[tjontheroad]

As anyone who knows me and/or can see here, I've become totally dedicated to the saxophone over the last two years. So much so, I've stopped practicing regularly the other instruments I play and I'm now either practicing or playing my sax(es) almost everyday. Still with my day gig also taking up my time, I thought I could do more to get better. So, over the last month, I moved closer to the office thereby cutting my daily commute almost in half. I moved into a house that is more private so now I can play/practice anytime I want. Plus, my old place had some flooding this year and was starting to have a mold problem. I knew this was adversely effecting my breathing and overall health. I had to make a change quickly. The other thing I've started doing is getting back to a regular exercise program with a focus on cardio, respiratory and core (abs and back muscles) training. Some ideas on this are discussed in this thread. Ya' know I had no idea how out of shape I've been! Just after a short time, my breathing and posture has really improved.

While I'm not going to quit my day gig anytime soon, I do think making changes (both large and small) in lifestyle can do much to help me become a better player. Maybe you guys have some other suggestions?

b.t.w. Please save the jokes for the random thread :silent:

 

[jazzbluescat]

I wish that I could make myself exercise. I hate it and view it as a total waste of time and energy, would much rather do regular work. I do do some mandatory physical therapy for lower back arthritis and neck nerves.
I congratulate you on your exercise regimen, and for your other life style changes. Time is of the essence, eh(?).

 

[LateNiteSax]

Start eating more raw food. Eliminate all proccessed and refined foods, pasturized dairy products, greatly limit meat comsuption, and start eating a diet consisting of all superfoods. Drink filtered tap water too. Thats the next step.

 

[tjontheroad]

I wish that I could make myself exercise. I hate it and view it as a total waste of time and energy, would much rather do regular work. I do do some mandatory physical therapy for lower back arthritis and neck nerves.
I congratulate you on your exercise regimen, and for your other life style changes. Time is of the essence, eh(?).

I'm no jock myself and I do have force myself to make the gym. The good thing is, the more you go and keep a routine, the easier it gets. I need to keep reminding myself of that.

Start eating more raw food. Eliminate all proccessed and refined foods, pasturized dairy products, greatly limit meat comsuption, and start eating a diet consisting of all superfoods. Drink filtered tap water too. Thats the next step.

Changing my diet would do wonders I'm sure. That's a toughy though. Especially cutting down on eating meat when I live in cheesesteak and hoagie land.

 

[dshook]

If you have time for nothing else, play a ballad to yourself when you wake up and a ballad before bed. What a beautiful way to start a day.

 

[claxton]

When it comes to getting back into an exercise routine, it has always helped me to remember this quote: "You never were as good as you remember, and you're not as bad as you think you are now"

Give exercise the role of "vital medication". There is ample scientific research to show physical and mental benefits that few, if any, other medications can come close to. I always use running as my fitness foundation, then add strength/core stuff to that. Much to yoga/pilates freak wife's chagrin, I stretch to tie my shoes and I'm thinking of going with velcro.

I'm with you when it comes to a great sub. I'm thinking of making a gastronomic pilgrimige to Philly sometime in the future. Somebody said there is some history and music there as well, but I'm going for the subs.

Instead of extreme diet makeover try by simply making the lower fat choice when looking at foods, such as getting a marinara sauce instead of an Alfredo. Classico makes a great line of pasta sauces that are low-fat and have no refined sugars added.

One more thing; since your commute is shorter, you may not have the time to listen to music as much. Make each exercise session an exploration of an artist or work that you haven't heard before.

 

[alleysax]

Congrats on the exercise. It never hurts. 3 years ago I got a chocolate lab, I took her for a walk one day, and now she doesn't let me miss many days! Not saying you need to get a dog, but she is a good motivator. I think just a regular exercise routine does wonders, whether a little or a lot. Just increase your routine as you tolerate it and time allows.
I try to stay away from a lot of processed foods, i.e. convenience foods, pre-packaged stuff and the like. Drink a lot of water, go easy on the cholesterol, buy fresh veggies, ect. I don't deny myself things I especially love no matter how terrible they are (chocolate, coffee, desert, cheese, ect.) because I eventually give in and binge. That's worse than eating it in moderation. Just use common sense with the diet... I also quit drinking and quit going to bars. Not that there's anything wrong in being there, my life changed when my son was born. And just being away from the smoke has done wonders for me, healthwise. I breathe better. My skin looks better. My hair feels better.

I started exercising seriously in the gym shortly after starting playing again. I don't know if the exercise improves my playing, but it certainly makes my sax seem a little lighter!

that's my $.02.

 

[whaler]

Mmmm! Chocolate Lab! Sounds fattening. I just get together with my girl and we work on my prostate health. Is there any better cardio?

 

[yingski]

Stretch, i know it's hell i don't like doing it either but it really does make a big difference to how your body feels and flexibility is one of those things that goes down the drain in a hurry when you don't do anything about it. Its also good for your circulation. As for eating well, i can't talk about that one, i'm always being accused of being a starvation artist, which i am not!! But i don't eat much so i tend to try to eat meat, oh and i'm a prof athlete so that explains that.

And i know what you mean about not practicing your other instruments. I actually play the guitar but since i've picked up a sax i only play the guitar when i have to for band and for gig's...... bad bad bad!

