Weightlifting and Bassing

[duff beer]

One benefit is that you won't have to post yet another question asking which strap is the most comfortable. You'll be able to wear a 10 pound bass all night long with just a plain, regular strap.

 

[Spaldo]

Just make sure you don't over-develope your finger muscles. It'd be hard to play bass with two hands like baseball gloves.

You're probably taking the mick, but it's important to note that there are no muscles in your fingers. The muscles that control your fingers (via tendons) are in your upper forearms

 

[Lee Moses]

I think those that are inexperienced with arco have this problem, lifters and non lifters alike.

Maybe so. . . . But my instructor was persistent in trying to get me to quit lifting for a while. He obviously thought it was at least a contributor to my problem.

BTW, I wasn't about to give up lifting back then--not even for a week.

 

[zachoff]

I lift quite a bit and I play bass quite a bit. I'm not awesome at either one of them but neither of them affect the other in any negative way.

 

[spz8]

Lifting has SO many benefits. Improved strength, coordination, stamina, muscle, connective tissue, and bone health. Lifting (relatively) heavy with good form, and a healthy diet will help keep you young in body and spirit. That said, picking up/holding heavy things will give you great grip strength, but be aware of developing "death grip", especially on your fretting hand. I always try to stay mindful that bass (electric anyway) requires very little strength for good/healthy playing.

 

[pklima]

Lifting means needing to get plenty of food and sleep, and that does interfere with playing gigs till early morning.

 

[Duckwater]

I haven't exercised in years and it hasn't had a detrimental effect on my playing at all. That being said, it won't hurt unless it cuts into your practice time.

 

[duff beer]

I haven't exercised in years and it hasn't had a detrimental effect on my playing at all.

If you've never been in shape, how would you know?? You have nothing to compare to...

 

[rollyolly]

You'll probably get more chicks without having to rely as much on your sense of humor or wit. They seem to love a bro-ish physique.

 

[Duckwater]

If you've never been in shape, how would you know?? You have nothing to compare to...

For a period of about 4 years I ran 10+ miles a day and had a diet that mostly consisted of salad and baked chicken. Never lifted though, being muscular has no advantage in my life.

 

[zachoff]

For a period of about 4 years I ran 10+ miles a day and had a diet that mostly consisted of salad and baked chicken. Never lifted though, being muscular has no advantage in my life.

Being muscular and being strong are two very different things and there are different strategies of lifting for achieving both that aren't mutually exclusive, but can be.

 

[duff beer]

For a period of about 4 years I ran 10+ miles a day and had a diet that mostly consisted of salad and baked chicken. Never lifted though, being muscular has no advantage in my life.

Being weak is never an advantage. Ever. Lifting increases energy, builds stronger bones, burns calories, lowers bodyfat, lowers blood pressure, increases strength, etc. Why would you deny your body those benefits?

 

[BboogieXVII]

I was told by a friend that, once he started getting really buff, small movements like playing instruments became really explosive to him. Also, I imagine your grip strength and calluses go through the roof. I was thinking of starting lifting soon, will it in any way affect my bass playing?

You will look a lot more buff up there on stage.

I think moderate weight lifting, enough to see some actual muscle gain surely can't hurt. The thing I never liked about really trying to bulk up was that it took a lot of time in the gym and a lot of recovery time. So that's why I think it's a good idea to get into the gym but set a time limit.

I think the best I ever felt and looked I probably did do a little more than moderate exercise, but I still wasn't too extreme, maybe 7-9 hours a week.

However, I do think great results can be gained by eating properly and exercising maybe 5 hours a week. Just wish I could motivate myself to do those 5 hours!