Bodybuilding for the bass players

[spaz21387]

body building what? just get an svt cl and ampeg 8x10!

 

[ZenG]

Doesn't bother me any........

I've been lifting weights for decades.....

I just stay with the compound exes these days.....

 

[rtslinger]

body building what? just get an svt cl and ampeg 8x10!

that is the perfect reason to start ha ha ha

 

[tekhedd]

that is the perfect reason to start ha ha ha

It's only a little bit funny! I do cardio on the off days and a fairly minimal weight training on the on days (or is it the other way around). I always say I do the cardio so I won't die, but when I do weights I'm training to a) not hurt myself lifting gear, and b) hold that stupid millstone around my neck for 4 hours at a stretch. When I stop doing the upper body training, I stop using good posture (no muscle tone) and then I get back pain.

Unless you go crazy huge, it won't slow your playing down. It's so difficult to build enough mass to cause problems that I don't know why people worry about it. I work my butt off just to look "almost average".

 

[fearceol]

Regarding grippers, they do work, to some extent. They aren't going to fry your tendons, if used correctly, either. If you hammer away on them all day, you might have an issue. However, if you treat them as another workout, and use them once every few days, they can build your tendons, keeping them protected. Honestly, though, most people who aren't specifically looking to get stronger would get more than enough grip training just doing some dead-hangs after their pullup sets. If you do want to use something, you can get a similar effect by closing those springy file clips. It sounds easy, but if you try it with only your thumb, and one finger at a time, you will find it quite challenging. I promise, you won't get huge sausage-fingers, and it won't make you less graceful.

Gripping devices are useless when it comes to playing the bass. When we grip, the hand is tense. How many times have we seen noobs being given the advice to ..keep the hands as relaxed as possible ?

Besides, when playing the bass, it is the mechanism that effects the lifting of the fingers OFF of the frets (i.e. the opening of the hands/fingers) and placing them where they are needed next, that requires developing. This is the polar opposite to gripping.

 

[tekhedd]

Gripping devices are useless when it comes to playing the bass.

When it comes to hands, your problem will not be strength. The problem is repetitive stress injuries. Definitely an area where you should be cautious, IMO.

 

[P. Aaron]

Since coming back from multiple myeloma that wrought much damage to my back, I have been working my core: lower back, upper, and legs. I have also started just working out overall.

To lose flab in the middle, I have cut my sugar consumption by about 30%. Difficult but possible. Try not to eat too soon before retiring for bed.

Any form of exercise, weight loss and improvements in playing all takes discipline. If you work you music, you can apply the same discipline to your health.

None of it is easy but as we improve, you can confidently handle more challenges as they come your way.

 

[edpal]

No to grip exercises as noted repeatedly above.
Yes to building strength anywhere else, not many negatives other than slight possibility of cramping. But that is more of an electrolyte issue and/or lack of stretching.
Stretch before playing - I seem to be the only one who does that in every band. Semi-toe touches, whirl-arms, bends, head-rolls...especially before a gig so I am relaxed. A good face rub does wonders before singing imo.

 

[Lync]

A good way to get into fitness is to start walking. Then gradually start jogging. You will start feeling the difference (and dropping some weight if you cut back on portions etc). Then start a basic lifting routine and go from there. A good way to start jogging is to check out the couch potato to 5k program. 6 months goes by like nothing, and if you do this in 6 months you will see results and be on your way.

 

[Roy Vogt]

Stanley Clarke has done weight training for years with no ill effect (I think he does go easy on the wrist curls). I'm intermittent in my gym attendance these days, but I actually felt better and played better when I was lifting and in really good shape. I recommend it.

 

[vasilio]

Best exercise for me is to play the bass -alot!
I like getting into what I call " stage shape "

 

[Session1969]

Becoming healthier will benefit your playing because you will have more energy and feel better.

 

[MattS]

Stretch well, lift weights/exercise regularly (routine gets results), eating right is probably just as important if not more so. I actually started weight-lifting in my early 20's so that I wouldn't hurt myself carrying my heavy-a** equipment everywhere or atleast so that I could carry it with little or no help because can't always rely on others. Positive results all around. Don't worry about it affecting your technique or getting stiff, as long as your form is right everything will be fine, probably even improve stamina and technique. I'm the vocalist/bassist in my band and my gym routine has also been very helpful with posture and singing correctly. In my early 20's I played a show and pulled a muscle in my shoulder real bad, I was hurting, I had to leave right after playing, if that didn't happen I would've been able to hang and eat taco bell with one of my favorite bands at the time after playing a show with them haha. take care of your body and it will take care of you. party hard!

 

[bachlover]

Yep, a fitness routine improves the whole package. When done as a regular routine my whole attitude and outlook on life changes for the better. One of the greatest things is a better perspective on life. Things that were bothering me when I walk in have me wondering "why was I so concerned about that" when I walk out.

 

[Darkglass]

Nice! Cool to hear about other fellow TBers who lift!

I started power lifting 18 months ago and haven't noticed any difference in my playing... as for lifting tips I agree woth most here: stick to heavy compound movements (Deadlifts, squats, bench and military press, weighed chin/pull ups)!

I just finished squatting and have a pound of pulled chicken with BBQ sauce and 1 pound of baked potatoes waiting for me!

 

[Kevan Campbell]

I'm also in the process of dieting and have found that weight lifting and cardiovascular training are helpful but can get boring quickly, so I mix it up a bit. Instead of hitting the gym for weights I practice carrying my Mesa/Boogie Buster 2x10 up and down stairs and lifting it up to chest level from the ground repeatedly. Running is good but I have more fun hiking with a 40-50 lb hiking pack or swimming.

I'd also recommend using a calorie counter app. I really love LoseIt but there's others out there.