 

[asaxman]

As anyone who knows me and/or can see here, I've become totally dedicated to the saxophone over the last two years. So much so, I've stopped practicing regularly the other instruments I play and I'm now either practicing or playing my sax(es) almost everyday. Still with my day gig also taking up my time, I thought I could do more to get better. So, over the last month, I moved closer to the office thereby cutting my daily commute almost in half. I moved into a house that is more private so now I can play/practice anytime I want. Plus, my old place had some flooding this year and was starting to have a mold problem. I knew this was adversely effecting my breathing and overall health. I had to make a change quickly. The other thing I've started doing is getting back to a regular exercise program with a focus on cardio, respiratory and core (abs and back muscles) training. Some ideas on this are discussed in this thread. Ya' know I had no idea how out of shape I've been! Just after a short time, my breathing and posture has really improved. While I'm not going to quit my day gig anytime soon, I do think making changes (both large and small) in lifestyle can do much to help me become a better player. Maybe you guys have some other suggestions? b.t.w. Please save the jokes for the random thread :silent:

Good for you!!! I have a lot of respect for anyone making these kind of changes. I need to follow your life style. Everything you, and the above posters say is GREAT advice!! It's time for me to get my sh** together! Thanks for posting.

 

[Mike Cesati]

All the best TJ. I just went to the Y the other day thinking I have to get back to going there. I work a very physical job and I do pushups but I could use more. My wife and I walk as often as we can in the woods. Great head clear.

I've been shedding more lately and I'm back on a roll. Thanks for posting

 

[Saxmusiclover]

Congrats on the exercise. It never hurts. 3 years ago I got a chocolate lab, I took her for a walk one day, and now she doesn't let me miss many days! Not saying you need to get a dog, but she is a good motivator......

Yes a dog helps a lot. My wife and I have been walking our dog everyday (unless we're on holiday/vacation) for several years now, early in the morning and in the evening. She has helped us keep our weight down.

 

[tjontheroad]

All the best TJ. I just went to the Y the other day thinking I have to get back to going there. I work a very physical job and I do pushups but I could use more. My wife and I walk as often as we can in the woods. Great head clear.

I've been shedding more lately and I'm back on a roll. Thanks for posting

You're sounding like you're rollin' just fine

keep up the shredding.

Me, I've been practicing a lot, but I felt I needed more things done to be focused. The exercise is waking up these old bones into shape. Now maybe I can turn that into a new level of endurance and control when I play.

 

[michaelbaird]

While I'm not going to quit my day gig anytime soon, I do think making changes (both large and small) in lifestyle can do much to help me become a better player. Maybe you guys have some other suggestions?

b.t.w. Please save the jokes for the random thread :silent:

I think you are doing great now. Good rule of thumb: If it works, do more if it; If it doesn't, quit doing it. My tone is better the more abdomenals I do. Now that I've quit smoking, that has helped a whole lot. I usually have alot of good habits to help equal out my bad ones.

 

[Mike Cesati]

Energy level for sax playing gets critical. The more you have the better the practice. Mental and physical.
You can't absorb material or execute ideas exhausted. The eating (I'm NOT on a roll here) and the exercise /activity level definitely affect saxual performance.

Today was a good work day 8 hrs of physical work but I had good energy left when I got home . I practiced about 1 1/2 hrs. it was a productive one.

Now I'm going to eat which if I wait to eat I always have more energy for practice than eating first. There is only so much time during the work week if you have a day gig.

Kill your television

 

[mayho]

Close Call

FWIW I just got home after a week in the hospital. Last Sunday I walked three miles returned home took some blood pressure meds and my chest was killing me. Monday I go to the emergency room while on my way to work. They admit me eventually do a stress test on me an inform me that I have at least 50% blockage in two arteries.

I spend wed.-thurs. on the phone with the insurance company, and the case manager at this hospital arranging to be sent to my hospital.

I get an angiogram and this cardiologist tells me I'm clean as a whistle!

Home now no sax for a few days. I think the time in the hospital will help me make better lifestyle choices. Mayho

 

[tjontheroad]

FWIW I just got home after a week in the hospital. Last Sunday I walked three miles returned home took some blood pressure meds and my chest was killing me. Monday I go to the emergency room while on my way to work. They admit me eventually do a stress test on me an inform me that I have at least 50% blockage in two arteries.

I spend wed.-thurs. on the phone with the insurance company, and the case manager at this hospital arranging to be sent to my hospital.

I get an angiogram and this cardiologist tells me I'm clean as a whistle!

Home now no sax for a few days. I think the time in the hospital will help me make better lifestyle choices. Mayho

Mayho, take care of yourself.

 

[mayho]

Thanks. Mayho

 

[michaelbaird]

Sometimes those stress tests aren't the most accurate but the "Dye doesn't Lie"

Don't ever think that bad GI reflux and heartburn can't mimick bad chest pain either.

 

[jazzbluescat]

Quote:
Originally Posted by LateNiteSax
Start eating more raw food. Eliminate all proccessed and refined foods, pasturized dairy products, greatly limit meat comsuption, and start eating a diet consisting of all superfoods. Drink filtered tap water too. Thats the next step.

Changing my diet would do wonders I'm sure. That's a toughy though. Especially cutting down on eating meat when I live in cheesesteak and hoagie land.

I went on a cardiac diet once, consisting mainly of no/low sodium intake, lots of (no sodium) soup, and some fresh fruits, and lots and lots of water. It was amazing how much better, rejuvenated and cleaned out I felt! [lost some weight too ]