Stretches and Excercises

WhistlerCampbell · Post by **WhistlerCampbell** » Thu Jan 22, 2004 11:18 pm

Greetings, When I have been practicing awhile,
my left shoulder tightens up and hurts, and I realize that I''m tense all
over. I''ve been officially taking lessons for two weeks. I was wondering if
anyone else experienced this when they began or knows of a few stretches or
something I could stop and do to loosen up! Also... a while back I read a post
in which someone shared several excercises they had learned (one was to help
with playing high notes... it involved a straw). I can''t find that post but
would like to read the suggestions again. Thanks

sakuramimato · Post by **sakuramimato** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 3:57 am

Go to [http://www.music2master.com] and check
under General Practice Tips. There's a list of practicing techniques on there
as well as warnings about tension concerning separate techniques. Since you're
only in your 2nd week, your shoulders and arms are probably just adjusting to
having to hold the flute up the way it's supposed to. Make sure to check your
posture to see if you're holding the instrument up right as it might be a cause
of your body tension. If the problem persists, I would suggest switching to a
lighter practice routine or ask a doctor about your condition. I don't really
know much about it, though.

fluteluversmom · Post by **fluteluversmom** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 9:47 am

Hi~ You could check out information on the
Alexander Techinique. A Google search should bring up some information about it.
Also I am not sure if it is the exact post that you were looking for about the
straw or not but I did find one when when I typed the word straw into the search
box at the top of the page. Kim

dancingflutist3000 · Post by **dancingflutist3000** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 9:37 pm

[quote] ---------------- On 1/22/2004 11:18:57
PM Greetings, When I have been practicing awhile, my left shoulder tightens up
and hurts, and I realize that I'm tense all over. I've been officially taking
lessons for two weeks. I was wondering if anyone else experienced this when they
began or knows of a few stretches or something I could stop and do to loosen up!
Also... a while back I read a post in which someone shared several excercises
they had learned (one was to help with playing high notes... it involved a
straw). I can't find that post but would like to read the suggestions again.
Thanks ---------------- [/quote] The only times I really experience what you're
talking about is when I've been practicing extensively for about 2-4 hours. I
would try moving your hand behind your head (elbow facing up) and gently pulling
your elbow behind you. Or you could try doing "pretty ladies" which also
stretches your back. Pretty Ladies (I did NOT make this name up lol) -sit down
on the ground feet out in front of you -bend one knee and cross it over the
other leg -turn torso so that the opposite shoulder is closed to the bend
knee

zephyrr · Post by **zephyrr** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 4:01 am

you should try crunches [half-way sit-ups] and sit ups! not only does it help with diaphragm support, it also build abs! =) Try push ups for better arm support as well. =)