In order to have a long satisfying playing career my research indicates that your overall health and fitness has a HUGE impact on your ability to perform.  Many musicians train on just their instrument and ignore the rest of the bodies; they over work small muscle groups and don’t do anything to aid in healing.  The result of this often is having pain at some point in your upper extremities; pain in the upper extremities has been reportedly present in over 80% of the string/woodwind/keyboard populations at different times in their careers.

I am not a medical doctor. Please consult your medical practitioner before starting any exercise, conditioning or stretching program. The exercises on the pages following are my recommendations based on my research and consultation many professionals including: manual therapists, kinesiologists, massage therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, AT Teachers, Feldenkrais teachers, Rolfers, and personal trainers. These are the exercises that I personally do to keep myself healthy.

A healthy exercise program for a musician will include strength training and stretching.  Muscles need both power and range of motion to function well.  It would also be very wise of you to do some type of cardio, might I STRONGLY suggest getting yourself into a pool…