Playing piano and lifting weights

[Trimen1000]

I'm about to start lifting weights. Any suggestions on what stuff not to use and what to do to make it not as straining on the hand. I already have been playing piano for 3 years and I think I want to go somwhere with it. Not do it isn't exactly an option. Any one have suggestions?

[phillipfawcett]

the most common weakness and strain for pianists is in the forearm, particularly on the top side.  They r the tendons which operate the fingers.  A lot of it is about learning good technique - playing with arms, shoulders etc and a loose wrist .. but a good way to strengthen the hands and fingers is simply to squash a soft ball in the hand for a few seconds then let go.  Repeat a few times.  Also arm and shoulder weight training would not do any harm in sensible quantities.

[janice]

I lift weights (or I should say that I used to do it, up until a year ago--I need to start back).  I would use machines, vs. free weights.  I like the machines, because I can relax my grip, without fear that something will come crashing down on my head!  Keep this in mind--it's better to do less weight and do more repititions (and be able to maintain good form), than to do it with alot of weight and struggle and strain and throw your body out of wack.  Seriously.  It's a real "pride" thing to be in a gym filled with jocks, lifting heavy weights, and here I am doing a machine and I can't even lift it with one plate, so I take the peg out and put it in my pocket.  Just kidding, I'm not a wimp!!!!!  Seriously, be careful. go with lighter weight and more repititions.  Have fun!--Janice

[rachfan]

I've lifted free weights for sustained periods and have never found any particular lift to compromise or injure any part of the piano playing mechanism.  That includes doing those small wrist curls too.  (In my routines, I do repetitions for muscle tone rather than going for bulk.)  Some people buy lifting gloves to protect againt the roughness of the grips on the typical bar.  I never found any problem with that either, so never bothered with the gloves.  You can get them though in any sports equipment store.  Overall, when I'm actively lifting, I think it helps my playing in terms of a firmer arm weight, leading to better tone production.  Start with weigh at about 25% of your body weight.  Then pay close attention to matters of form to ensure you are doing each lift motion correctly.  That's the important thing.

[tosca1]

Because of the sedentary nature of playing the piano, it is great to do some other activity which can help our physical and mental well-being.  I have done some gym work and provided you progress sensibly with adding repetitions rather than weights I can see no harm at all to the piano playing muscles. I would agree with Rachfan that it could even improve piano playing.  Physical exercise helps overall muscle tone and that must help posture which is so important at the piano.  I would also think that working on weights could be a corrective to muscular strain particularly in the neck, back and forearms that can result from excessive or improper practice.
Go for it.
Robert.