Increasing shoulder strength to support heavier basses?

[Kwesi]

I can't say I've ever seen a thread on this particular topic but are there exercises you can do to make a heavy bass less of an issue? Not looking for straps or gadgetry tips because, trust me, I've got what I need. I just want a way to increase shoulder and back strength/vitality.

 

[tallbass]

Hey,
The best thing I've found to improve shoulder mobility, stability & health is working out with "Indian clubs." There is a ton of information about them online & lots of YouTube videos as well. This really works & I do these exercises almost every day! Here's a quick clip to get you started:
YouTube - What are Indian Clubs?

 

[Nobody]

Good question.
This is a great one!

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[Dbassmon]

Kwesi, wearing a bass is tough on your back, more so than your shoulder.

Strengthen your core.... abs, butt, core supports your lower back. Yoga is very good for this.

 

[johnk_10]

I can't say I've ever seen a thread on this particular topic but are there exercises you can do to make a heavy bass less of an issue?

i would 'exercise' my right to sell the heavy bass and replace it with a lightweight one.

(sorry, i just couldn't resist).

 

[Aspidites]

Good question.
This is a great one!

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Push-ups do not increase shoulder strength. They work triceps and pectoralis major and minor.

 

[steamthief]

Kwesi, wearing a bass is tough on your back, more so than your shoulder.

Strengthen your core.... abs, butt, core supports your lower back. Yoga is very good for this.

Great advice.

 

[Aspidites]

I can't say I've ever seen a thread on this particular topic but are there exercises you can do to make a heavy bass less of an issue? Not looking for straps or gadgetry or anything just a way to increase shoulder strength/vitality.

You need to work on the Rhomboids, Lats, abs, and Deltoids. I can give you a detailed list of exercises for each if you would like.

I was a personal trainer for 10 years, I worked primarily in the rehabilitation of injured athletes at both the college level and then with physical therapists that referred their clients to me for further work.

 

[nickbass79]

It's all about doing shrugs and increasing core strength. Increase your shoulder strength by doing shrugs, so the guitar doesn't hang so heavy and the increased core strength(by working on the abs) will ease the lower back pains.

 

[puddin tame]

since i started brazillian jiu jitsu, standing with my bass on for hours on end is a piece of cake

 

[Kwesi]

i would 'exercise' my right to sell the heavy bass and replace it with a lightweight one.

(sorry, i just couldn't resist).

LOL! I should've seen it coming! It's weird because currently I have two st00pid light basses and one heavy one and it's looking like I'll end up keep one light and one heavy.

To everyone else p), thanks for the tips and keep 'em coming!

 

[Nobody]

Push-ups do not increase shoulder strength. They work triceps and pectoralis major and minor.

Regular push-ups "only" work those but when you lift your arm straight up to the "T" position it definetly works your shoulders. I use a 20lb. weights when I do them(usually 4 to 5 times a week) and my shoulders feel it(in a good way) and show it(also in a good way). Keeping your body in proper form while doing this excersize also works the core. It's my favorite excersize now because it really kicks my but and hits so many muscles. I have absolutely no reason to lie about this as there is no way for me to profit from suggesting it to some dude on the interwebz.

 

[Aspidites]

It's all about doing shrugs and increasing core strength. Increase your shoulder strength by doing shrugs, so the guitar doesn't hang so heavy and the increased core strength(by working on the abs) will ease the lower back pains.

Shrugs do not work the shoulders they only work the Trapezius.

 

[bassman10096]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dbassmon
Kwesi, wearing a bass is tough on your back, more so than your shoulder.

Strengthen your core.... abs, butt, core supports your lower back. Yoga is very good for this.
Great advice.

All true. Good advice, too. I happen to have owned several genuine boat anchors. Exercise, particularly core, is good. Shrugs help strengthen your shoulders to comfortably maintain good playing position during a long, standup gig.

But also good is wearing a 4 inch wide strap. It distributes weight away from your shoulder to more parts of your superbly-toned core. In total, that helps prevent fatigue. Also a good thing. With the right strap - even not-always-well-toned slugs like me can get by carrying a mahogany coffee table through a five hour gig without aches and pains.

 

[Aspidites]

Regular push-ups "only" work those but when you lift your arm straight up to the "T" position it definetly works your shoulders. I use a 20lb. weights when I do them(usually 4 to 5 times a week) and my shoulders feel it(in a good way) and show it(also in a good way). Keeping your body in proper form while doing this excersize also works the core. It's my favorite excersize now because it really kicks my but and hits so many muscles. I have absolutely no reason to lie about this as there is no way for me to profit from suggesting it to some dude on the interwebz.

T Push ups actually don't work the delts well because the angle you hold the weight focuses more on the Rhomboids.


Any exercise that rotates any extremity outside of its normal range of motion with weights is detrimental. So behind the head shoulder presses, behind the head tricep extensions etc, do more damage that good.

 

[Aspidites]

I can put together a routine for shoulders, abs and back for the site if anyone thinks it would be something that would be beneficial to the TB community.

 

[allexcosta]

Any moderate fitness program will strengthen your body and give you more endurance and balance. Swimming is a very complete exercise...

Also, yoga, capoeira or regular weight lifting will do it.

I like upright rows:

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[thecarpenter]

What's the heavy bass?

 

[jallenbass]

Simple overhead presses with a pair of hand weights seems to be making a difference with me.

 

[GrapeApe]

Military press worked wonders for me.