do you think good exercise can help you to play your instrument well?

I have found that some exercise helps. I find that swimming helps with my breathing/diaphram, i.e. helps me sustain my breath for longer periods of time, and steady's it too!! I also find that swimming helps build up my upper arm strength which I can hold saxphone easier with. Although I do have to be careful with exercise and instrument playing as I have a rare joint condition..... so I have had medical advise as to what to do that strengthns my musical skills, that are taylored to my needs.

I find that exercise leaves me feeling more alert and able to concentrate. I do find that getting the blood flowing helps me play better, as I am more aware of what I am doing - I don't play as many wrong notes!

Well, going on the fact that excercising is supposed to give you energy, I think it would. But I think that running for 30 minutes and then playing a clarinet for an hour is a bit much for your lungs to cope with!

Undoubtedly. I spend hours in the gym and out and about, and it improves my stamina no end. As a wind player it is particularly useful, as you are less likely to get exhausted so quickly, but even non wind players should benefit from greater stamina. It may help control exam nerves for instance.

I can definitely vouch for exercise helping play an instrument better. It works for me.

Hi Jamesic108,

I think you've raised a very interesting point, one which I certainly agree with. I think the benefits of doing regular exercise are widely known to improve all sorts of things like concentration, quality of sleep, memory... the benefits are indeed endless, and will all indirectly have positive effects on all areas of our lives - the musical learning process included!

Mrs M