Shorter Sessions

[jhatpro]

The NY Times (7/31/12) reports that a study at Arizona State University has concluded that excercising for ten minutes three times a day proved "sigificantly" more effective in reducing blood pressure than a single 30-minute session.

There's no proof this approach might also benefit trumpet playing but, if you're retired as I am with a flexible schedule and a tolerant wife, it might be worth trying. I'm going to start replacing my usual 20-30 mintute sessions three times a day with shorter, more frequent sessionsd and see what hapens.

I'll report my findings in a couple of weeks.
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Jim Hatfield
Glen Ellyn, Illinois

"Unfortunately, music is not my first language."

[Comeback]

[jhatpro]

One day isn't much but I'll tell you this: I did seven 10-minute sessions
yesterday and I was amazed. I was fresh for all seven. In fact i felt - and sounded - so good after seven sessions I just kept playing for another 10 minutes or so and still felt and sounded good. In the past, I typically start to fade after the second 20-30 minute session.

Another observation: I felt like my mind was fully engaged for each session. I was talking about this with golf buddy and he said he's noticed the same thing on the range or the practice green. After 10 minutes or so he starts to lose concentration.
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Jim Hatfield
Glen Ellyn, Illinois

"Unfortunately, music is not my first language."

[mrsemman]

Being retired, I am still busier than when I was working for a living. How can this be? However, I enjoy a two session day that last about an hour each.

My first session is in the early morning, includes a 20 minute warmup and daily routine. then I practice whatever exercises I am working to improve upon, which right now is about everything, but specifically improvisation with chord progressions.

My second session is in the afternoon, and includes any performance music or practice music pieces, that will reflect what I work on in the AM session.

I have found that both sessions fly by before I know it; and I usually quit before my chops tire.

I don't know about any of you, but I really look forward to playing each and every day; and along with band rehearsals and performances.
Gary
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Flip Oakes Wild Thing
Kanstul G Bugle
Jin Boa Bass Trumpet

[jhatpro]

My instructor says retired guys don't have as many years left but they have more hours. A tad morbid, but true.
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Jim Hatfield
Glen Ellyn, Illinois

"Unfortunately, music is not my first language."

[connicalman]

FWIW IMO YMMV: have one day every week when you do some LSD. That is, Long Slow Distance. It need not be an hour straight of trying to make the bell scream. Nor does it have to be the seemingly mundane "half-hour G".

Why?

The natural response of our bodies is to attempt to meet demand, but to be efficient (lazy?) beyond that.

Case in point from the world of athletic endeavor: When I pedaled 13 miles to work and back 4 days a week I could easily keep up with any of my pals on a fast weekend ride, up to about 20 miles. However, after that distance I was toast.

My solution was to pedal a short hilly route of 8 miles to work on one day, and to take a longer flatter route of 22 miles on another day. That variation of power from hills and distance on the flats, that combination of "practice" soon helped me to easily keep up with the guys for 30 miles.
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kochaavim, csillaagkep, αστερρισμός, konnstelacji, connstellation... ...a.k.a. 28A