Working out

[softbn]

Hello. I’ve read many threads here about working out and lifting weights at the gym. Most of them say it’s beneficial for you to work out and it basically improves your piano playing. However, I noticed that after having worked out at the gym my arms are rigid on the day and even up to days after. I just can’t seem to play faster passages and arpeggios. My arms are just tired. Do you have any similar experiences? I’m a real hard gainer with little muscles. Just an average 33 yo guy with a little belly (not too big though) skinny fat I’d say if that is relevant.

[lelle]

31 y.o. here, I work out regularly in the gym. I don't lift super heavy like some guys but not exactly starter weights either. Overall I think it's beneficial for my playing. Better in shape body overall helps the arms move more freely. I basically only do compound exercises.

I think particularly when you start out or do things you aren't used to it can make you stiff. But if you work out regularly, sleep, eat well, stretch take care of your body it shouldn't be an issue. I often practice after a gym session. For how long have you been working out, and how regularly?

[softbn]

Worked out for 2 years like 3 years ago then it was off and on, every now and then and now it’s been two weeks

[pianistavt]

... I noticed that after having worked out at the gym my arms are rigid on the day and even up to days after. I just can’t seem to play faster passages and arpeggios. My arms are just tired. Do you have any similar experiences? I’m a real hard gainer with little muscles...

I can speak from experience - first I was a swimmer then a weight lifter, and still workout regularly in a variety of ways, including weights - - never had any issues with it affecting my playing.  I think it's because you're new at it and sounds like you  may be lifting too heavy of weights - should keep it light at the beginning.  Also should stretch after every workout - there are a few stretches for arms that are good for pianists, I do them almost daily.  Since you're new at the gym, should stretch before every workout, as well. 

There are a lot of videos on YT for newbies at the gym - might want to look at some of those.

[lelle]

Worked out for 2 years like 3 years ago then it was off and on, every now and then and now it’s been two weeks

I would probably also be a bit stiff if I went to the gym after a two week break. Try every 2-3 days for 1-2 weeks with light to moderate weights and see how you fare