I’m stopping this particular training. One reason is that I’ve reached the 5 K on the static bike at the gym. The other, important reason is that I bought a flute.
A flute is nothing like what you see on a piece of paper. It’s a heavy instrument, because of the mechanism on top. At the gym, they were very supportive and gave me some exercises to strengthen my shoulders. I shall integrate this in my circuit training which I love and won’t abandon, as I have done it for years. So I’m not returning to my couch :->). Quite the contrary, I shall concentrate more on developing strength and endurance. Thank you for all your wonderful encouragements
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helingmic
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All the best in your future training. Doing strength training in order to get the strength to enjoy playing a musical instrument sounds like a wonderful motivational factor, and hopefully one that will mean you'll enjoy both the music and the training. It's been lovely getting to know you a bit
Congratulations on getting to 5km and good luck with your flute. Are you keeping up with an odd cheeky 5km on the bike to keep you fitness levels up after all your hard work?
You'll find the breathing techniques you've been picking up when running very helpful when you play the flute. Voice of experience of a flute player who now runs. Enjoy!
runningnearbeirut, Oh wow! That is a pleasant piece of information. I also do the 8 pieces of brocade (Chinese QiGung) which combines movement and breathing as part of the healing process. That was a good snippet into a musician's life. Well done!
hello Alice (the_tea_fairy) I am clapping my hands with great pleasure. I knew there was something in this beautiful instrument I'm only starting, so you knowit, I'm blowing into the head joint, trying to obtain a regular note. I do it and then it disappears again. I'm watching my lips pouting just over 1/3 of the embouchure! Pvvvvv! hahahaha! I love it! Pvvvvv!
You've done really well getting to this point in the programme and congratulations on reaching 5k on the bike
Playing the flute sounds like a great thing to take up and if it helps with the breathing that's a real bonus. I have mild breathing probs myself and am interested in the talk of wind instruments and breathing. I am sure there must be a 'mouthie' kicking about in a drawer somewhere here - must look it out and have a go.
Hope the flute playing goes well and all the best for the future.
It's a challenge because I've only played the piano and the recorder. Second, As I got the flute, I saw it's quite top heavy, one of the problems with the instrument. The bonus is the breathing exercises and producing a beautiful sound. (I hope it will become melodious too!) Thanks
All the best with your future training, I have a lovely image in my head of you playing your flute while doing your circuit class...the important thing is to do exercise that presses YOUR buttons, it sounds like you have plenty to choose form. Best of luck, we'll still be here plodding away if you decide you want to have another bash at running. xxx
Thank you for the welcome and engaging me to go back when needed. My buttons are quite pressed indeed! I've booked some lessons from January. Happy christmas ... and don't forget your buttons
Hope that all goes well for you! I play clarinet and had to stop for a few months this year because of surgery and nasty treatment. Husband bought me a little wooden folk flute as it would be less presure to blow. However, I'd forgotten how much breath they take and found it difficult whilst I was feeling rather weedy! I think that I could do with a Masterclass from some of the running flautists on here!!! Enjoy all your activities!! All the best!
Flossie, Indeed, ti does require "breathing". I think it's brilliant you took it up, don't give up. Perhaps have a look at the Alexander technique which relaxes the muscles. a good posture (which I must emulate too) puts you in a better position, literally, to project your breathing from the diaphragm rather than from the top of your lungs. to be explored. Fascinating. all the best! Mic
Thanks, I shall indeed dust it off after Christmas! Have fund mybeath control for clarinet has improved with running but for me with the flute it'll be embouchure etc so that air isn't 'wasted' and I don't keel over!! Have often wondered about Alexander technique. Yes, it's all really interesting (and that's what's important!) and I wish you well!
Flossie, it's certainly a challenge when you first try. But the technique is to make a small oval with your lips and the top shapes a beak, so you blow downward. But then, it depends on your mouth! On You Tube, there are various people who do and advise various things. You have to look in the mirror and try. Once you emit a sound, look where your mouth is, what it's doing and do this several times to r.e.m.e.m.b.e.r! That's what I saw. I hit a sound, then next it's gone! Ah well, Tomorrow's another day! (Singing in church). Keep breathing in a relaxed manner, shoulders relaxed, torso relaxed not slouched, sing to the angles ( they will hear you. I don't know if they sell rotten tomatoes in heaven [sorry, very cruel, I shouldn't say this, I want to build your self confidence} Take good care of yourself. Mic
Fran, you are quite right! I'm still very much here! It's just a switch. and the challenges are big and interesting. They may concern more the British Lung Foundation forum (where I am a member too). but they are definitely from couch to 5 K too, as teh flute is as energetic as a good run round the park. I like it as it is indoors! (away from the storm!) Cheers, Mic
Tal, I;m so happily surprised that I make more and more discovery of musicians on this forum and on the British Lung foundation forum (which was my first forum and where I still have "residence"). The comment by flute players is that you need to be an athlete to play a wind instrument!. Ture; it's not just the breathing, but the holding of this thing that hangs down and pulls you forward or sideways!. I went for some advice at the gym to strengthen my shoulder muscles! Keep going the lovely music, Mic
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Went over on ankle, grrrr
Is it best to start with C25K and then switch to low-heart rate training, or vice versa?
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