Stretching before practice or performance?

[tubaman2]

So at my university, we had a woman come in to talk about performance injuries. She stressed the positive effects of exercise and health.

Anyway, one of her major points was on stretching before practicing. She even showed us a few, mostly ones that stretched out the arms and pectoral muscles. I've tried it and it seems to make practice much more enjoyable because of the looseness it provides.

Does anybody else do this? I haven't tried the exercise part yet...too much work. lol

[MooseLumps]

I stretch and even use hot water before I play. Carpal Tunnel surgery is not fun, and the vicodin that gets prescribed by some doctors for pain can jam up certain functions of the lower G.I tract, making life less pleasant still.

Here are some good resources for stretches. Remember to always take it easy, it should never hurt.

Also, if your band-mates rip on you for stretching, either get new bandmates, or explain that it's your thing, and you will be playing long after they wear out. They should at least respect you enough to not harp on you every practice/show.

[fearceol]

I'm not sure how many actually do it ( I definitely do ), but if they don't, then they are doing themselves a disservice. Also check out gentle hand stretches on You Tube. Better still, here is a link from fellow TB'r Chris K. Great all round site on general physical health for bassists.

http://chriskeuken.nl/health/stretch...ngthening.html

[Arranger]

I agree that you've gotta stretch before any extended session and even during the breaks to stay limber. It also helps to stretch your mind and clear any mental clutter ahead of time.

The body and the soul belong together in one good place!

[Gawd]

definiitely stretch. My band has a whole routine we each go through every practice and show.

[ksandvik]

It certainly helps -- if one remembers to do it.

[bassteban]

I'm old, so I stretch before stretching, then stretch for w/e physical activity I can't avoid. Stretch good, injury bad.

[tubaman2]

Good to know it's effective. One of my bandmates goes to the same university and sat in at the same lecture, so I think we're going to start implementing it before rehearsals and performances. She also said exercise increases lung function, so that should help with vocals. Our singer says it does.

[Thaos627]

i dont really do stretches much. all i usually do is stretch out my legs before a show and i'll do finger stretches my old high school percussion teacher taught us so many years ago. oh a good stretch that warms up ur hands and fingers that i use is a bassline from Domenico Dragonetti (he wrote a book and he's the jaco of upright basses) basicly stretch ur fingers 1-2 frets further than u normally would and play oompa style

[Audiophage]

Stretching before playing is always a good idea. I do it more for the more physically demanding double bass, but it can certainly loosen things up for the electric bass as well. Especially the shoulder and lower back stretches.

[Absentia]

Psshhh you don't see a lion stretch before it takes down a gazzelle.

I work on computers all day so stretching and exercise is important to ward of the inevitable carpal tunnel.
Usually just have a tennis ball on hand to mess around with.
Boobs are good low impact devices for hand exercise too.

[tubaman2]

Originally Posted by Absentia

Psshhh you don't see a lion stretch before it takes down a gazzelle.

I work on computers all day so stretching and exercise is important to ward of the inevitable carpal tunnel.
Usually just have a tennis ball on hand to mess around with.
Boobs are good low impact devices for hand exercise too.

I lol'd

[Phalex]

Originally Posted by Absentia

Psshhh you don't see a lion stretch before it takes down a gazzelle.

[eddododo]

stetching is good, but, prior to exertion, static stretching can lead to injury. More important would be to work in some warmup exersizes... clenching fists, extending wrists and fingers, hand shakes etc.
a good stretching IS important before playing, but make sure to get the blood moving first, for risk of injury.

i REALLY like wrist rotations and hangs (hanging in pullup position, loosens up ALOT while warming up your grip)

the bulk of flexibility stretching should be done AFTER exertion. When youre done playing and hitting on groupies, and if youre loading alot of equipment then after the load-up, do some wrist stretches and CHEST stretches (face a doorway with your arms up to shoulder height, rest them on the doorframe and lean forward) chest gets tight leaning over playing.

[eddododo]

furthermore, i highly recommend yoga
its 2011, dont be shy

[guroove]

I find it helpful to stretch everything before a show. Arms, legs, back, you name it. The last thing you want to do is injure your back or pull a hamstring on stage. I know this may seem extreme, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. I think it also helps to calm the mind, and helps keep your mind focused.

[Soverntear]

got an on topic question.

In running they tell you to warm up with a brisk walk and then stretch. would the same hold true for bass (obviously not a brisk walk unless its a brisk walking bass line)

[BassNoob1]

Originally Posted by MooseLumps

I stretch and even use hot water before I play. Carpal Tunnel surgery is not fun, and the vicodin that gets prescribed by some doctors for pain can jam up certain functions of the lower G.I tract, making life less pleasant still.

Here are some good resources for stretches. Remember to always take it easy, it should never hurt.

Also, if your band-mates rip on you for stretching, either get new bandmates, or explain that it's your thing, and you will be playing long after they wear out. They should at least respect you enough to not harp on you every practice/show.

Definitely, my drummer and I always stretch together before each rehearsal in the high school jazz orchestra (even though I play upright in that ensemble, stretching is still required).

I warm up my wrists and hands by shaking them lightly and wiggling my fingers for a bit before stretching, though.