Music may not be a sport, but it still takes a physical toll on the body. Unlike athletes, musicians often do not pay attention to the strain that instruments place on the back, neck, wrists, and more. To enjoy a long-term musical career, it is important to stay in good physical shape. This can help you maintain your playing for longer and stay healthy without experiencing discomfort.
To help, here are five quick, easy, and highly beneficial exercises you can do to reduce tension. Do them before a show, while practicing, or even every morning when you wake up. Practicing them regularly can greatly reduce your chances of injury so you can continue playing music comfortably for years to come.
5 Exercises to Help Musicians Prevent Muscle Injuries
1. Wrist Circles
Hold your hands out in front of you with your fists closed, then slowly rotate them in a circular motion. This can help prevent tendonitis and improve blood flow. This exercise is especially useful for musicians who mainly use their wrists, such as guitarists and drummers.
2. Individual Finger Stretches
This is a very useful exercise for fingerstyle instrumentalists. Stretch each finger on both hands individually by pressing it against the palm of your other hand and gently pushing it upward.
3. Forearm Flexor Stretch
This exercise helps alleviate tension in your elbows and forearms. Place your hands together in a prayer position and squeeze them tightly while pushing your arms downward. Hold for 15 seconds.
4. Neck Rotation
This is a great exercise for easing neck tension, which is common among violinists. Turn your head all the way to the left while keeping your back and shoulders straight. Hold for 5 seconds before returning to a neutral posture. Then turn your head all the way to the right and hold for another 5 seconds. Repeat for 10 repetitions.
5. Shoulder Circles
Place your arms in a relaxed position at your sides, then gently shrug your shoulders upward toward your ears in a circular motion. Complete 10 repetitions or more.
These five exercises are a great way to reduce cramping, pain, stiffness, and other common issues that musicians face regularly. If you do them consistently as part of your warmup routine, you will begin seeing the benefits almost immediately.
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