working out doesn't mix with Piano?

[Spatula]

Any of you guys or gals workout? Does it affect your playing?  So far working out works on my gross motor skills and also affects the fine motor skills somewhat, but not always detrimental.  

I heard that you can't do trills very well when your biceps are like big...is that true?

Trills technique etc...are my efforts of being a buff pianist in vain?

[dj]

well there are some physically big well known pianists out there 2day....ie. garrick ohlsson, lang lang....while i wouldn't call either of them particularly "buff," i don't c why being huge would hinder your piano skills in any way. lol

[Spatula]

well there are some physically big well known pianists out there 2day....ie. garrick ohlsson, lang lang....while i wouldn't call either of them particularly "buff," i don't c why being huge would hinder your piano skills in any way. lol

Lang Lang is big???

he looks like a shrimpy asian boy to me.
James Levine looks big...in the big clown way.

[dj]

have you ever seen more than just a head shot of lang lang? neways, those 2 were just 2 that popped into my head...im sure there r more out there

[Motrax]

I work out during practice sessions. I just do stretches, pushups, and situps, though, and not particularly intensively. It gives your muscles time to stretch and and relax a bit, so you don't get any repetetive stress syndromes.

Merely being buff will not make your piano-playing ability any worse. Unless your fingers are too big and get stuck between the keys, or something...

[xenon]

I work out.  I am not buff, just toned.  I don't plan on becoming that buff.  Moving fingers for trills requires the muscles and tendons in your forearm.  Big biceps won't hurt them, might weigh down your arms though, but then your muscles would compensate for that.  You can get greater power, and in some sense, control if you are in good physical shape (duh ).

After an intense workout session, my arms feel really weak, and sore during the next day.  This usually diminshes as I practice.

It is also good to work out to build physical endurance and stamina.  Piano practice is very physical and requires good health to play well.  I have noticed that I could practice with greater ease and for longer durations, as well as last longer when I was in shape from cardio and weight training.

Good luck

[xvimbi]

Lang Lang is indeed a "shrimpy Asian boy"...

[Spatula]

Lang Lang is indeed a "shrimpy Asian boy"...

me too...although i've been working out for 4 some years... I'm not ah-nuld...but at least I have something to show.

[Max]

I played Rugby for 3 years, and got pretty bulky (in terms of biceps, shoulders, pecs, etc) and it doesn't really affect piano. I dont see why it would affect trills, TBH.

[maxy]

If you do have very bad technique, you better be quite fit in order to survive...

[Spatula]

The savage nature of piano compeitions.

[liszmaninopin]

Size does become a hindrance at some point.  I'm 6'7", and my knees don't fit under any keyboard-I have to spread my legs to attack the pedals at an angle.  It's bothersome, I envy those with shorter legs.

I really should start exercising regularly.  I do exercise occasionally, but daily exercises would certainly improve my (or anybody else's) general well being.

[Spatula]

Size does become a hindrance at some point.  I'm 6'7", and my knees don't fit under any keyboard-I have to spread my legs to attack the pedals at an angle.  It's bothersome, I envy those with shorter legs.

I really should start exercising regularly.  I do exercise occasionally, but daily exercises would certainly improve my (or anybody else's) general well being.

Same here...I'm gaining weight...I hope that's muscle mass and not FAT FAT FAT!  

I have short stubby legs...only like 5'7''.  Short asian kid...but at least not a midget (not that there's anything wrong...)

6'7''...yikes you must prolly play BB..6/7 is HUGE...now thinking of it.  

[Shagdac]

I don't feel working out can in anyway hinder one in playing the piano. If anything, it helps relieve stress and I would think, allow one to practice in a more relaxed state. I know when I work out regularily I do everything better, feel better, function better, play better, even sleep better.

Also, Liszmaninopin that's pretty tall. I've seen some awfully tall guys play, that I'm sure were over 6' but I don't know if they were quite your height. Just curious, are you not able to get your legs under even by moving the bench back a bit further than most? Also, what about a bench that can be lowered more than usual?

S

[ted]

My exercise regimen has never harmed my piano playing. I alternate days of aerobic and resistance work with at least a couple of days a week rest. In my youth I played tennis obsessively and that didn't seem to affect my music either, aside from the positive aspect of gulping down large amounts of fresh air.

I suppose it would be possible to hurt yourself with excessive use of certain apparatus if you put your mind to it. Things which put too much pressure on wrists and elbows, compressing nerves, wouldn't do much good. However, the amount I do falls far short of being likely to do harm. There is also the beneficial mental effect of exercise on playing - very noticeable.