Fitness

On this installment of @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we talk "Fitness". Mental and physical fitness. Now, I'm not talking about being a gym rat or getting all crystal-ly (unless u want to, of course). I'm talking about understanding that creativity is best produced when the "producer" is at ease, healthy and stable. So, let's start with mental fitness. Of course, I'm not going to cover those issues thay require medical assistance. Those are beyond this discussion. What I'm talking about here is more about relaxation. Meditation, friend/family discussion, getting enough sleep, stretching and massage (not the creepy kind, lol) can go a long way. Choose a method that works for u. Now, physical fitness. Here a little can go a long way if ur consistent. The benefits of physical fitness include improved posture, stronger, more confident play and increased endurance. I regularly assign exercises to my students...it usually starts with grief, but leads to progress. Which areas should u focus on? First and foremost, IMO ur core. Whether u play sitting or standing, electric or upright, ur core is is the foundation of good posture. Second, shoulders and rhomboids (the muscles that push ur shoulder blades together). Next, arms and legs. All of these futhere add to strong posture. Start slow and do whatever u can. Notice I didn't mention hands? Leave the hands alone, they will strengthen all on their own. Too much emphasis is placed on hand strength...especially with all the crazy "exercisers" and stretchers. Hands are sensitive machines and u can easily do damage to them. Stretch them lightly if u want...but focus more on keeping them relaxed. Fitness should become as important as woodshed for long term healthy play, IMO. Keeping it in mind and including it in ur schedule will go a long way in helping u progress. As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #basslessons  #remotelessons #www.charleysabatino.com.