Cyclic training and bass?

[Bocete]

Hi

I haven't played regularly for quite a while, and, well, I am falling apart in every front: I'm inconsistent, pluck weakly, get tired fast, my fretting fingers become stiff... I need to practice, and to practice a lot.

Now, I recall some athletes talking about the benefits of cyclic training. It is about working on your strength exclusively for 5-6 days, having a day or two to rest the muscles, then excercise agility, than endurance, than rest etc. More

Can a similar program be applied to bass, and would it work? I mean, theoretically, endurance, agility etc are important to playing, so it might be a good idea, but we're talking about a very specific group of muscles that might become overworked with such a program.

If there are any athletes reading this, what would you recommend?

[2x4strgkramers]

Not unless you like carpal tunnel syndrom would I ever recomend cyclical training. I would recomend you start by playing 15-30 minutes a day a few songs you are comfortable with and maybe a few scale and some chords. Then as you become comfortable at the 30 minute mark ad 15+ minutes. You will naturally build endurance and I would suggest this routine everday.

[lemur821]

Don't think it would be beneficial for the bass. Your main hurdles are are technique and the dexterity to execute it. There's no possible way you could get that down without also building up the strength to play like you need to (which is much less than you probably think you need). And I wouldn't suggest attempting heavy endurance training with less than amazing technique—that sounds like a recipe for disaster.

[Bocete]

Thanks for posting, your both advice seem reasonable.

Conclusion: the way to get back in shape is to play daily, the simplest and the best way. It'll come around

Cheers
Bocete

[MindSpark]

Google for "Grip Master". This thing's helped me so much with fatigue in the left hand. I think it's even improved my speed and grip on the strings. I am not saying it's a substitute to actual bass practice, but it sure is a great addition.