold. I use about 3 or 3 puffs of Symbicort and once I'm back to swimming I'm fixed.
Being retired it's easy to schedule exercise, harp playing and other interests. When raising a young family it was different but I always made time for exercise as fitness expands my capacity to take on and complete other tasks easily.
Exercise is important and to the contrary (providing you are not an exercise junkie) it will keep you more productive whatever your interests, work, family etc.
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joshnat
123 posts
Mar 25, 2011
4:22 PM
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Do you think so many of us are into martial arts because we are insecure about how small our instrument is?
(28 years of Aikido: www.goshinkan-aikido.org)
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LSB
31 posts
Mar 25, 2011
7:45 PM
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@joshnat - Well, I have been training in the martial arts for 39 years, teaching for 33, and I just started playing harp recently, so my insecurity must have started before I even had an instrument, lol.
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BronzeWailer
100 posts
Mar 25, 2011
11:03 PM
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I remember when working in the cube farm that I never felt I had time to exercise; there was always something that needed doing. But I decided to just make time -- I mean take time (instead of going out for lunch I'd go to the gym) and actually felt energised in the afternoon with none of the 2 o'clock slumps. Also felt less cranky and slept better.
Exercise time (whether on the bike, at the gym or playing soccer) is also a kind of meditation/problem solving time for me.
If I am laid down with a cold or whatever and can't exercise I definitely lose harp-playing staying power.
I exercise several times a week and play harp a few hours a day so find I have enough stamina.
Which is good because I have a great deal of room to improve in the skill department.
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Blackbird
159 posts
Mar 26, 2011
2:23 AM
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I am an avid roller skater and when I can afford it, go for boxing fitness. I have moderate exercise triggered asthma. This of course, should not be a factor for harping, if only I would breathe right. Been seriously considering some singing lessons to go along with it all to help train me to breathe for music.
The rollerskating is low impact and gets me breathing more deeply than I realize without a lot of hard work. Boxing fitness is hard core plyos and movement and kills me, but also provokes asthma attacks so I don't really get good deep breathing until I'm past it. When I work out I'm breathing for oxygen, not harp tone, but the torso muscles and movement can't hurt to keep everything limber otherwise. I can say I have deeper breaths from exercise than when I was sedentary, but that's all lung.
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walterharp
569 posts
Mar 26, 2011
5:31 AM
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surprised adam has not weighed in. he is a distance runner and approaches his one man show that way, with tremendous endurance and energy
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kudzurunner
2402 posts
Mar 26, 2011
6:05 AM
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Sometimes these threads move so quickly that by the time I get to weigh in, I'm last on the list.
I don't think there are any hard and fast rules about whether a harp player plays better stuff if he exercises and avoids toxins. Paul Delay and William Clarke were both doing brilliant stuff right about the time they dropped dead. Jason smokes and has seemingly endless stamina.
I do think that if you let your physical plant degrade to the point where you don't feel like playing, or can't meet the demands of the gig--or the series of gigs--then that's a signal that changes need to be made. And my preference is to die of ripe old age, like Pinetop, after playing all the music that it was in me to play. That being my goal, it makes sense that I should take care of myself.
I played a recent early afternoon gig at Rooster's here in Oxford, beginning at 1 PM, after running a hilly half marathon in 1:35, starting at 8:30 AM. I had plenty of energy. The only oddity was that I began to sweat like crazy the moment I started to play. I almost exploded in sweat. But I felt fine--relaxed and in the groove.
During my recent week-long tour, I found it impossible to keep up with my usual daily running schedule. The road life is like that.
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AirMojo
134 posts
Mar 26, 2011
6:18 AM
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Walking at a fast pace is one of the best and most inexpensive exercises you can do...
I started taking one hour walks at lunchtime to get away from my desk and computer at work... I could feel the stress building up inside me where my body just said "Get up and walk !". Man I felt so much better!
Started doing this about 6 years ago, and try to do it every day, no matter what the weather is, as long as its not raining hard... and even then, I have thought about getting a rainsuite. I often slack off on weekends because of all the other chores I have to do at home.
I'm in the snow belt of northeast Ohio, so winter can be very long (so far this year about 135 inches of snow!).
The first thing I did was buy an iPod and started loading music on it to listen to while I walk... really helps to take your mind off of whatever is bothering you. Soon found out that I had more music available than my 20GB iPod would hold.
When the weather heats up, I try to get up a littler earlier and walk in the morning at home... didn't like coming back into work all sweaty!
Walking at a very brisk pace with arms moving and concentrating on your breathing is a must... I see people walking with their hands in their pockets and a snail's pace, looking like they are ready to hang themselves... that makes me concentrate even more.
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groyster1
945 posts
Mar 26, 2011
1:49 PM
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@airmojo
you are so right walking is what the good lord made us to do-like adam i was once a long distance runner running a half marathon in 1:41 and full 26.2 in 3:34 but arthritis in my hip and spine has ended that but never smoked so my lungs are still ok
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walterharp
570 posts
Mar 26, 2011
2:17 PM
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The way jason plays shows is aerobic, he gets a lot of exercise doing it.
i do think if you have a healthy mind and body, it will make you a better player in the long run, but there are some pretty clear exceptions to this.
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OzarkRich
419 posts
Mar 26, 2011
2:49 PM
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@nacoran: "One of the reasons I picked up harp was to improve my asthma."
Did it actually help? My wife has asthma, usually set off by perfume, candles, tobacco smoke, etc.
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Ozark Rich
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Jehosaphat
23 posts
Mar 26, 2011
3:48 PM
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Kudzu
The only oddity was that I began to sweat like crazy the moment I started to play. I almost exploded in sweat."
A sweat like that more or less out of the blue can be (one of) the signs of an impending heart attack.I know 'cos it happened to me
With your level of fitness seems doubtful but at least at your next check up maybe mention it to your Doc.Especially if it happens again.
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