King Says Re: Stretches

Submitted On: Thursday, Aug 14, 2008 - 9:48 AM

When I was in the highschool drumline I HATED warming up! We would play 8 on a hand and other warm ups for an hour and I never saw the point of it. Of course when you're young you know everything right? It wasn't till I made it to college that I actually appreciated a good warm up before a show. Now I make sure to stretch every time I play. Gregg Bissonnette made a good point at a clinic we covered about cooling down after you play as well https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/1781-gregg-bissonnette-clinic-ice-ice-baby
Check it out! Also make sure to watch the other videos of Gregg we shot that weekend, really cool guy.

smoggrocks Says Re: Stretches

Submitted On: Friday, Jul 11, 2008 - 5:41 PM

i'm big on stretching, even if i'm not playing. i feel very tense if i don't stretch.

i didn't see the link, but basically, i focus on limbering up the whole body. low, slow forward stretches where i touch my toes whilst bending the knees gently feel great, loosen up the back, hamstrings and bring blood to the head. i also do that yoga stretch where you put your hands in a 'prayer position' behind your back, underneath your 'chicken wings'. this is a fairly difficult stretch, though, so i wouldn't totally recommend it if you are super stiff or have shoulder issues. but if you practice it little by little, you'll see how it 'opens up' your back and chest.

also a fan of overhead arm stretches--clasping the hands behind the back, letting shoulders drop down, rolling neck, then finally leaning over so the arms fall forward as you lean over and make an 'upside down L' shape with your body.

beyond stretching, i think it's good to do a light 'cardio' thing. i always liked to hit the stage with a little bit of a sweat already forming. made me feel more limber and ready to rawk.

my new teacher has me do that arm stretch where you hold a drumstick in hand and kinda 'figure 8' it around so that your wrists face upward. it's a great stretch.

stretching is good!!!!

Dave Heim Says Re: Stretches

Submitted On: Friday, Jul 11, 2008 - 4:05 PM

Thanks, [b]Joe77[/b] for the link.  Good information there. 

As I get older I find stretching before a gig really helps. 

drumhead101541 Says Re: Stretches

Submitted On: Friday, Jul 11, 2008 - 4:00 PM

I never thought much about stretching before I play. But lately I have fiddled with it, and it makes me feel much looser when I play. I like it!

Joe77 Says Re: Stretches

Submitted On: Friday, Jul 11, 2008 - 1:17 PM

I hope no one minds if I jump right in.  Stretching and warm-up is an important aspect that I'm sure the majority of us overlook more then we should.  Drums are one of the more physical instruments to be interested in (with the exception of those true performers who get down right acrobatic with their guitars and such), so it only makes sense to stretch a bit to loosen up before a performance.  Here is a link to a pretty decent website for practical stretching practices: [url=http://www.athleticadvisor.com/Injuries/General_Inj/Stretching/stretching1.htm]http://www.athleticadvisor.com/Injuries/General_Inj/Stretching/stretching1.htm[/url]
Upper body and torso are obviously the most affected by drummers, but don't neglect your lower body.  You don't have to be able to wrap your leg behind your head or anything, but properly loosened muscles will allow for better relaxation thus enhancing responsiveness and performance for bass and high hat work.  Not to mentioned a partially prepared body will, at best, only give you partial performance.

Most importantly, know your body.  Don't push yourself when stretching.  An improper stretch (or over extension) can end your night before it begins.  You know what is sore or get fatigued quicker during a gig, that would be the first idea as to where to begin stretches and attention to conditioning those muscles for stamina and endurance.